Anthony Bottomley

Just a fond memory of my big brother. As a post matric young adult my brother picked me up in his new car, he proceeded to the outskirts of Pietersburg where there was an open field where many would take their vehicle to put them to their paces. He turned this way and that and I was most comfortable as he knew what he was doing, it was very exciting. A few years later he confessed that, that day he had almost lost control of the car, he did not expect the mud.

'This fragile space' We shall pass this way but once And if we've traveled well There'll be memories to warm our hearts Which ease the pain, in part Of agonizing farewells We're moving on, in a blink its gone Tis true with time the pain will wane An impassioned plea then To heed this caution well How precious beyond measure is the now! Oh, may we then with wide embrace Hold so very close Every present gift Sent by God to fill this fragile space - by Roy Smith

Many tales that span many years. One of my earliest was when the Bottomly family we visiting down the coast. After a day at the beach (standard) we came together at the Umdoni Heights flat looking out over the Indian Ocean. I was explaining to my ever agreeable uncle how the water falls off the edge of the earth, just a little further than we can see. He never corrected me but helped me dream and stretched my imagination. Much older we were doing a 12 week training program called "Power and...

As I was still very young when Uncle Anthony and his beautiful family left for the US, for many many years the only way to keep in touch was through letters, photos and very scarce phone calls. Until the day would finally come that he would at long last be able to return to South Africa! I can remember my mom and I standing waiting in anticipation for him to walk through those doors at the airport. What a beautiful moment, a wonderful reunion. For the next few visits my favourite memory was...

Such a sweet man. He always had a smile on his face and how he loved to dance. I only saw him once a month, but looked forward to seeing him. I never knew he was sick as he never complained, but he worried about everyone else. My deepest condolences. He will be missed.