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Riana Border
1961 - 2010
Riana Border
1961 - 2010
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1961
DIED
2010
Riana Border Obituary
6 July 1961 – 10 December 2010
Riana was born in Kempton Park South Africa and went to various primary and high schools in the Johannesburg area and finally to Lichtenburg Hoër Skool where she matriculated. After school she was chosen as a Rotary Exchange student and spent a year in Austria. On her return Riana went on to obtain a BCom at Pretoria University (Tukkies) followed by BCom Honours and MBA from Stellenbosch University.
Riana started work with Eskom, moved to Byrne Fleming and then joined Ernst & Young as a Strategic Management Consultant where she was highly respected and rose to a senior position. During this period, on 24 October 1992, Riana married Richard. Later they left Cape Town to live in England where Morgan was born in January 2000. In 2001 Riana and Richard moved to Vancouver and settled in West Vancouver. Jamie was born in Vancouver in December 2003.
Being the person she was Riana was quickly involved in all aspects of life in Vancouver and particularly with the school her children attend. Only a year ago Riana organised the Silent Auction for the school's Fall Gala; she was a Class Mom every year since the girls started school; the Team Manager for Morgan's soccer team and an age group Co-ordinator for West Vancouver Field Hockey Club and much more. Riana was a loyal and kind friend who quietly ensured that what needed to be done was done without fuss or fanfare.
Riana and Richard, in their short time together, lived life to the full including sailing across the southern Atlantic, caving in New Zealand, skiing and hiking and more. Their home was filled with adventure, joy and love. Riana will be sorely missed by Richard, Morgan, Jamie, her mother Nelie, other family members and her great number of friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the new North Shore Hospice would be gratefully received.
Please visit www.lghfoundation.co./tribute/tribute-webpage.aspx?tid=48
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
118 Entries
Patrick McPeake
July 23, 2015
May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time,Nelie
Pat
B Finlayson
July 21, 2015
So,so, so sad to read today of the regretable passing of a lovely,warm,lady--daughter, mother and wife. Most sincere wishes to all the family.
Jasmina Gasnolar
August 12, 2013
Dear Richard, It was with great sadness that i have learned of Riana's passing. For the past few months she has been so on my mind and i decided to google her name (it was as if she is talking to me). It was with shock that I learnt of her passing. I spoke with Riana last in 1998 - we were both working at Ernst & Young and previously we worked together at Eskom. Whilst at Ernst & Young she shared with me her desire to have children. I am so happy that she realised her dream. She was my mentor, my coach and my rolemodel. I am still in shock and she will always live on in my heart! Jasmina Gasnolar (South Africa)
Anton Gerber
March 7, 2013
Dear Richard, Morgan & Jamie,
It was with shock and great sadness that I heared (today) of the passing of Riana 15 months ago. To me she was a colleaque, fellow student and dearest friend and confidante in the eighties.
Since Riana left South Africa, I heared abouth her full life with Richard and her passion for their children, and knew that she found her "sweet spot" in life.
I know she will have left a massive void, having been the lively person she was, and trust that you have found the peace needed when a loved one departs.
The lesson I take from her short life is to live in the present and to live to the full. She did that.
May God bless you, her family.
Anton Gerber
South Africa
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Crawford Family
December 11, 2011
Dear Richard, Morgan & Jamie, you are in our hearts.
With love,
Clare & Grant.
More Little Falls fun
Nelie Van Aardt
September 14, 2011
Visiting Nel family in Saldanah Bay, S.A.
Nelie Van Aardt
September 14, 2011
More family picnic
Nelie Van Aardt
September 14, 2011
Family picnic
Nelie Van Aardt
September 14, 2011
Another picnic at Little Falls, Johannesburg S.A.
Nelie Van Aardt
September 14, 2011
Bridesmaid for Sandra's weding
Nelie Van Aardt
September 14, 2011
Eddie and kids in Cape Town Gardens, our favourite holiday destination
Nelie Van Aardt
September 14, 2011
Cape Town holidayHarbour
Nelie Van Aardt
September 14, 2011
Dad's work picnic
Nelie Van Aardt
September 14, 2011
Riana and kids in Pilanesberg S.A.
Nelie Van Aardt
September 14, 2011
Nelie VAn Aardt
September 14, 2011
Riana's childhood
Senior school Field Hockey Team
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Blue sea and white sand, Summer in S.A.
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Much older still palying in the san building castles
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Pretoria Fountain's Train
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Oh no, no kissing thank you
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Packing to go home
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Riding Lydia's BMW
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Swimming again
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Aint I cute
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Picnic Outing
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Aunt Heleen made my dress
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
My turn, maybe a girl can do it better
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
No such Luck Pikkie
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
All dressed up and reddy to go
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Dressing my doll
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Makeshift playhouse Riana and Pikkie
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Saldanha Bay S.A.
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Riana's Grandparents (Dad's)
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Riana's Grandmother, Uncles and Aunts (Mom"s)
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Making a plan
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Making a plan
Nelie Van Aardt (Reesberg)
September 8, 2011
Riana's life remembered in Photos
Cape Town Gardens
Nelie van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Sea Time
Nelie van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Cape Town Gardens again
Nelie van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Bigger still
Nelie van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Watermelon time on the farm
Nelie van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Ribbons Mom what were you thinking!!!!! Christmas father time
Nelie van Aardt
September 8, 2011
3 x Reesberg in Alberton
Nelie van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Even Bigger Frekle faced
Nelie van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Sand "Grottos"
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
On the beach at last
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
With Anthony and Sita Cowley, Dad's family
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Rest stop along the coast
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Durban ride
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
4th Birthday party time
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
More holiday time
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Even bigger
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Another holiday by the sea
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Family / Gerrit's Birthday
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Getting bigger
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
With Cousins Ceciel and Sanet Jacobs
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
3 x Reesberg Boat ride
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Durban Holiday ride
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Brothers and Sister on the beach
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Riana and little Brother Gerrit
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Daddy and kids in Cape Town Gardens
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Prezzie time
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Riana Gerrit and Pikkie (Edwin) Cristmas time
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Capetown Holiday / Harbour
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Picnic fun Mom,Dadand Pikkie
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
More Big Brother swim
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Big Brother's turn
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
First Birthday
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Granny's farm waterfall
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Mommy's turn
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Daddy's turn
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Cuddling with Mommy
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Happy playing in the pool
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Packet of chiclets in her hand
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
In our pool
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Riana, Pikkie and Nelie
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Picknicing
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Riana as Toddler
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Riana crawling stage
Nelie Van Aardt
September 8, 2011
Remembering Riana
September 5, 2011
Treagus Family
July 13, 2011
Dear Richard, Morgan and Jamie
We will always remember how much Riana adored her family! Jamie and Morgan, you gave your mom so much joy and she was so proud of you. We have many fond memories - the bike camping trip to Galiano and Riana making sure we were all there for the late night ocean creature viewing on the dock in Montague Harbour. This was a highlight for the kids. Riana always had some fun gifts for all the kids, like kites to fly on the beach and flashlights for camping. We remember the great Easter brunches and the way Riana always made one feel welcome. If one stopped by she'd always invite you in for tea.
Nothing ever seemed too much trouble for Riana to do, like driving the girls to where they needed to be, organising playdates for them, etc.
Riana had such a great sense of humour and even when she was quite ill she would send me an email titled "to the soup kitchen lady" when I had offered to make soup. She would only send email jokes that were really worth reading and these were titled "Giggle Time".
Riana delighted in how much Morgan and Jamie enjoyed music and especially dancing to Mango Groove when they were little.
When Tara was born, Riana was the thoughtful friend who brought me a delicoius home cooked meal in hospital.
Richard, Morgan and Jamie may all the good memories bring you comfort in years to come and the knowledge that more than anything, Riana would want you all to be happy, having lots of "giggle time."
Kind wishes,
Jeannie, Sandy, Jessie, Michael and Tara Treagus
Mandy Richmond
May 31, 2011
We have known Riana, Richard, Morgan and Jamie for almost six years since Morgan first began at Collingwood School. We continue to work with this wonderful family and are sad that Riana is no longer with us. Riana was a fabulous parent! She was a strong advocate for her own children but worked with the interests of all children at the forefront and we, at Collingwood, were part of her team and felt her support both tangibly and in essence. Always ready to volunteer for field trips and in-class events, and an avid supporter at concerts, presentations, public speaking, and exhibitions, Riana was there with an interested eye, a willing spirit and a warm heart! She was sensible and she was loving! Her children are a testament to her terrific parenting. Morgan in these difficult times has been stalwart and determined and looked after her sister with a strength well beyond her years! Jamie, too, has been so very brave. As teachers, we’re proud of both of them. Riana has been such an outstanding parent and we’ll all miss very much her tenacity, good will, and warm supportive presence.
Mandy Richmond for all teachers and staff at Collingwood School
Tannie Sandra Houghton nee Jacobs
May 19, 2011
Gone but not forgotten.
Ontslape maar nooit vergete.
Rencha van Heerden
March 8, 2011
Dear Richard, Tannie Nelie, Morgan & Jamie,
We are so saddened by your loss. Remembering back to when I was Jamie's age, Riana came to my Mom and said that she needed someone to model one of the needlework dresses that she had made at school. Riana thought that I was the most beautiful, cutest little girl to do so. Off I went . . . she introduced me to my first appearance on stage ! I still remember that day so clearly - the dress, the applause and the loving way Riana treated me.
Although you are all far away from us, you will always be in our prayers. Riana will be sorely missed !
Love from Ren and the Van Heerden family
March 2, 2011
My dearest sister Riana,
Although we had limited direct contact with each other over the past 31 years, you have always been one of the most incredible and sincere persons that I have known. Not any of my closest or most intellectual or successful friends or even family members with whom I had spent many hours, days and even months had shown me such sincerity as you always had. Ever since our ways parted when you finished school and started your own life, you have shown me real love and kindness in your own special way.
You always surprised me with your wonderful ability to deal with other people in such a profoundly humane, kind and understanding manner.
I have never heard a condescending remark or any single nasty comment about anybody else come from you. While writing this to you, I remember how I used to get angry about your supposed "lack" to form an opinion or "sensible" conclusion about the actions and behaviours of other's. You would always have an understanding, compassionate and well thought out reply. You have the exceptional ability to see a situation from another's viewpoint. I believe that if I had only half that ability, then I would too have had a great partner in life like you with Richard.
Am I going to miss you? I already do and will most definitely continue to miss your brilliant mind and your kind heart. You did not know and I did not show much admiration to you, but I meant to and hope that with this I do.
The children you raised is a perfect example of your ability to influence others and uplift them in a manner to which I could only aspire.
One day, I was paging through a photo album with mom and I saw a photograph of this beautiful brunette. I asked mom who she was and why she had never set me up for a date? We all know the answer. It was YOU and as a silly younger brother I was blind not to have noticed as I was busy with child's stuff.
Your soul, I am very sure, is in a glorious place.
Thank you for being my sister and touching my life in such a special and unique way.
Gerrit
Marie' Buhrlen (Jooste)
March 2, 2011
Dearest Tannie Nelie, Pikkie, Gerrit, Laura, Richard, Morgan and Jamie
I am so sad and I cannot believe it is nearly 3 months since Riana left us. We have been friends for almost 40 years. Tannie Nelie, Pikkie and Gerrit (although you were a bit younger) you will all remember the many hours we’ve spent together from primary school, high school and later after school. The parties we’ve had in your flat and at our house, the holidays we’ve spent together… camping with my parents (who regarded Riana as their other daughter), Warmbaths for a weekend, Natalia on the South Coast, we went to your family’s farm and I can carry on and on … if I miss her this much I cannot even begin to imagine how you, her flesh and blood, must miss her. Laura she was so excited when your mom expected you and she would finally have a little sister. When Pieter, my brother, and I went to visit her in Austria we had such a ball. The three of us took Innsbruck by storm. Never a dull moment when Riana was near!
Every time she moved away, in high school, as exchange student, to Cape Town and obviously oversees, I was sad, but we stayed in touch and she came to visit. We shared our life experiences, the raising of children, exchanging of photos and just good old chats via email ….. and now I only have memories…. Lots of them and very fond ones, but Riana I miss YOU!!
Richard, Morgan and Jamie, I know you meant the world to her. Rich you and Riana did so much together, you were so compatible. When Morgan was born… the little Bug… she was over the moon, just for me to find out I was also expecting, a laatlam though, and Jamie you were just the little cherry on top. I cannot begin to imagine the void she must have left with her passing, but I know her beautiful blue eyes, perfectly shaped eyebrows, wonderful personality and great sense of humour will live on forever through the lifetime of memories she left behind.
Richard and Tannie Nelie I must thank you for looking after my friend so well during her illness, it must have been difficult to see her so sick and helpless, so the opposite of how she lived her life… always on the go and so independent!!
Totsiens my maatjie.... ek mis jou!!
Lots of love
Marie’ Buhrlen (Jooste)
Kempton Park, South Africa
March 1, 2011
Dear Richard, Nelie, Morgan and Jamie
When I used to think of Riana i always remembered her as my oldest girl cousin with the prettiest blue eyes, legs and kindest voice...now i will add that she was my bravest cousing and best example who loved her family more than anybody can imagine....
Over the years i always marvelled at her adventurous spirit.... how she sailed, skiid,explored, travelled, imigrated and tackled being a mom with such entusiasm. she was truly a wonderfull example of someone who lived life to the fullest!
We all share in your loss and pray that you get the strenght and wisdom to turn each challenge into a victory....
From our experience we have learnt that time does build new memories and they ease the pain of the hurtfull ones ...
Lots of love
Susan, Michael, Garrick and Calista
Laura Bruinette
February 27, 2011
To Richard, Morgan, Jamie and my Mom
The past year has been tough on all of you in so many ways. I was blessed to have a sister like Riana and not having her in this world is going to take a long time to accept. The time I came and spend with you all I will cherish for ever. Please know that you might be far but you are all close to me in my heart and I love you all.
The cousins at Whistler and Mom holding Jamie up but trying not to be in the picture!
Liane Williams
February 3, 2011
Walking at Whistler with Mom, Dad, Ian and cousins
Liane Williams
February 3, 2011
Cousins eating icecream.
Liane Williams
February 3, 2011
Mom organized a baking day!
Liane Williams
February 3, 2011
Granny, Grandpa, Dad, Jamie, Brad, Amy, Morgan, Ross and Riana
Liane Williams
February 3, 2011
Liane, Brad,Amy, Ross, Morgan, Riana and Jamie
Liane Williams
February 3, 2011
Liane Williams
February 3, 2011
Dear Morgan and Jamie,
Five years ago I flew with your cousins Brad, Amy and Ross to Vancouver to visit you. We stayed with you for more than a month. Ian came and joined us a little later. Brad, Amy and Ross all slept in Morgan's room. Granny and Grandpa were there for some of the time too. I slept in the playroom. Morgan you and your cousins went on Bike Camp together. We also went to the Aquarium, Grouse mountain, swimming in Stanley Park and walking at Whistler. In the Okanagan Valley we stayed in Penny and Ian's house ….Dad took us sailing.
Mom was very calm about having so many extra people staying in the house. She was really good at organizing things. I remember her yummy pancakes (which she made as a treat) for breakfast sometimes. Mom also organized a baking morning for the kids and you decorated cakes in the kitchen. Mom didn't mind the mess…and you all enjoyed it. We had lots of BBQs in the back garden. Once Morgan, Amy, Brad and Ross made a band to entertain the grownups….Mom really enjoyed that.
Your Mom loved you both so much. She liked to have fun with you and laugh and joke with you. When we got back to Australia Mom sent us pictures of you and would tell us about things you said. So although we were far away Mom let us share these moments. I know that she had an amazing love for you and that you brought her so much joy and happiness. I know it was very hard for her to leave you and that you will miss her always but there is a part of her that will always be a part of you both.
With love
Liane Ian Brad Amy and Ross (Your Aunt Uncle and cousins in Australia)
Mike Cathie
February 3, 2011
Dear Richard,
I was so shocked and saddened to have heard of the passing of Riana.
I wish I'd known her better and longer but will always remember her as a very impressive and strong lady.
All my prayers and thoughts are with you, Jamie and Morgan.
Love
Mike
leena Nehru-Schimert
January 30, 2011
Dear Jamie, Morgan and Richard,
It was with a sense of shock that I returned from India to find out that Riana had passed away.
I did not know her for a long time. We spent rainy hours next to the football field as our daughters played soccer but she made such a memorable impression. Her beautiful blue eyes, her shiny black hair and her deep laugh.
She was always a generous source of valuable advice and was a remarkably devoted mother. All who knew her will sorely miss her.
Leena Nehru-Schimert
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