
Last night I received the tragic news that Brendon Bennie had died. It happened on Saturday night in a car accident near Wynberg in Cape Town. I stayed over at Kirks on Saturday night and we were still awake when the news came through from Pat at about 2am. Obviously I’m still shocked and being so far away in London it almost feels as if it hasn’t really happened.
This morning when I woke up my mind was racing with memories of Brendon. The memories are endless, the enthusiasm he had for life, the way that he enjoyed life. If it gave him fun he would do it! He was such a real person, so full of life, of the 30 years he was here he lived every moment, more than most people live in a full lifetime. He was always at the heart and soul of the party and he always had the loudest and most contagious laugh.
So tragic that the life of a young, exuberant, successful, thoroughly likeable and generous person must end so unnecessarily.
Brendon, I’ll always remember the time we spent together, so long my friend.





12 comments
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23 January, 2006 at 12:57 pm
Rox
That’s awful! It seems the old adage may be true about only the good dying young. Life’s funny though, today one of my best friends got engaged. From one end of the spectrum to the other, what a way to start the year. Hugs, Dave!
23 January, 2006 at 1:37 pm
strategy
I never had the pleasure of meeting the chap but he sounds like a legend! My condolences to his family and friends
23 January, 2006 at 2:10 pm
Peksta
Great post Dave, he deserves no less!
23 January, 2006 at 2:27 pm
David
Thanks guys, it is truly tragic and so undeserving. Peksta your post about him was great as well. It feels so strange to think that he’s gone. We still had so much to do…..
24 January, 2006 at 2:46 pm
Peksta
Dude,
Why is there no option for the Free State in the rugby vote?
24 January, 2006 at 3:19 pm
Ockert
I only knew Brendon for about 18 months or so (having played in his touch rugby side etc) & I can honestly say that he was one of the best mates anyone could have, always keen for a party, living life to the fullest & enjoying every moment of it. I will miss him & Carol & my thoughts are with his parents & Leigh & Jonty. Go well Big Guy…
25 January, 2006 at 2:55 pm
Tracey
Dave, I also feel so lost being so many thousands of miles away. The shock is just enormous and I find myself sitting here just drifting away thinking about Bren. God clearly needed some new bright smiles and burly laughs up there and he chose a man with the biggest of both. He chose our friend with no warning and no time to say goodbye. He chose a true gentleman. My heart breaks for Patti, Jack Leigh and Jonts. Rest in Peace Bren.
Tracey Armstrong(nee van Alphen)
25 January, 2006 at 2:58 pm
Tracey
please let me know where and when the London wake will be, I would really like to come down for that, it is so sad being here and not been able to pay my respects at his funeral.
Tracey
31 January, 2006 at 3:07 pm
David
Tracey
I have been away snowboarding this past week without internet access so I have been unable to give you the details of the London get together. It happened on Friday night and there was a good turnout of about 30 people. I’m sorry you couldn’t make it, I couldn’t either unfortunately.
31 January, 2006 at 7:04 pm
Tracey
Hey David
I heard it was good. Pity I couldnt make it but i would have ended up getting there at midnight after getting through the traffic and travelling 2 and half hours from here. I had a good few in our pub down here in honour of the Big Guy! Going to miss him loads.
Great website man, pity I had to find it this way but I will be a frequent visitor from now on.
Take it easy
Trace
1 February, 2006 at 1:37 am
David
Don’t think we’ve met before but if you’re ever up in London again give me a shout and we can meet up
3 February, 2006 at 10:25 pm
Tracey
Sounds like a plan, and if ever u venture west to Gloucestershire county, let me know ok! Think I may have met u once, but then I cant be 100% sure!
tx