Goodbye Oupa Manie
Bobbi Bear has had so much tragedy, death and heartache during 2008 that this is probably the most heart breaking and painful news that I personally have to write. Oupa Manie left us on Wednesday to take his place in heaven. When I received the call it felt like a piece of me went with him. Manie and I have walked an 18 year long road together; he was my friend, my "dad" and my confidant. I respected and loved him dearly. I can only thank God that we at Bobbi Bear had the privilege to have had him work for us and that we were a part of his Bobbi Bear family as he called us. He made a difference in each and every person's life that ever met him and I do not think there is a person that ever hugged this gentle giant with the big heart that did not love and adore him. Whenever we were in doubt we turned to Manie and he made sure the Bobbi Bear wheels kept turning. I always tell every Bobbi Bear volunteer that comes through our doors that they leave a footprint on our soil when they leave. Manie has not left any footprints on Bobbi Bears soil; he has left "Handprints". There is not a room anywhere in our organisation that does not have a Manie handprint on it. Every tap we open, every door that we enter into and every corner of our buildings has a Manie handprint on it. He lovingly and passionately left his signature with us. Manie's loved Bobbi Bear, the staff, volunteers and the children we have dealt with. He would sit in the workshop and I would see the tears running down his face for the children in our care, he could never understand how any human being could harm a child. In 20 years from now every child that comes into a care will still benefit from something Manie's two hands and seven fingers has made. Manie was our everything. The love for his work will always be respected and appreciated by everyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. His smile will be everywhere we go and we will never forget this man that meant so much to our team. Oupa Manie we will always miss and love you dearly, thank you for what you did for us all and the children who meant so much to you. I have lost my hero and my friend. Oupa Manie you are a legend... You are our hero. We will never forget what you mean to us and no-one will ever be able to take your place in our hearts, you were unique and special. Rest safe in the arms of Jesus, your suffering is over.
Our prayers go to his wife, Meisie, his daughters, son-in-laws and grandchildren during this time.
With all our love "Whatever" Eureka, Jackie, Aaron, the staff, Be-more Volunteers, The children, all your friends at Bobbi Bear and your beloved Cat "Tiger".
sort:
last reaction 
Reactions - Goodbye Oupa Manie
I'm so sorry for your loss queen and the loss of this beautiful man. Take care and I hope 2009 will be a wonderful year for the Bobbi Bear family. Love, Jacky
Dear all of you,
What a bad and sad news at the end of 2008. specially for Oupa Manie's family and for all the people and children from BobbiBear.
Take care and despite all these sad things I whish all of you the very best for 2009.
Loves,
Ans de Goede
Thank you so much Eureka for writing this..
You wrote it beautiful and I can feel every word in it.
I was just thinking about you and than I received your e-mail..
It's so sad..
I will always remember his face.. I really think he was an angel!
Even though I didn't get the opportunity to get to know him better..
Because of his eyes, his smile and probably because of his heart, I could never forget him.. It wasn't just the walls, doors and everything else he made or painted.. he also left the prints in my heart!!
I don't really remember speaking to him, just hello, how are you.. but the way he sad it, so sincere.. it was only love all around him.
Because of all the work he did with you and around you all, you can not only see it and touch it.. you will always feel it. So, he could never really leave you Bobbi Bear and all the children.
Thinking about you all
And in my thoughts, I'm giving you all big hugs.. and lots of love.
Thank you so much for sharing!
Lots of Love,
Dilana (ex-volunteer Bobbi Bear)
Dear all at Bobbi Bear,
What a terrible loss! Let's hope 2009 will be a wonderfull year for everyone at Bobbi Bear! You deserve it!
-Yvette
Dear all at Bobbi Bear,
This is a terrible loss. 2008 was a hard year for all the people at Bobbi Bear.
Hope that 2009 will be better.
Oupa Manie is in all your hearts and he stays there for ever.
Lots of greetings and a big hug from Marion (trainer Be More)
Dearest all.
I'm so sorry to hear about another loss in the BB family, the loss of a beautifull man; Oupa Manie.
I remember he was so enthousiastic about the new BB house, he made a beautifull plane for in the new safehouse, for the kids to play with. He was very proud of it. As proud as you are of Oupa.
I hope 2009 will be a better year for you all.
Love, Nienke
Dear Bobbi Bear family,
I pray for you, for a better year in 2009 for all of you!
The Bobbi Bear family has lost to many people last year.
Think of you all!
Lots of love Joyce
Dear Bobbi Bear,
I am really shocked to hear this sad news. I wish everybody at Bobbi Bear the strenght to deal with this enormous loss en to let him shine in te hearts of whom he left behind.I will always remember him as the warm gentle man with a big heart for everyone around him.
Love,
Hanneke
Dear Bobby bear family,
Terrible to hear of the loss of oupa manie. You discribed it so beautiful Eurika: he was a special man. I didn't get to know him that wel unfortunately but the times i spoke with him i really noticed what you discribed: whatever he did, he did it with his hart an with passion. He really was a good man always caring and willing to give a helping hand.
Much love,
Anja
Dear all,
I am very sorry to read about oupa manie. I think you are right Eureka, he was a very special man. And during my time at Bobbi Bear, I definately got to adore him and his beautiful work. Right now I am thinking of that miniature 'huifkar' (sorry do not know the english word) that he made. Wow! All my best to his family, and to everyone at Bobbi Bear!
Love Eva
Write a new reaction
You are reading an English message. Please only respond in English.