Among the biggest downside of getting older is the funerals. Because even for those of us who believe our dearly departed go to a better place, these are always emotionally draining events. Our own humanity and sense of loss make them so.
Tomorrow afternoon I’ll be among many gathering at Johannesburg’s Westpark cemetery. We’ll be paying our respects to Bertie Lubner, a great South African industrialist and philanthropist who positively touched the lives of so many.
Bertie was a good friend – and a devoted reader of this missive, often dropping a note of support or constructive criticism. Many will miss his endless kindness. But we can remember the example of one who displayed man at his best – ever optimistic, always encouraging and unfailingly compassionate about less fortunate fellows.
Leaders of society come in all shapes and forms. As a nation, South Africa is richer for having counted Bertie Lubner among its number. Poorer for his passing. Surely, there can be no better epitaph.
