Although our first ‘virtual’ meeting via email was off to a rocky start, we ‘clicked’ when we met face to face for the first time.
When he found out I had been in the army, he warmed to me immediately.
He felt we shared a bond because of our backgrounds in uniform and related well because of that.
Mr Heine could be “difficult” where community matters were concerned because he cared very much about Kensington and its people.
Over the years, he did a lot for this community in the various roles he fulfilled and did not hesitate to rap people over the knuckles or step on toes if he thought they were out of line and not working to the benefit of the community. I was glad to be on his good side.
He was a font of information regarding Kensington, its history and development. Whenever I needed information regarding anything that happened in Kensington in the past, I could always count on him to know the relevant facts.
He also kept up to date on current matters regarding the suburb and had piles of files filled with newspaper clippings, letters, e-mails and so forth and had contacts many people could only dream of.
Even though his health was not optimal the past year or so, we had tea from time to time and we caught up on matters relating to the Kensington Community Centre located in Rhodes Park.
He had a great love for the park and loved a good game of bridge.
He still could not get me to play though.
