Brentwood Park resident honours his late parents
Both of them were in the same Covid-19 ward, so Fanie was grateful they had each other.
In remembrance of his parents, Henk (89) and Fienie Lubbe (90), who died days apart in June, Brentwood Park resident Fanie Lubbe tied two ribbons around a tree outside the Benoni Police Training College at the corner of Oak and Gousblom streets.
With the permission of the metro, Debbie dos Reis, Verena Metzer, Michelle Bester and Vanessa Fourie from The Guardians, as they are known in Benoni, decided the town needed a grieving and remembrance tree trail.
This is not only to raise awareness of Covid-19 but to also acknowledge how many have died because of the pandemic.
“We all agreed that this might help people now. People are suffering from emotional fatigue and are so afraid,” Debbie said.
The ribbons can be seen driving along Great North Road, the starting point being Kei Street and ending at Mercury Street. Anyone is welcome to place a ribbon in memory of their loved one who has died.
The City Times spoke to Fanie, who shared the story of his parents.
“My mom was a housewife and took care of me and my three brothers, and my father worked for the police force for 39 years,” he said.
The two succumbed to the pandemic a week apart, and Fanie didn’t get to say goodbye.
“They lived together in an old age home in Springs,” he said.
“I took my mom to the hospital because she couldn’t walk and wasn’t well shortly after my father got ill. The last time I saw them was on June 9.”
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Both of them were in the same Covid-19 ward, so Fanie was grateful they had each other.
“They were together for 68 years,” he said.
“When my father went on pension, they spent every minute together. My mom would not have survived without my dad. At least they are in heaven together.”
Henk was a brigadier in the police force.
“My dad was a strict man, full of discipline and did everything according to the book. He spent most of his life in the East Rand,” he said.
“My mom loved us more than anything.
“They were amazing parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and great-great-grandparents.”
The funeral service took place on July 3.
“People everywhere need to take this pandemic seriously,” he said.
“This is definitely not a joke. It is killing people and I hope by sharing my story it will open more eyes to what is going on at this moment.
“Please, everyone, take this seriously, especially the youth. Stay safe.”
Those who need assistance to place their ribbon may contact Debbie on 071 161 1168, Verena on 083 379 4002, Michelle on 072 191 0146 or Vanessa on 083 462 9768.
“Let us know and you can send the names of your fallen ones and we will put the ribbons up every Friday,” Debbie concluded.
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