Victoria Lake Canoe Club (VLC) celebrated the life of member Franz Fischer after his death on March 31.

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Members from all over Gauteng attended to pay their last respect and celebrate the life of the canoeist.

Fischer was a paddler who was actively involved in various projects, including removing trees and debris from local rivers that are unsafe for paddlers.

He was passionate about the sport.

Family and friends paid their respects to this paddler, who had participated in numerous river races and extreme adventures, as well as being a devoted father and husband.

A bouquet of flowers was sent out on the boats to float on the water during the paddle-up ceremony, where paddlers on the water raised their paddles in a salute to the highly respected paddling member.