Scouts legend, Robin Friedemann dies at 86
Well known former Highway resident and quartermaster of Hillcrest Scouts, Robin Friedemann, has died.
He started an apprenticeship at Wearings Bakery in Pinetown at 16, spending 32 years in the bakery, becoming a master confectioner. Very active in sports, he co-founded the Lahee Park Sports Club, and captained their rugby, cricket and hockey teams. He also completed the Comrades Marathon 19 times, with 16th being his best placement.
When Robin met the love of his life
He met and married Dorothy in Pinetown.
Dorothy’s father was the police station commander in Hillcrest for many years, and Robin used to ride his fixed wheel bicycle from Pinetown after work to court her in Hillcrest, returning down a dirt road Field’s Hill at night with no lights on his bike.
When his future father-in-law found out he had bought a property in Winston Park, he demanded he sell it as he would not allow his daughter to live in such a remote place. Robin was very active in the 1st Hillcrest Scout Group and Umkomaas Commandos.
Dorothy died in 2011, and since then Robin spent six months in the UK with sons Andrew and Richard, and six months in South Africa with son Douglas.
Climbing was a passion
He enjoyed climbing in the berg in his younger days and was active right up till the end.
He climbed Pen y Fan in South Wales with the family at 85 years old in light snow conditions.
He died on 6 September 2014, in the UK after a protracted fight with cancer. The family thanked all involved in making his final days a little more comfortable.
Scouts pay tribute to Robin
Mary Botha, writing on behalf of the 1st Hillcrest Scout, said as those in scouting circles would say “Robin has gone home”.
“There is a trail sign that the Cubs and Scouts learn. The ‘Gone Home’ sign is made with a ring of stones with one stone in the middle,” she said.
“He was an inspiration to hundreds of Cubs, Scouts and Scouters. We will always remember his delicious cooking at all our camps and even the Scouts 28 hour non stop cycle ride from Durban City Hall to Johannesburg Cycle stadium, where he would drive ahead and have a hot meal waiting for us as we drove with the Scouts on the bicycles,” she added.
Memorial service details
Robin’s memorial service will be taking place on 29 November at the Scout Hall, Shortlands Avenue, Hillcrest. The exact time will be confirmed later.
