Kosmos bids farewell to two veterans
They contributed tremendously to the sport and club througout the years
KOSMOS Pigeon Racing Club bid farewell to two of its longest serving members, Hennie (73) Schutte and his wife, Rina (65), as well as Silas (86) Willis and his wife, Liz (82).
The club members hosted an intimate farewell party at the clubhouse in Birch Acres on Friday where stories about their fellow members were shared amidst laughter.
Club secretary, Hans de Noon ,gave a speech on each outgoing member ,sharing anecdotes about the two men and their contribution to the club.
Schutte started in the sport when he was a 12-year-old boy in Randfontein. As a young man he flew pigeons along with his brother-in-law in Pretoria.
He moved to Kempton Park in 1985 and four years later joined Kosmos. During his time with the club, he served on the committee as treasurer.
He has also collected several accolades during his time with the club, including taking home the year-old series championship three times.
When De Noon came to look back at the illustrious career of their legend, Willis, it was a journey spanning almost seven decades.
Willis has been racing pigeons since age 11 in 1939 at the start of the Second World War – taking over from his father. T
hree years later he won his first race and has been featured countless times on the winner’s podium ever since. As a champion fancier, he has been a mentor and teacher to many fanciers in the sport as well at Kosmos.
During his 76-year career he has been chairman at Edenvale Racing Pigeon Club as well as the Gauteng Pigeon Union (formerly known as the Transvaal Homing Union).
He holds an outstanding record with a 90 per cent win rate. His name also features six times on the club’s winners plaque. His name is one that is synonymous with the sport and he will be remembered as someone who has contributed immensely to the sport.
“It’s sad to see them go but they will always be part of the Kosmos family. We look forward to seeing them at the clubhouse popping in for a drink every once in a while. This is more than just racing, it’s our social, our company, our friends,” said chairman, Dennis McCarthy.
