Surprise 90th birthday party for Oom Japie

AN Allen Park resident got a big surprise on Saturday when family and friends rocked up at the centre to celebrate his 90th birthday.

Japie Visser, father of four, grandfather of six and great grandfather of seven celebrated his 90th birthday on this day and did not expect anything at all.

“We wish the best for our loving dad on this amazing milestone birthday. We thank him for being such a wonderful role model and dad for so many years and wish him a blessed and healthy 2016,” said Visser’s daughter, Reana.

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Visser was born in Postmasburg in 1926 and married the woman of his dreams, Kit Visser, in 1946. He was employed by the South African Railways and Harbours for 43 years. He worked in Mafikeng and Tsetshebe on the border of Botswana and the then Rhodesia.

Visser is described by his children as a maker and fixer of all things. “Every child has an oxwagon or a miniature piano, a steam train or something he made from wood. He never had modern equipment to work with but he spent hours standing at the workbench making things, fixing things, creating things and helping wherever he could with restoring old things,” said Reana.

He also pruned trees, tuned pianos and fixed peddle organs as a hobby in his younger days.

“He started playing in a band at the age of 16. He later started his own band which lasted for 42 years. He played at weddings, engagement parties, 21st birthday parties, events and was the church organist for 13 years in Richards Bay.

He still plays some of his instruments and also the piano after dinner at Allen Park,” says Reana.

“He was married to my mother for 58 years when she died 12 years ago. He never remarried. He moved into assisted living at Allen Park in November 2014.

“He loves to interact with people, looks up old friends and family and still loves his music.

His grandson from Brisbane, Australia believes he stays so young and healthy because he still has a glass of whiskey and soda every day.”