Old diamond will shine on
Dries Pienaar was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and passed away in Mediclinic Nelspruit on Sunday. He will be laid to rest tomorrow.
MBOMBELA – “Chaplain, I’m qualified to die. I’ve kept my faith and I know the rules of when to leave.”
Words uttered by a great man, father, colleague and conservationist, Mr Dries Pienaar, a few hours before his death, when Chaplain VP Nkonyane of the South African National Defence Force in Mpumalanga visited him in hospital a week ago.
On Wednesday during a memorial service in the auditorium of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, colleagues came together to share memories and tears, and to wish Pienaar’s wife all that is well.
During a short sermon Nkonyane said when they prayed together a week ago, he was filled with humility when Pienaar said, “Thank you God, for giving me enough time to finalise all the remaining issues. It is now done, concluded and it is time to go.”
Colleagues agreed that there were many things they learnt from Pienaar, but said there was one special thing he always spoke about, “Always remember that when you know that you don’t have an answer, never, I repeat never, decide!”
It was evident that he would be missed as they all sang “Shine on, you angry old diamond” in Zulu. Pienaar was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and passed away in Mediclinic Nelspruit on Sunday. He will be laid to rest tomorrow.
