Crusaders bid farewell to beloved president in Mbombela
The president of the Crusaders' Banished Charter, Hein 'Obelix' Krause, passed away. His loved ones greeted him in a moving celebration of life at Nelspruit Rugby Club.
With his son on a roaring motorcycle, surrounded by Crusaders brothers, sisters and family and friends, Hein ‘Obelix’ Krause’s last call was sent out at Nelspruit Rugby Club on August 29.
Krause was the president of the Crusaders’ Banished Charter, and passed away on August 24.
“Bikes, booze, boobs, bacon, firefighters, tango blues, Suzuki, MXit, a story about why a fire truck is red, Unicorn Riders, Banished Brothers, Crusaders, Sarge, VP, Prez – these are just a few words that can be used to remember the legend that was Hein ‘Obelix’ Krause,” said Hennie Badenhorst, one of the vice presidents of the charter, at Krause’s memorial.
Badenhorst went on to share some special connections that various brothers had had with Krause. More than one inside joke was shared and enjoyed by those close to the charter.
Watch Lowvelder’s video footage of Krause’s memorial service here:
@lowvelder The president of the Crusaders Banished charter, Hein ‘Obelix’ Krause’s memorial service
“Prez Obelix was not merely a leader, he was a force of nature that etched his presence deeply into the fabric of our lives. Each one of us, whether a fellow brother in our charter or from any charter within South Africa that knew him, bears witness to the impact he had had on us.
“For me, the words ‘Bly jy of ry jy?’ will forever resonate as a call to action, a reminder that duty and brotherhood were paramount, as he guided us through the paths of responsibility with the wisdom of a sage.
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“As we stand united in this time of loss, we remember that Prez Obelix possessed an X factor, a magnetic quality that made every relationship deeply personal. He was a leader, a friend, a confidant and a legend in every sense of the word. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit lives on in the memories we share, the laughter that resonates and the brotherhood that endures.”
Krause’s son, Tristen, said his words were few, but his memories plenty. “Dad, you are and will always be my superhero.”
He said he would miss the moments his dad had scolded him for driving the bike a bit too fast here and there.
Hein’s sister, Yvette Holtzhausen, said, “The only comfort I got from all this is that you were greeted by Dad’s open arms and a ‘Hallo, Boesman’. You going around introducing Dad to all your brothers, telling him what a fine young man Tristen has become.”
His mother, Theresa Benade, is grateful for all he had done for her. “Thank you for all the love and care, for all the years. Even though you gave me all of my grey hairs, I don’t know what I am going to do without you.”
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Finally, Hein’s ‘family’ at Lefpa were also there on the day to bid farewell. They spoke of his passion for what he did. He once told one of his Crusaders brothers that if he were to ever win the Lotto, he would work at Lefpa for free.
Hein started working at the Lefpa Nelspruit Base in 2006 as base manager. In 2007, he was a regional manager in Limpopo.
After 2007, he held numerous portfolios in Working on Fire. In 2020, he was appointed Lefpa’s project manager for the Forestry Support Programme.
“His sudden passing affected every person who engaged with him, including his teams, managers and colleagues within the Working on Fire – Kishugu Joint Venture,” Lefpa said.
“He is described as a loving person with a fatherly personality. He was respected for his honesty, calm demeanour and forgiving heart. He always wanted the best for his teams and encouraged every team member to achieve the best version of themselves.”
