The Gholfsig community bid a sad farewell to luminary Ernie Peters, who passed away peacefully at home at the age of 89.

He passed away at the home of his daughter, Claire, and her husband, Issy, with whom Ernie had a very close bond.

He passed away with his wife Lois by his side on Wednesday, March 11.

Issy told the Middelburg Observer that his father lived a happy and fulfilled life.

“We did so many things together, like skydiving, scuba diving, hunting, and fishing; he was a true adventurer,” Issy told the Observer.

Ernie was laid to rest on the same day of his passing.

He lived in Middelburg almost his entire life and owned Middelburg Brake and Clutch, which was taken over by his son Mike until his passing in 2016.

Ernie was also a gun enthusiast, owning a variety of arms and collectables.

He leaves behind his wife Lois, Claire, and Issy, as well as five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Gholfsig councillor Elsie Vermooten sent condolences to the family on the area’s WhatsApp group.

She told the Observer that she assisted the couple with special voting at home during the past two elections.

“He was a great man and will be missed,” Vermooten said.