Stalwart Willie Power passes on

The Dolphin Coast community lost a stalwart in Willie Power last week.

Power passed away at the age of 71 after struggling with emphysema, he leaves behind his wife Mercia, his three sons William, Quentin and Brendon and their wives, and four grandchildren.

Born in Benoni in 1946, Power arrived on the Dolphin Coast in 1982 where he lived in Blythedale and was a commercial fisherman and handyman.

This in turn led to the formation of Rewop Home Maintenance and Power Hardware. In his lifetime he was a Springbok spearfisherman and underwater hockey player, a police diver, a sergeant major in the army, president of the Lions Club, founder of the Lions’ Rally and a founding member of the Ballito Lifesaving Club, not to mention a much loved member of the community.

“He did not have anything when we moved here,” said Quentin.

“He built up all he had over the years with hard work and dedication to the community.”

Quentin told The Courier his father spent his ‘free’ time working anyway – and going out of his way to help build the community.

“He was always there to help anyone out, whether they needed advice or a hand with something, he was there for them. He had a big impact on this town – he was involved in everyone’s lives.”

His youngest son Brendon said that work was always a family affair for the Powers.

“We spent a lot of time together in business – both as adults and when we were still kids. When we were young we were always in the back of the office tinkering with appliances or the like. My father taught us how to work with our hands.”

The brothers said they were grateful for the outpouring of sympathy and support since their father’s passing. President of the Ballito Lions Club, Jacques Barlow paid glowing tribute to Power.

“He was not just a well loved personality, but an asset to the community at large. This is a big loss for the whole of the Dolphin Coast. On behalf of the Lions I extend my condolences to his family, Willie is flying with the angels now,” he said.

A memorial for Willie Power will be held on Thursday, August 31, at the All Souls Anglican Church at 1pm, followed by a celebration of his life at the Scout Hall in Townsend Park from about 3pm.

“Everyone is welcome to come say goodbye to my dad, he would have liked that,” said Quentin.

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