Shakaskraal farmer Denbigh Brokensha passed away peacefully at the age of 90, surrounded by family on March 27.

A cherished father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Denbigh was first and foremost a devoted husband to Peggy, with whom he would have celebrated 66 years of marriage on April 9.

Born on June 26, 1935, Denbigh attended Umhlali Prep before going to boarding school at the age of eight. He later completed an apprenticeship with Ford, qualifying as a diesel mechanic, before taking over his father’s Glenbrook Farm in Shakaskraal.

There, he and Peggy raised their five children – Barbara, Deborah, Richard, Guy and Bruce – while farming sugar cane and running a large piggery until his retirement in 2010.

Denbigh played an active role in the community. He was among the farmers who helped build the original Umhlali golf course and was a regular player for the Umhlali Mixed Hockey team. He was also a keen golfer and fisherman, and volunteered for the Natal Commando.

A lifelong nature lover, Denbigh planted a small baobab sapling on his farm about 30 years ago. When he later moved to Brettenwood Estate, he insisted on taking the now five-metre-tall tree with him. The tree was dug up with most of the roots intact, put in the front-end loader of a tractor and “walked” to Brettenwood along the backroads and replanted in his new garden. It took a couple of years to adjust to the new neighbourhood, but the Baobab is now thriving and a feature of the landscape.

Known for his old-school chivalry, warm manners and genuine interest in others, Denbigh was loved and respected by all who knew him. He always had time for a chat and was known for his dad jokes, especially during beach walks at low tide with his dog, Shane, in search of oysters.

His greatest pride was his family – five children, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Though spread across three continents, they remained closely connected through regular visits and shared stories.

He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.