A tribute to Dave Brooke

Tributes have been pouring in from the community after hearing of the passing of Dave Brooke, who started the Northcliff Air Rifle Club about 12 years ago.

Beverly Hoffman, who had only just married Brooke in June of this year, shares some insight on the man she had first met back in 1991.

She describes him as being akin to Bushmen, living as one of them as often as he could in the bush. Brooke was dedicated to wildlife conservation. He captured game in East Africa for export by ship to the USA and Europe. She also shared how he accompanied these animals to ensure their survival and safety, and despite often harrowing conditions at sea, was able to successfully deliver them.

For some time he served as game controller for Sierra Leone Game Department, and by 1979, he immigrated to South Africa with his family and eventually immersed himself in the study of our country’s flora and fauna. He was later appointed as an Honorary Parks Officer of the North West Parks and Tourism Board.

With his vast experience and skills with weapons, he started the rifle club as he wanted to pass on the knowledge he had gained to others. “He was especially fond of young adults coming to learn with their parents as it was a great bonding time for them,” she said.

A Fontainbleau resident, Brooke had three children from a previous marriage and lost his wife last year after her battle with cancer.

Hoffman shared it was how Brooke was larger than life and made sure to grab it enthusiastically with both hands that she found endearing, “He loved being with people and family and he was forever positive and fun to be around.”

Her favourite thing about him was how he interacted with people, and how everyone walked away feeling happy and uplifted just from being in his presence or through talking with him on the phone. Hoffman, among the many qualities she will miss about him, will think back and smile over how he would make her endless cups of tea and coffee, how they cooked together and how every mealtime blessing ended with an enthusiastic ‘and thank you, Lord, for this woman in my house’.

What hurts her most about his passing is how terribly short their time together was. “But, I’m eternally grateful to our Lord for the time we had. I am also hurting for his children and family and all his friends as he was so loved and treasured by everyone.”

If he were still alive, Hoffman would have told him how thankful she is for the love and care he showed her, but most of all, for the valuable life lessons he shared.
She has no doubt that his legacy will be seen through his children and through all those who were fortunate to have learned a skill from him. “That they will continue to follow his guidance and advice for anything concerning the safe and ethical way of handling weapons and the protection and preservation of wildlife.”