90 years of love and memories for Mr Kritzinger
His life has been filled with love - love for his work, his pupils, his community, and most importantly for his religion and his family
Not many people have the privilege of having nine decades of life, but ex-mayor of Ladysmith Mr Lorrain Kritzinger was recently fortunate enough to celebrate his 90th birthday.
What’s more is that Thandana Conference Centre at Naunton’s Guest House was packed to capacity on Saturday with people who have crossed his path over the years. Mr Kritzinger is mostly remembered for his contribution to education and the way he touched the lives of not just the pupils he taught, but also his fellow teachers.
His son Riaan was the Master of Ceremonies on Saturday and he read a few letters written to his father by adoring old pupils. All the messages spoke of what a profound impact he has had on their lives. There were also a few ex-pupils in attendance who commented that they have received birthday calls from Mr Kritzinger ever since they left school. “He never misses a year. Even at his age, he still remembers your birthday and that is truly something special!”
Mr Kritzinger and his wife Ellen married more than 60 years ago. It was a special sight to see his face light up when she took to the podium to say a few words. On a more general note, he is well-known in Ladysmith, having served as town mayor and headmaster of Klipriver School, and everyone whose life he touched is very fond of him. Ladysmith residents will probably know the VW Beetle he has been driving around in for countless years – it is almost a fixture on the road and you just know it’s Mr Kritzinger when his Beetle comes around the bend.
It was rather fitting that he would have his 90th celebration so close to Valentine’s Day, since his life has been filled with love – love for his work, his pupils, his community, and most importantly for his religion and his family. A really sweet snippet is that to this day, after so many years of marriage, he still brings his wife tea in bed and makes breakfast every morning.
At the celebrations, Mrs Kritzinger said: “Even though I’m not as beautiful as I used to be and not as tiny, he still calls me his beautiful tiny wife.”
She also took the opportunity to read some of her poems in which she describes how deeply rooted they are in each other and how they share a special kind of love. In her poems, she talks about life – not age, but the memories they share and the way they love each other. It was amazing to see how many people came from far and wide.
Riaan mentioned in his speech that the Bible says if one is strong, you can live to be 80, but his father must be stronger than normal, and to have a 90th with so many people who care… now that is a true blessing.
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