Silent superhero given a solemn farewell

On March 3, at the age of 51, Richard lost the battle to his heart condition after his vital organs failed.

March 19, 2019

Tersia Gopi 2 minutes read

In a time where crime reigns, volunteer crime fighters work to keep Newcastle safe.

Among those selfless few was Richard Marais, Operations Manager of South African Community Crime Watch (SACCW) Newcastle, known also for his mischievous smile and casual sense of humour.

His battle raged on two fronts: against the criminal element, and against a chronic heart condition.

At the prime of his life, Richard received the dreadful news that his health was failing him, but refused to accept this fate and wallow in self-pity.

Instead, he strove to continue living the ‘normal life’.

He worked as a manager at a furniture company for a few years, but when his health condition began to take its toll on him physically, he ended up unemployed.

“Due to his health he was considered a health risk and could not work,” said his youngest son, Ryno.

This prompted him to become involved in crime prevention and he joined the SACCW movement.

In doing so, he became an ambassador for fighting crime and was a member of the Newcastle Community Policing Forum (CPF), where he advocated and promoted crime awareness campaigns above all else.

He was often the link between emergency services and those in need.

Through his work at SACCW, he had to ensure ambulances and relevant authorities were dispatched to crime and collision scenes, but often kept his involvement ‘behind the scenes’.

Ryno said his father had left a great legacy behind and was the best dad any child could have had.

“I want to live up to his legacy. He never judged anyone, he was easy to talk to and always had great advice to share,” said an emotional Ryno.

On March 3, at the age of 51, Richard lost the battle to his heart condition after his vital organs failed.

He was laid to rest on March 11, where the many people who knew him gathered in a convoy to pay tribute to him, and to say their final farewell.

Richard is survived by his mother, wife Cornelia and two sons Ryno and Richard Jnr.

To his sons, Richard will be remembered for instilling steadfast values and one piece of advice he gave them will always stand out: “It’s not a bad life, it’s just a bad day.”