There are some people who cross your path and somehow you think they are invincible. Larger than life type of individuals.

Well, Uncle Ben (Kriel) was that person in our lives at Potch Buiteklub Tennis. A stalwart, a giant and just a perfect example of how to be a human. A very kind human. We knew he had contracted Covid-19 and just on Friday last week, his daughter sent a voice note via Whatsapp which gave us all hope.

It was after all Uncle Ben we were talking about and him somehow getting through this was almost a given. But as we all know, this deadly virus has claimed millions of victims and when it hits home like this, you realize how vulnerable we all are. In typical fashion, he once said to me a few months ago: “Ag, a person can’t stop living man. If I get Covid, well so be it”.

Uncle Ben loved his tennis and caught many opponents off-guard with his lethal down-the-line forehand. When playing with him, he’d often lambaste himself for not doing the basics right. He’d also often offer advice and remind one to not be in a hurry. It was in his nature to reach out and make you feel at ease.

“Take your time between serves, you are too much in a hurry” – is something I’ll never forget. The grandfather of seven also served on the tennis committee for many years and nothing was too much trouble for him. He’d always jump in to help wherever he could.

Petro, his wife, also became a household name thanks to her delicious sauce she’d often make for the pap at our monthly braais. A proud teetotaler, Uncle Ben loved his Jacobs coffee and would often be spotted sipping a cup of coffee between games on a Wednesday or Saturday afternoon.

The 70-year-old had many passions in life including his faith, family, friends and of course fishing. If he wasn’t on the tennis court, we all knew he’d be beside some dam reeling in his next catch – always accompanied with a very satisfied “gotcha” photo.

Uncle Ben was very sick but we all really thought he’d pull through. The news of his sudden passing last Saturday morning sent shockwaves through our tennis club. Even on Saturday afternoon, there was a somber atmosphere at the club but we somehow all mustered the strength to play because that’s what he would’ve wanted most.

Finally, if there’s one trademark we’ll miss the most, it was Uncle Ben’s habit of doing “roll call” via our tennis Whatsapp group. If one of the regulars didn’t pitch, you’d have Uncle Ben to deal with who loathed being absent from the tennis club. Wednesdays and Saturdays (sometimes fishing I might add) were strictly for tennis and if you didn’t have a worthy excuse, your name would feature prominently in the summons.

Uncle Ben, your striped golf shirts and camo hat will forever be etched in our memories as well as that hearty chuckle and smile. Rest gently dear soul, words cannot describe how much you’ll be missed.