Relatives and friends pay last tribute to town’s own Father Christmas
Salmon, who has been featured in the red-and-white suit during the annual Christmas project for several years, recently lost the battle against Covid-19.
Relatives and friends said goodbye to the community’s beloved Christmas Father, Robbie Salmon earlier this week.
The 69-year-old’s funeral service was held at the Bergsig Hervormde Kerk in Mountain View.
Salmon, who has been featured in the red-and-white suit during the annual Christmas project for several years, recently lost the battle against Covid-19.
He leaves behind his wife, Noekie and their two children.
Xander Loubser, of Ambu-Link ambulance services, read a tribute that he wrote for Salmon during the service.
“Noekie and family. From my side as well as from my colleagues’ side, we just want to say that we love you very much and that you are like family to us.
“Just know we’re here for you, we’re just a call away, no matter how big or how small.
“I wrote these words this morning.
“His loss is a tender point for all of us.
“These words are from my heart.
“Uncle Robbie, Santa Claus, the Lion of Mountain View, fellow Blue Bulls supporter and the best bus driver, we will remember you for your soft heart, your sense of humour. and your care for your fellow human beings.
“Today I’m angry and I’m sad. Not because you left us, but because you were taken away from us without warning or a word of caution.
“I did not know I would see you in an ambulance for the last time.
“It was a cold morning, but not because of winter. If I had known it was the last, I would have done so many things differently.
“That’s why I pay tribute to your humility. We sometimes forget to remain humble. Our time is just borrowed and our negligence in remembering it as human beings bites us every time.
“You have left footprints in the hearts of us all and we are going to cling to it to make the longing a little better.
“I’m not going to replace you as our Christmas Father this year. You’ll stay the real Santa forever.
“Rest softly my dear friend,” Loubser’s tribute read.
A short slideshow was played during the service where it just again portrayed how much Salmon loved the children and the elderly people in the community.
The funeral letter read as follow:
“It was the will of the Lord to take Robbie away from us – our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
“Your place will always be empty of those who knew you, but we rest in the knowledge that God will shine upon us, free from sickness and pain.
“Robbie was at his happiest among people where he could braai and have a great laugh.
“He always had time for a chat, we will miss the jokes and the laughter. He’s going to rest in peace now.”
After the service, relatives and friends had the opportunity to show the last tribute by placing a flower by a photograph of Salmon.
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