Calitz-couple from Secunda leaves behind a legacy

Mr Garth and Ms Marinda Calitz’s five children will remember them as a power couple who made a huge difference in their community.

This husband and wife died of Covid-19 just more than a week apart.

Rumours doing the rounds on social media that the couple died of the vaccine is not true.

Ms Calitz died on Wednesday, July 14 in Evander Hospital and Mr Calitz on Thursday, July 21 in Bethal Hospital.

The couple was involved at Kruik Church and served on Sundays during church services and also established a program for family counselling and drug rehabilitation a few years ago.

They owned the Grace View Guesthouse and Mr Calitz was on the committee of the sector policing forum for many years.

They were also involved with animal welfare organisations in Secunda.

One of their sons, Mr Raymond Calitz, said they received so many phone calls and messages of support. He did not realise his parents made such a big impact in the community.

“A brother and sister whom our parents once counselled, walked from the other side of town to come and hear if my dad was okay and offered their condolences after my mother passed away,” said Mr Calitz.

“They always put others’ needs above their own and had so much love to give.”

The Calitz-couple leaves behind their five children and five grandchildren.

The children thanked Dr Ann Baker, the Kruik Church that takes food to them each night, Ampath Laboratories, ADD Mac for providing an oxygen machine, Mr Bart van den Heever, Mouché of Martins Funeral Services, Mr Shayne van den Heever of Langamed Ambulance Services, Mr Tieman Backer of Sasol, all their family and friends who supported them during this difficult time and everyone who made anonymous contributions.

The family is still in the process of organising the memorial service and will post updates on social media.