MOTH Brian Wickens from Secunda dies at 74
Moth Brian Wickens will be remembered for his active role in the community
The news of the sudden death of a long-time resident and MOTH (The Memorable Order of Tin Hats) member, Brian Wickens (74) shocked friends and family.
Brian died of a heart attack at his home on September 29. His wife, Sharen, was by his side. His memorial service was at Mukumbura Shellhole on October 15.
Brian was born in Zimbabwe and attended boarding school at Chaplin Combined School. When Brian completed his matric, he started his apprenticeship as a fitter and turner at the Mashaba Mine in Rhodesia.
He also did his compulsory army duties and became a sergeant in the Signals Corp. Brian and his late wife Sus with their three children Stuart, Wayne and Michelle immigrated to South Africa in 1983, where he worked at Sasol. He retired as a welding inspector at age 65.
Sus was known for her excellence in icing and teaching the craft to youngsters. Sadly, Sus died in a vehicle accident in 1997. Brian was a founder member of the Mukumbura Shellhole in Secunda and was the Old Bill for many years.
Brian and Sharen met through the MOTH as Sharen was a major in the first all-women SQN 114 in the South African Airforce, and therefore qualified to be a MOTH. They married in 2001.
Brian played many roles in his community. He most enjoyed camping and travelling South Africa, Africa and overseas.
He was a member of the English Masons and an honoured member of the Scottish Masons and also belonged to the Royal Arch Masons.
He was a member of the Rhodesian Club of Secunda called Balancing Rocks; a member of the Secunda Seniors Club; the Bingo caller and a member of the Secunda Goblet Guild of which he was the chairperson for six years before retiring in 2022.
He also served as a Govan Mbeki Municipality ward committee member for two decades. However, until his last days, Brian served his community as a member of the CPF.
Brian was one of the founding members of CPF over 20 years ago. The local CPF paid their last respects to Brian with a convoy drive, sounds of The Last Post, and a radio call for Charlie 2.
“Brian was a people person, fun-loving, caring, full of stories, loved a joke and had a very generous heart,” said Sharen.
He leaves behind his wife Sharen, children Stuart, Wayne, and Michelle, stepchildren Chad and Daren Spence, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
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