Tana’s legacy remembered

A pillar in the Caxton West Rand branch, long-time Roodepoort Record sales representative, Tana Arp, has sadly lost her battle with cancer.

Tana passed away sometime between the night of Thursday, November 14, and the morning of Friday, November 15, after bravely fighting the disease for an extended period.

She was widely known and loved by her clients and colleagues alike and was regarded by many as a doyenne of the local advertising sales industry.

She served as an inspiration and an inexhaustible source of knowledge and experience for young and upcoming sales staff, and a rock-solid sales representative who could always be relied upon to represent the newspaper and serve her clients with exceptional dedication and attention to detail.

• Also read: Help us save our colleague and friend

Tana was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020 and despite dire predictions from her doctors, decided there and then that she would fight the disease with everything she had.

She underwent a very dangerous surgery to remove the cancer from her pancreas, and, like only Tana could, managed to defy the odds when she was declared to be in remission only three months into a gruelling seven-month treatment regime.

No matter how sick she became, Tana insisted on diligently manning her post, even though at one point she had next to no immune system and the aggressive treatments played havoc on her body.

In January, a routine test came back positive for cancer, and a biopsy in February confirmed it: The cancer was back and had spread to her lung. It was impossible to remove the cancer since the treatments had left her body too weak and thin for an operation of that magnitude.

In addition, her medical aid did not cover the treatment recommended by her doctors.

In response, a group of Tana’s colleagues started a Back-a-Buddy campaign to raise funds for the expensive chemotherapy she required.

Tana had just completed the final round of therapy when she took a turn for the worse, becoming weaker by the day. She spent the last week of her life at home, being looked after by her elderly mother, and receiving daily visits from her colleagues. She was discovered by her mother, having passed away in her bed, on Friday morning. The death of longtime Roodepoort Record sales representative Tana Arp has left the Caxton West Rand office in mourning.

Here are some tributes from Tana’s closest colleagues:

• Danny van Zyl, sales consultant:

Your desk is empty, next to me. Your desk is empty next to Kyla too. Your desk is empty and everyone in the office can see. You reserved a special place in all of our hearts. You were such a strong woman, such a brave heart. Thursday night when I tucked you into bed, I did a short prayer and kissed you on your forehead. You were a true fighting spirit, all the way to the end. You’re at peace now, our beloved colleague and friend. RIP Tana Arp.

• Debbie Pienaar, branch manager:

Tana Arp has been with the Roodepoort Record sales team for more than 12 years. She was not only a colleague, but a friend to many. With her vibrant personality, even our customers soon became very attached and fond of her. Tana lived by the philosophy of ‘the power of one more’. Whether that was one more call to a client that day, or even after hours, she always went above and beyond. What stands out the most is that right through her cancer challenge she never gave up. It was always, “I will show you, evil cancer” and yes, she did indeed. She kept on going as if all was normal, even through the worst of times. We all admired Tana for her strength and courage. The Caxton West Rand branch will miss the joy, laughter, inspiration and dedication our dear Tana brought to the office.

• Kyla Steyn, verkoopskonsultant:

My Liefste T. Ek sal jou vir altyd in my hart koester. Jou oneindige liefde en omgee is verseker een vir die boeke. Dankie vir al jou bystand en vir die goeie luisteraar wat jy was. Jy los ‘n groot leemte in my lewe en ek is bevoorreg om die wedloop saam met jou te kon oorwin – forever my warrior.

• Lola Bester, produksiekoördineerder:

Tana, jy het ‘n spesiale plekkie in my hart wat nooit vervang kan word nie. Jou humor, omgee en luister gaan ek mis. Dankie dat jy deel van my lewe was. Dis nie totsiens nie, dis tot ons mekaar weer sien. Liefde Louls (Lola).

• Lynn Bennett, sales support:

Tana will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. She had an incredible sense of humour and was always keen on a good social and having fun. Tana loved cooking and freely shared meals with her colleagues, but what stands out the most for me was her strength, dedication and endurance. Tana fought a brave fight, her achievements even surprised medical statistics. For me, this quality is so inspiring. She showed me that we can achieve great things if we put our minds to it, even if it is for a short while. Until we meet again, we keep in mind all the good times. Rest easy, dear Tana.

• Marita Janse van Vuuren, produksiebestuurder:

Tana, jy het baklei soos ‘n beast reg tot aan die einde! Wat ‘n voorreg om saam met jou te kon werk. Niemand sal ooit jou Caxton-skoene kan vul nie. Ek wil jou graag onthou vir hoe jy so lekker diep uit jou maag uit kon lag, dit was aansteeklik! Ek is dankbaar jy is nou verlos van al die swaarkry en ongemak en ek glo Monty het ook teen diè tyd sy streke laat staan. Geniet die weelde van die paradys en sê groete vir Marietjie! Tot ons weer ontmoet. Liefdetjies Marita.