Beloved parkrun pioneer laid to rest
Paul's memory and legacy now lives in the hearts of those who love him, his family, friends, colleagues, and the broader community he helped build.
Family, friends, and colleagues gathered at the NG Constantiakruin Church on Friday, June 6, in a heartfelt remembrance of Paul Keith Enslin, a man whose kindness, humour and tireless love left a lasting mark on all who knew him.
Born on November 8, 1974, Paul sadly lost his life on May 27 due to ill-health.
The service began with a prayer and words of reflection from reverend Barend Buys. He contemplated the years between Paul’s birth and passing.
“But what is wonderful is that we can, in a sense, celebrate when we are together and say that person touched my life.”
Paul’s daughter, Andrea, was the first person to share her tribute. With tears and strength, she remembered her father not only as a hero, but as a man whose love was limitless.
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“He was more than just a father to me. He was my hero. His little girl’s first love. A source of comfort.”
She fondly recalled riding with him on his motorbike, nights of gaming and laughter, and simply being in his comforting presence.
“Rest in peace, Dad,” she said. “Your legacy will live on through us.”
Family friend Neil described Paul as a friend whose presence brought warmth and ease.
“Paul had the gift of making life feel lighter,” he said. Their many late-night conversations over beers often circled Norse mythology, which is a shared interest and life itself.
“Paul’s approach to life was described as easygoing yet deeply meaningful. One tattoo on his back read ‘life is for living’, a message he shared with many, even if it meant awkwardly showing it off in public just to get the point across.
Francois, another close friend, recalled Paul’s outspoken, enthusiastic nature. He remembered helping Paul get his motorbike and the nervous excitement that came with it.
“He had to stop on the side of the road on his first ride, his hands were so tensed up from holding the handlebars,” he laughed.
“But later, it became a father-daughter bonding moment as Andrea rode with him to school.”
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Paul was remembered not only for his bold personality but also for his quiet gestures of love. Connor, his nephew, read tributes from others who couldn’t speak for themselves.
One message from a dear friend, Fanie, recalled how quickly their friendship formed during a boy’s weekend in 2021, and how Paul always “showed up” whether it was for birthdays, hikes, or casual catch-ups.
A deeply touching tribute came from Paul’s in-laws, Hennie and Adrie, who called Paul their Engelsman (Englishman).
“You became our son,” they wrote. “We shared father and son thoughts … from a scratchy start, our relationship evolved into true family.”
Paul’s impact extended beyond his inner circle. He played a role in establishing the Ruimsig parkrun, a community fitness event that now brings together hundreds of runners, walkers, and volunteers every Saturday morning. His vision and dedication created a space for health, connection, and joy, which are values Paul held dear.
At work, Paul shone with his exceptional analytical mind and eagerness to grow. Sue, his manager at OKS, described him as a trusted and highly valued colleague who constantly sought to help others to improve, learn, and succeed alongside him. Mourners at the funeral blew iridescent bubbles as a last goodbye to Paul.
