Conservationist’s death a tragic loss
Pieter was passionate about his work and through his support of many South Coast conservancies, Allan Williams and his honorary officers and other environmental bodies he played a huge role in promoting conservation in this area.
The death of Pieter Massyn (62), a popular, well respected and dedicated South Coast conservationist and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife District Conservation Officer, is a tragic loss for the South Coast.
Pieter died of Covid19 complications on December 23. Sadly, prior to his death, he had fought a brave battle against a life-threatening disease for seven years.
It was a battle he appeared to be winning and the way he fought it was an inspiration to his many friends and family. His fortitude, stoicism in the face of invasive treatments and positive attitude never faltered.
Most of Pieter’s early years were spent in Johannesburg and the West Rand. He completed his high school education at King Edward VII School.
From an early age, he showed a deep interest in the natural world. His lifelong friend, Dr Kevin McDonald, tells how, as children he and Pieter spent many hours together birding and observing the natural world.
After matriculating Pieter completed his compulsory national service. This gave him the chance to hone the dry wit for which he was so well known as he would regale his friends and family with tales of the craziness around him.
His national service completed he followed his dreams and joined the Natal Parks Boards as a Cadet Ranger. He would go on to dedicate almost all his working life to this organisation and to its successor, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
Initially Pieter was stationed at various Northern KwaZulu-Natal game reserves and parks board bases but moved to Skyline in Uvongo with his late wife, Zeitie and their childen Lardus, Robin and Graham about 30 years ago.
In 2001, Zeitie died but he had a second chance of happiness when he met his life partner, Christa Nightingale, in 2003. She would prove to be a tower of strength to him, supporting him in his work, his conservation projects and during his illness.
Pieter was passionate about his work and through his support of many South Coast conservancies, Allan Williams and his honorary officers and other environmental bodies he played a huge role in promoting conservation in this area.
He used his vast ability to connect with people to educate and interest so many South Coast citizens about conservation issues.
He was extremely articulate, highly intelligent, kind and always great company. This, together with his integrity, high principals, wonderful sense of humour, rapier wit, finely honed sense of the ridiculous and warm, generous nature, earned him a wide circle of friends who loved and respected him.
Pieter had a wide general knowledge and was a talented speaker who could give an excellent off-the-cuff talk on almost any nature-related topic without any prior notice.
Once a high ranking Ezemvelo official invited to address local conservancies on rhino conservation had to cancel at the very last minute. This was no problem for Pieter who, as a stand-in speaker, kept his listeners riveted for nearly an hour.
Most of all, Pieter loved being surrounded by people and was a good and loving friend to many. Family ties were very important and he was a wonderful father, friend and mentor to the younger generation of his large, extended family.
He is deeply mourned by many South Coast people and will be a huge loss in local conservation circles where many depended on his vast knowledge of the natural environment and conservation issues.
He leaves his partner Christa, their children and partners and spouses, Lardus and Nicky, Robin and Vince, Graham and Deanne, Sarah and Leon and Samantha and Aaron, as well as Pieter’s brothers Charles and Andrew and his beloved step-granddaughter Scarlett.
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