Scoutmaster Leon Swanepoel (43) better known as Swannie, died last Thursday evening.
He was diagnosed with diabetes about three years ago but managed his illness quite well.
He became seriously ill last Thursday and was admitted to the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg.
The doctors told the family he has pneumonia and water on the lungs.
Swannie will be known for his dedication to the Springs Central Air Scouts.
He joined the Scouts as a Cub about 30 years ago, became a Springbok Scout at the age of 18 and later became Scoutmaster.
Although he wasn’t married with children, he used to say to his mother all the Cubs and Scouts were her grandchildren.
“He loved all of us dearly,” says Kylie Hulley-Miller, his assistant Troop Scouter.
She used to be a shy, withdrawn individual, but Swannie helped her to get out of that shell.
Although she only joined the Girl Scouts in 2001, she says he helped he to get the highest award in Scouting – her Springbok award.
Swannie is described by the Scouts as a gentle person, who was always there for everyone.
Nothing was too big or too small for him to handle. “This amazing man helped many people in many ways and we will continue his legacy,” says Kylie.
Another Scouter who Swannie helped to get his Springbok award, is Gregory Dow.
He says Swannie not only taught them hand skills or general Scouting, but also about life skills.
He remembers, as a seven-year-old Cub, how Swannie taught him life skills you’d never learn anywhere else.
The Scouters knew they could go to Swannie with their personal problems.
“If need be, he would find a way to help you,” says Gregory.
He was like a father to all the Cubs and Scouts who adored him.
Not only will he be remembered for his huge contribution in Scouting, but for the massive influence he had on everybody’s lives.
Gregory says they loved him and will miss him forever.
The Scouts are like one big family with a father that has now gone home.
Kylie’s mom, Tanya Kitching, says Springs Central Air Scouts and Cubs have lost a very special person, a wonderful devoted leader and a very compassionate friend.
“The last couple of years Swannie was very ill, but no matter how sick or how much pain he was in, the Scout Troop came first.
“He never let his ‘kids’ down,” Kitching said. Kylie always described Swannie as the main supporting pole of a tent, which he was to the Scouts.
His passing has left a huge void in the Scouters’ lives, but they will continue his tremendous work, Kitching said.
His funeral is today at 11am at the Lodeyko Methodist Church, opposite the Scout hall.
