Derek Brits will be remembered as a loving family man
Brits was described as man with a 'heart of gold' who was loved by all.
Beloved Springsite Frederick ‘Derek’ Rudolphus Phillippus Brits died on August 30 at the age of 53.
His funeral was held on Wednesday afternoon at the Springs Full Gospel Church in Geduld.
Brits is survived by his wife, Petro, to whom he was married for 30 years, children Irma, Rudi and Jaco, three grandchildren, extended family and many friends.
He was involved in the community as a member of the Geduld CPF and worked closely with the Springs police to keep his community safe and clean.
In 2019, Derek and members of the CPF helped put out a fire that ravaged the Never Never informal settlement.
Last year, when a massive storm knocked down a tree in Geduld, blocking a major road, Brits was immediately on the scene and helped with efforts to cut the tree up and clear the road.
These are but a few examples of the many acts of heroism and selflessness that were a part of his character. Brits was described as a man with a ‘heart of gold’ who was loved by all.
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“He was taken so suddenly out of our lives. We wish he was still here with us; there is so much we still want to say to him and give to him.
“But the Lord called him and that is His will,” read the funeral brochure.
Pastor Johnny Visser gave a heartfelt sermon and read from Romans 6 verses 4 to 10, which describes the significance and consequences of Christs’ crucifixion and resurrection.
Verse five in the New International Version reads: “For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His.
“For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for us so that we can walk in paradise with Him after this life.
“Our lives here are temporary and filled with suffering, but if we believe in Christ and walk with Him, a wonderful world free of suffering awaits us,” said Visser.
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CPF members from Wright Park and Springs also paid their respects at the funeral.
“We lost a dedicated CPF member. He was a man who you could call at any time of the day and he would attend to a situation immediately,” said Wright Park CPF member Arles Baloyi.
Ward 74 councillor Thulani Simelane has very fond memories of Brits.
“He helped every person, and he did so out of his own pocket without asking for anything in return. He was very involved with the elderly community as well and everybody loved him. He was a hard worker and cared for everyone,” said Simelane.
Of her husband, Petro said she was grateful God gave her such a wonderful partner in life.
“He was the best husband, father, grandfather and friend anyone could ask for, and he will forever live on in our lives. His passing is truly a great loss for us all and he will never be forgotten,” she said.
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