Condolence messages pour in for Shuttleworth

NEWS of the death of one of Kimberley’s most prominent residents has been met with widespread messages of support and condolence as members of the public took to social media to bid farewell to Lawrie Shuttleworth.

Shuttleworth, a former air force pilot, city mayor and campaigner for the preservation of Kimberley and its heritage, died in the early hours of yesterday morning at the age of 103.

“It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to an honorary member of Nocci and one of Kimberley’s icons in the business and tourism fraternity,” said the CEO of the Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nocci), Sharon Steyn.

“Lawrie always thought of Kimberley and how he could make a difference while serving on the City Council and served South Africa with such distinction during the Second World War.

“He will never be forgotten. We will always honour his memory with the Nocci Lawrie Shuttleworth Awards that we dedicated to him.”

“He was a legendary doyen of the city who was in the limelight all of the time I lived in Kimberley in my youth,” posted Lance Rossouw. “Rest In Peace Kind Sir.”

“He was a true gentleman who achieved so much in his life - always humble,” said Yvonne Daniels. “He will long be remembered. Deepest Condolences to Family and Friends.

Gwilym John Howes posted that he would always remember Shuttleworth as a dignified, refined, and humble person.

“I am proud to have met him many times and fondly remember his tales of wartime flying when I was getting my private pilot’s licence,” Howes recalled. “I was amazed at his dismissive view of flaps as something of an ‘optional extra’ that wasn’t very much needed! RIP, one of Kimberley’s greats.”

“A WWII fighter pilot and war hero, Shuttleworth was mayor of Kimberley, an alderman, churchwarden of the cathedral and Chancellor of the Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman,” shared Peter Black. “I was privileged to know him. May he rise in glory.”