Gentleman lived life to the fullest
Family man loved jazz, gardening, cooking and dressing to the nines
John Ramoshaba, who was buried at Nasrec Memorial Park Cemetery in Johannesburg yesterday, loved the good things in life.
Affectionately known in his social circles as “JR” or “Tono”, Ramoshaba also lived a very fulfilled life enjoying the things he loved most, including gardening, cooking, listening to jazz music and dressing to the nines.
Many of us as his friends admired his deep love for designer clothes. I have spent many a Sunday with him at my home in Braamfischerville listening to the soul-soothing and melodious sounds of jazz giants like Charlie Mingus Jnr, John Coltrane and Thelonious Sphere Monk.
He also used to hang out at Gab’s Place in Meadowlands, where he interacted with other jazzophiles.
Tono knew his jazz – a skill that was enhanced by working for many years at K-Mart music sales company.
Ramoshaba was an absolute gentleman who loved his family and community.
He was seen by many in his community in Meadowlands as a role model because throughout his life he always exalted the dignity of others.
He was born in Sophiatown Kofifi in 1944 where he started his schooling. In the 1950s, his family and many others were forcefully moved to Meadowlands.
This was in line with the apartheid policy of separate development that declared the then multiracial community of Sophiatown illegal.
Although he never studied up to matric, Ramoshaba was an avid reader. This made him a very knowledgeable person who could stand his ground when it came to general discussions on various subjects – hence he always left a mark wherever he went and interacted with people.
He worked for 15 years for K-Mart from the 1970s. He subsequently joined ABI in 1990 and retired in 2005. He died on Thursday last week after a short illness.
His departure came as a shock to many of us. We are, however, comforted by our firm belief that he shall live in the hearts of those who knew him and will be eternally cherished.
Ramoshaba is survived by his wife Martha, five children, 10 grandchildren and a sister.
Rest in peace my brother!