Vishna exchanges earthly home for heavenly abode

POSSESSING a zest for life, loving the thrill of an adventure and being a responsible provider and pillar, Vishna Ramsamy was a humble yet truly extraordinary person.

On Tuesday, 23 April 2024, the loving husband, father, grandfather, mentor, brother, uncle and pioneer was called to be with the Lord following a brave fight with cancer.

Born in Felixton on 26 June 1950 to parents - the late Chinabo and Kamachie Ramsamy - Vishna was the third of seven siblings, namely Billy, Neela, Lilly, Nandha, Ragini and the late Lutchee.

He completed his schooling at the Felixton State-Aided School and soon after commenced his working career as a salesman at Nielsens Hardware in Empangeni.

He later moved to the water purification plant at the Felixton Mill, before joining the South African Sugar Association.

His longstanding association with the company would span over four decades, with him gradually climbing the corporate ladder and eventually becoming laboratory supervisor.

After being introduced through family members, he met the love of his life, Poobie, at the age of 26 and they married in 1977 at Felixton Hall.

They had three loving children - Inban, Raveshen and Karen.

The hospitable couple loved entertaining family and friends at their home, which was frequented every holiday by their loving nieces and nephews.

Emulating his father, Vishna had a passion for fishing, fixing cars, welding and panel-beating. Known as a ‘Jack of all trades’, he attempted to fix anything that broke and was always willing to help people.

He was also a barber at home, and loved gardening and grafting trees.

He was an astute businessman, opening a pot factory in Felixton and built his own machinery for the business that supplied clients throughout KZN.

Accepting Christ in 1987, Vishna lived a life of faith established in his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. His life was testament to the grace and mercy of God. Vishna was a faithful stalwart of the Lord, a generous and loving individual, who lived out what he preached.

He was a pioneer of the AFM Church that started in Felixton and Richards Bay, and served tirelessly to grow the ministry.

He headed up the ushering department and was an elder at Shalom Lighthouse Ministries in Richards Bay before joining his son in ministry at AFM Lighthouse Empangeni.

He continued to serve the Lord wholeheartedly and was instrumental in assisting to acquire the current church property on Rex Henderson Street, while serving as an elder in the ministry.

Upon retirement, Vishna continued his entrepreneurial spirit, opening Four Seasons Garden & Maintenance.

Able to interact with both young and old with his infectious personality and smile, he also had a witty sense of humour.

He adored his grandchildren and would go the extra mile to make unforgettable memories with them.

He epitomised hard work, sacrifice and compassion, leaving behind a lasting legacy for his family.

He leaves behind his loving wife Poobie, their children Inban, Raveshen and Karen; daughters-in-law Simmi and Ronelle; his son-in-law Dalilyn; grandchildren Adonika, Tatianca, Elijah, Joel, Neriah and Elora, and siblings Billy, Neela, Lilly, Ragini and Nandha.

He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends. He will be remembered and greatly missed by all who knew and encountered him.

You have fought a great fight and served the Lord well. It is time to rest in peace in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ.