Tribute to Martin Bekker

Today [Monday], the world lost a truly remarkable human being.

Sitting here, wiping away the tears as I remember all the good times we shared, I know that you are in a place where the pain of the cancer you bravely fought has gone.

When I first met you, I was in slipslops, still dripping water from my unkempt hair after a quick surf, after I was sent to interview you for the newspaper I worked for.

The remarkable thing is you never judged me, even when saltwater dribbled out my nose onto my notebook, smudging what I had written.

I vividly remember questioning your sanity investing a chunk of your retirement in a rundown hotel in a dead coastal town.

Again you did not judge me, even though I questioned your vision.

Thing is, someone had to and I was that guy.

But you had a dream for this little drinking village with a fishing problem that you loved dearly.

Your plan was to put Port Alfred on the world map and you did more than many to achieve this over the years.

From that very first meeting, we found a deep respect for what each was doing in life and became dear friends.

Our families shared many happy meals and laughs at our surf shack and the hotel over the years and you became a father figure to us.

Linda Bekker became our other mother and my heart breaks for your family’s loss.

Martin did so many remarkable things for so many people in Port Alfred that most don’t even know about.

He put this place on the map, sponsoring surfing and other water sports, helping local charities and random people.

A highlight was when my son, 15year-old Kye, won the WSL Africa longboard event Martin sponsored.

This really was a special time, having a local kid win a prestigious event against adults who had been to world champs.

The sparkle in your eyes at the prizegiving is something we will never forget ...

Dear Martin, I also do promise to brush up my wine knowledge after I came horribly unstuck during lockdown when you invited me for a meal when alcohol could not be served.

I’m sorry I did not realise the Castle Zero can you ordered me had been filled with the best white wine behind the scenes and I bitched and moaned it was crap.

I still have bumps on my shins from the kicks you gave me under the table when I loudly proclaimed Castle Zero tasted like manure.

The depth of your caring really came to the fore during lockdown when you and Lin did so much to help people in need.

Though the hotel was not open, you still paid all staff full salaries during the hard lockdown and we all salute you for this.

You guys also helped the broader community as well with food parcels.

There are so many other stories I could tell of your generosity and love for this town and SA.

Today, the world lost a great human being and though I am sad, still trying to process your passing, I am happy that you became a good friend who inspired me and so many others to keep going no matter how tough things are.

Condolences to Lin, Justin, Daniel and the rest of your beautiful family.

You truly were a remarkable human being who did not have to become my friend, but you chose to and I really value that.

You opened my eyes to many things. When we meet again I promise I will be able to tell fine wine from zero alcohol beer.

Fly high you legend, many people loved you. We will never forget you.