In lieu of an in person memorial, we share our memories together of Leo. This is a short Eulogy I prepared for that day.
Today we remember Leopold Marthinus Theron, who passed away, surrounded by his close family.
Father
My early memories of some activities we shared was going with my father to the fields in Voortrekker hoogte and flying a balsa bodied aeroplane. I once went to a pirate themed birthday party, and Pa made me an excellent sword from a tube, toilet roll and spray paint. He taught me to ride a bicycle on our dual track driveway. Looking through the photo collections on hard drives for some images of him, I see he was always there for during the special times, usually there with his camera, to capture the moment.
Navigator
To name just a few of his early accomplishments
1974 Qualified as SAAF Navigator
1975 Complete Maritime Operational Course
1977 Image Interpretation Course - JARIC
1981 Qualified as SAAF Navigation Instructor
He flew many navigational hours on his favourite Avro Shakleton, powered by 4 Rolls Royce Griphon V12s. The sound of those engines was glorious. Leo explained to me many times how a sextant worked and how one could use it to determine earth position using heavenly bodies – I always had a chuckle. His technical and business endevours many years after, almost always benefitted from his navigational and airforce experience.
Photographer
Everyone would agree that Leo was an excellent photgrapher. His experience, understanding and grasp of the technical details meant his photos were always on-point, well lit, and the eye of the subject was pin-sharp. His membership and recognistion in the PSSA Photograhic Society of South Africa, was evident of his skills. He spoke fondly of the MFFC Magalies Foto Fun Club and had strong friendships with the members.
Teacher
Leo was an excellent teacher, he had many teaching roles, from navigation instructor in his earlier years, to photographic courses on Lighting, Flash courses and Adobe Lightroom! He loved to share his knowledge. This trait has fostered my inquisitive mind. Without his motivation and encourgement, I wouldn’t have gone on to study engineering.
Explorer, traveller and friend.
Leo loved talking to people, meeting others and hearing about everyones tales. An absolute extrovert. He’s travelled to Israel, Morocco, Paris, and France many times, to name a few. His business trips merged into travells to see friends, his business colleagues became his friends. He went on many 4x4 journeys through southern Africa with his friends and presented them with the most stunning photographs in the end.
Thanks to staff at Panorama Palms, suster Tina, suster Michelle, and all their assistants. Doctors Engelbrecht, Dr Newman and Dr Welgemoed at N1 netcare. His friends Cathy, Mark, Japie, Horace and all countless others for visits, time spent and kind messages. Theunissen Family for their hospitality, Two sisters Ettie and Renda for their care. A special mention to my mother Johlene, although they had parted ways almost 20 years ago, she has really been a star, dealing with all the organising and administration around my fathers health and helping with all the finances. Adele, thank you for being there with me. Tammi, for being the rock back home so that I could support and visit with my father in his final weeks. Philip, thank you for your kind words, conversations and reassuring him of his path forward.
Leo, we love, miss and appreciate you.