Sad farewell to one of the Soutpansberg’s last remaining gentlemen

Date: 07 March 2024 By: Andries van Zyl

The family of Rob Milton of Louis Trichardt announced his passing with great sadness. The 87-year-old Rob, described by many of one of the Soutpansberg’s last remaining gentlemen, passed away surrounded by his loved ones, on Saturday, 2 March.

Rob Milton was born on 15 May 1936 in Queenstown in the Eastern Cape and was educated at Queens College. He furthered his studies in Pietermaritzburg, gaining a BSc Agronomist degree. Not only did he gain a degree, but this was where he met the love of his life, Denise Rosset – a bond so deep it lasted for 62 years.

Rob's best years were spent farming on Citimba near Royal Macadamia in the Ratombo area. He became known for his quality and excellence, receiving the best banana grower award in 1990. He was a founding member of Royal Macadamia and was involved in all spheres of life, including the Round Table and Rotary, and proudly became an honorary member of the Soutpansberg Golf Club. He loved his golf and the many friends he made.

Rob will be remembered as a generous, kind, knowledgeable, and intelligent man. He will be missed by so many but especially his family. “He was a remarkably well-loved man. He leaves behind an enormous legacy,” said the family.

A memorial service for the late Rob Milton will be held on Friday, 8 March, out of the Dutch Reformed Church Soutpansberg (opposite Louis Trichardt High School) with the service starting at 10:00. Afterwards, a gathering of family and friends will take place at the Soutpansberg Golf Club.

Rob is survived by his loving wife, Denise, son Bruce (and wife Tracey), daughters Robyne and Michelle (and husband Geoff), and eight grandchildren.

“There is so much more that he has done that we have not mentioned. He has touched so many people in so many ways. He has been very generous with his time, his tutoring, advice, and his caring … he was just a solid, solid presence. He was someone you could so totally rely on,” said daughter Michelle.

Rob's character could best be described in the words of well-known local dentist Dr Azim Ayob. “He was one of the most remarkable people I've had the privilege of knowing. Uncle Rob truly personified integrity and humility. An irreparable loss not only to Louis Trichardt but to the entire farming community in the country. A true gentleman,” said Azim.

As the family prepares for the memorial service, they expressed their gratitude towards the whole community. “We would like to thank the community for their support and messages of condolences,” said the family. They concluded by saying that “even superheroes need to rest.”

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Andries van Zyl

Andries joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in April 1993 as a darkroom assistant. Within a couple of months he moved over to the production side of the newspaper and eventually doubled as a reporter. In 1995 he left the newspaper group and travelled overseas for a couple of months. In 1996, Andries rejoined the Zoutpansberger as a reporter. In August 2002, he was appointed as News Editor of the Zoutpansberger, a position he holds until today.

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