Community saddened by sudden death of well-known Tony Burchell

Date: 27 September 2024 By: 

The sudden death of well-known Louis Trichardt resident Tony Paul Ellis Burchell has come as a tremendous shock to his family and friends. The 48-year-old Tony, as he was known to everyone, died on 14 September in a vehicle accident on his way home.

Tony finished his farm work around 19:00 on Friday, 13 September, and sent his wife Charlotte a message to say he was going to visit their very good friends to discuss some business before heading home. He then messaged her again around 23:00 to say he was leaving Waterpoort to come home. This was a typical working day for Tony, who was hardworking and always busy planning for his family’s future.

Because of the late hour, Charlotte monitored the tracker they had for their family on her phone. When he was within 5 km of home, she felt relieved that he was nearly back. However, as time passed and he still had not returned, Charlotte checked the tracker once more. Tony’s phone had not moved since the last time she checked.

Then Charlotte began to worry. She was about to wake their daughter Jade, so that they could get in the car and go see what help Tony might need. Perhaps he had had a flat tyre or had run out of fuel. As Charlotte reached for the phone to call Tony, she received the devastating phone call that would change their lives forever. A volunteer medic who was at the site of the accident called from the scene, not far outside Louis Trichardt, and informed Charlotte of Tony’s passing.

Tony was a generous, kind, and well-respected member of both the Louis Trichardt and farming communities. “He was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his own back. He had a contagious laugh, a great sense of humour, and showed kindness and love to everyone. He had the ability to forgive easily and never held a grudge,” said Charlotte.

Tony would defend strangers; he was non-judgemental and took people at face value. He truly accepted people for who they were. Tony touched the lives of everyone he met and brought joy with his sense of mischief. He did love to stir the pot. Tony was a wonderful storyteller, and people were drawn to his warmth. He was one of those people who are easy to get along with. Charlotte commented that in 31 years, she could count any negative interactions he had experienced on one hand. This stands as a testament to his impeccable moral character. They say nobody is perfect, but Charlotte says he was perfect for his family, and he was perfect for her.

Tony and Charlotte had been in each other’s lives for 31 years. They met in 1993 and knew that they had met their soulmates. In 2008, they got married. Their daughter Jade was born in 2010, followed by their son Ryan in 2014, completing their family. Despite facing many hardships together, including the loss of their son Ryan to cancer four years ago, the couple only grew closer. Charlotte feels so blessed to have had such an extraordinary man in her life for most of their lives and will forever hold him close to her heart. They shared a bond so deep that they could just look at one another and know what the other was thinking.

Jade and Tony were formidable farmers, a dynamic duo in the bush. Jade recently had her first hunt this year with Tony. They shared a love and respect for nature. Charlotte describes Jade as a chip off the old block. Seeing so much of him in her brings Charlotte comfort.

Charlotte and the family have received an outpouring of love from family, friends, and the community, for which she is very grateful. It has been quite overwhelming, and she regrets that she has not been able to respond to all the messages.

Charlotte has many people she would like to thank. First and foremost, the volunteer medic who made the call that dreadful night. To Kobus, Louisa and Jakobie van Dyk, Ed Christie, and Ruth Boyd for standing with her in the driveway, in the cold, just being there and for their gentle advice on what to do next. Her sister Sarah, who arrived in South Africa from Australia within three days, for her support. Numerous other people have helped her navigate this hideous time, facing the prospect of life without her soulmate. People have driven her around and respected their requests for privacy. Charlotte hopes that these people will stay in touch with her.

The family are in shock and devastated at the loss of this irreplaceable man in their lives. They love and miss him every day and will do everything they can to honour his life and memory. He will be remembered by all with love and admiration for his principled character, among other qualities.

A memorial service for the late Tony Burchell will be held on Saturday, 28 September, at the Lion of the North Lodge in Munnik Street, Louis Trichardt. He is survived by his wife Charlotte, his daughter Jade, his mother Brenda, and his sisters Lisa and Bridget.

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