His fellow members and those members that served under his command will vouch on how meticulous he was with State Vehicles. He did not tolerate a dirty or mechanically unsound vehicle. In the early 1980’s he invented the idea of fitting / pop-riveting a black rubber strip to the side of the patrol vans where the dogs could leap into and alight from the vehicle. This was done to prevent the dogs from slipping in rainy weather and or getting injured and also to prevent the vehicle's paint and body work from damage and scratches. He received a written commendation from Head Office in this regard. However, the trunk in which it was stored with or memorabilia was stolen during a break in at his home. He enjoyed listening to a wide range of music. Despite having never received formal tuition he was able to play the guitar, harmonica and concertina unaided. When off duty he was a family man. As much as he was an educator, he was a prankster and entertainer at home. He was a caring and loving husband and father. Enjoyed gardening in his pastime. He attended a Candidate Officer’s Course in August 1981.
Photograph 69 Group photograph of members who attended the Candidate Officer’s Course Front row, from leftthird Major WT Venter (Course Leader); Lieutenant-Cololonel HC Lerm (Divisional Head Academic) and Major G Nel (Lecturer). Rear row standing, fourth from right-FA Pautz. 67