– SIT IN ITS DEEP SHADE THIS IS ALAN’S TREE

By: Nelly Roodt

When Alan Scheepers was small, he dreamt of being a plumber, relates his sister, Mandy.

That was never to be. Instead, Alan became integrator, networker, marketer, and ambassador for generosity. In Stanford this made an indelible impression. Alan’s memorial service on 24 June bore testimony to the admiration and love villagers had for him – more than a hundred people were present.

In recent years, Alan came to be known as the ever-smiling, chatty dog-walker, house-sitter and transporter of goods in his beloved, noisy 2003 Ford Ranger bakkie. He became acquainted with many. Where there were problems, he never hesitated to assist. As his brother, Craig, said: “Alan described the last three years in Stanford as his best. He never wanted to leave.”

Alan and his siblings, Susan (deceased), Mandy and twins Craig and Cindy, always credited their mother, Val, for how she had shown them how to care for each other. Alan took that to heart.

Val divorced her alcoholic and abusive husband, deciding to raise her brood of five on her own when she was 42. It was difficult, but the warmth of this family carried them through. Alan, the eldest, was mentally challenged, but took it upon himself to help Val with Craig and Cindy, who say that he became their father figure. Alan could not learn to read or write and was placed in a special school in East London.

When Alan was 11, a Mr Chips-type teacher took him under his wing. Mandy used to sit with him when he was struggling with his homework. Susan was his Big Mama, as he called her. Whenever there was a hint of him being bullied at school, she was quick to act. In Stanford, his mettle was evident in his dedicated support for Die Bron School, SAWS, other organisations and individuals.

It was as Ian Wilson, a client, said: “He came to walk my dogs when I was ill. We became close friends. There was so much more to him than what met the eye.”

Lionel Pedro, principal of Die Bron School, describes him as one of the school’s major benefactors. “Alan approached businesses to donate to us. He had a monthly target amount in mind. If he didn’t raise enough, he would open his own purse. He found donations for compost and chips for the school garden. He approached the local nursery for plants – and got a very generous response. We once had a pudding sale. Alan drove to the dairy farm and asked for milk and was given ample. He was keen on helping children with special needs and spoke of this often.”

Stanhaven resident, Jennifer Johnson, suggested that Stanhaven residents plant a tree in his memory. The Stanhaven Green Team decided on a waterpear (Syzygium guineense). It was planted next to a bench with a plaque with his name on. May it grow to be a tall, handsome tree and provide deep shade for all.

Forrest Gump said: “I am not a smart man, but I know what love is.”

That was our Alan.