Family, friends bid farewell to Commins

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John Commins with his grandchildren Pic: Supplied

Cape Town - “Nothing could’ve prepared me for the searing pain of losing my father,” Donne Commins, daughter of John Commins, told friends, relatives and members of the cricketing fraternity, including Mark Boucher and JP Duminy, who gathered to pay their respects to the former Western Province Union cricketer on Thursday.

Commins was murdered in his Newlands home last Tuesday after three men climbed through an open bedroom window and tied up him and his wife before ransacking his house.

The funeral was held for the 71-year-old at the St Michael’s Church in Rondebosch.

Commins had always treasured his time at church and could often be seen minutes after the service, sitting with his eyes closed and reflecting back on his life.

Over 200 people filled the pews as the Commins family reminisced about their time with him.

While his nephew John, who is overseas, could not make it to the funeral, a letter from the former Proteas cricketer was read out loud.

“I will miss our conversations where we sorted out all of South African sports problems,” said John. “Rest in peace JC1.”

Commins’s son Greg was overcome with emotion, choking back tears as he listed everything his father had taught him. “Always be modest, never think you are alone,” said Greg. “Stand up for the weak, appreciate sunsets. We’re going to miss you Buster,” he concluded.

Donne said she would always remember her father with a pair of braai tongs in his right hand and a glass of red wine in his left. The “humble businessman” treasured the simple moments in life,sitting around the fire and chatting with his family.

Donne joked about some of the frugal tips her father passed on to her.

“Never open a mini-bar at a hotel,” she joked. “Never go out for coffee when there’s coffee at home and always buy at factory shops.”

kieran.legg@inl.co.za

Cape Argus