Index
A Tribute to Guy Petterson
(5 November 1962 - 19 October 2020)
Friends and Family—What more could you want in life!
Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson

Our youngest brother passed away suddenly and tragically while doing what he loved most—playing squash—with friends.
Friends were a huge part of his life and we are all thankful that so many have rallied around him at this tragic time.  Guy was a larger-than-life human being with a heart of gold.  He always found something to laugh about and tried to see the funny side of things.  He loved his family and was a blessing taking so much care of our aging parents.
Guy taught us that you should grab life and run with it, which is how he lived his life.  He tried to make the most of every situation and I think he succeeded.  A more carefree spirit I haven't met, and as I said in my Facebook post, he leaves a legacy of laughter, devotion to his friends, a love of family and he was the most easy-going person I have ever met.  I am happy that he exited this world doing what he loved most in his life, playing squash.

Rest in peace, Guy.
We'll miss you!  As will the world!  Adrienne
(Thank you everyone who kindly contacted us with condolences.)

If you would like to post something here, please email some words and/or a photo and I'll post it here.  I don't know how to program for people to post directly.

pettprojects@yahoo.com

Guy's 60th!
One Year Later!   Ashes
Dad (Peter Petterson)
Mom (Norma Petterson)
The "Olden Days"

Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson

Thank you to all of his friends who have been with him through thick and thin.
Milnerton Squash Club's Facebook page also has tributes for Guy.

From Mum & Dad:
Guy you were the youngest of our four children.  You were always such a happy boy and full of mischief and laughter.  Tennis was your love and later in life, squash.  You were in your happy place when you passed away so suddenly.  You were kind and generous with your love and time.  We will miss you more than words can say.
RIP son. Xxxx

Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson


Dearest Guy
Thank you for being such a bridge builder.  You extended an olive branch to me and in return, friendships and family members were reconnected.  You were always so positive.  Even though times were tough, you saw the silver lining in the clouds.  You were an amazing son.  Whenever you brought your folks around, you were patient and showed much care.  Most of all you gave them your time.  I think your strongest characteristic must have been that passionate nature of yours.  It's how you played your sport and how you lived your life.
Rest in peace, cousin.  You will be missed.
Sam Schmidt (Samantha Gorton)


Fond memories from Dolf Maeder

Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson


From Craig Pearce

Guy Petterson

Used to be our Thursday night regular at Doodles.  Dolfie, Gary Wheadon our squash pro, Gary Kroot and myself."


Posted by Craig Pearce on 19 November 2020, a month after Guy's passing.

MY SOUL HAS A HAT
by Mario de Andrade

I counted my years and realized that I have less time to live by, than I have lived so far.

I feel like a child who won a pack of candies: at first he ate them with pleasure but when he realized that there was little left, he began to taste them intensely.

I have no time for endless meetings where the statutes, rules, procedures and internal regulations are discussed, knowing that nothing will be done.

I no longer have the patience to stand absurd people who, despite their chronological age, have not grown up.

My time is too short: I want the essence, my spirit is in a hurry.
I do not have much candy in the package anymore.

I want to live next to humans, very realistic people who know how to laugh at their mistakes, who are not inflated by their own triumphs and who take responsibility for their actions. In this way, human dignity is defended and we live in truth and honesty.

It is the essentials that make life useful.
I want to surround myself with people who know how to touch the hearts of those whom hard strokes of life have learned to grow with sweet touches of the soul.

Yes, I'm in a hurry.
I'm in a hurry to live with the intensity that only maturity can give.
I do not intend to waste any of the remaining desserts.

I am sure they will be exquisite, much more than those eaten so far.
My goal is to reach the end satisfied and at peace with my loved ones and my conscience.

We have two lives and the second begins when you realize you only have one.


Mário Raul de Morais Andrade (October 9, 1893 – February 25, 1945) was a Brazilian poet, novelist, musicologist, art historian and critic, and photographer.


From Fiona
Your sudden and sad passing is one of those moments in life that is so unexpected that nothing can prepare you for.  I miss you so much, from our daily catch ups, sending photos to show the folks, laughter and catching up when we come out to SA.  Watching tennis simultaneously in different countries and the banter between us - Djokovic or Nadal.....
Rest in Peace and keep smiling down on us.  Xxx

Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson


Photos from Paul Besener
Guy Petterson   Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson   Guy Petterson

The squash courts and club is just not the same without him!!  We all miss the banter, Jibes and daily teasing very much!!
Posted 19 November 2020


Guy Petterson

Guy, we will never forget you...we can only agree with all the comments already mentioned here.  Favourite memories are of you laughing all the way through at the same time while trying to tell amusing stories!!  R.I.P. brother and brother-in-law to Howard and Pat (Trish) Petterson...we'll see you on the other side!

Guy Petterson


Guy,
We never saw a great deal of you, but whenever we did, we always took up again right where we left off, in that same easy way as though no time had passed at all.
We were never short of conversation or LOADS of laughs.  Long theories on Horse Racing and Tennis were mandatory.
You were our glue to your immediate family, my family, who are now scattered across the globe.  You kept us up to date with photographs and beautiful new additions.
You were compassionate, thoughtful, kind and generous.  You made people feel special.
We will ALWAYS think of you with a Smile.  What a beautiful legacy you leave.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Norma (my cousin), Peter, Adrienne, Howard, Fiona and their families at this very sad time.  May the love and support of those around you be a comfort to you all.
Fondest love
Katherine, Geoffrey, Granville and Arabella (Winshaw)


From Howard

Look not where I was
For I am not there
My spirit is free
I am everywhere

In the air you breathe
In the sounds you hear
Don't cry for me boet
My spirit is near
I will watch for you
From the Other Side
I'll be the one running
New friends by my side
Smile at my memory
Remember in your heart
This isn't the end
It's a brand new start.

Guy Petterson


From Anita Bath (Cousin) Dearest Uncle Peter, Aunty Norma, Adrienne, Howard, Fiona and family,
words couldn't describe our shock and sadness at hearing of Guy's passing but am so grateful that I reconnected with Guy via telephone at the beginning the pandemic!  Being such a kind, caring person, he was enquiring about my mom and we were planning how to get our parents together again!  Sending loads of love and strength to you all.


From Michael Pothecary

My friend Guy,
He was compassionate, empathetic, kind and giving, soft, sometimes to his detriment, but this was the only way he knew.  He gave more in life than he took and always made sure his fellow man got more than him.  I met Guy in standard 1.  We sat next to each other on our first day, for 20 minutes, before the teacher decided that was not going to work out.  That did not stop us from becoming best mates.  I spent many a day at Guy’s house where Adrienne, Howard and Fiona bore the same traits as Guy, kind, compassionate and empathetic.  Guy’s parents are salt of the earth people and I remember clearly Guy taking me to visit his grandfather and grandmother, where his grandfather would give us his sweets, loose change and take us to the stables in the school holidays. I feel honoured to have grown up amongst his family, I am honoured to have grown up with Guy as my friend and blessed to have spent the majority of my life with him in it. I will miss Guy’s daily check-ins, just to see that I am ok and have done my exercise.
Guy, may the road rise up to meet you and may the wind always be at your back.
Rest In Peace, my friend.


Woo Woo!
From Adrienne
This morning, 29th October at 6.00 a.m., I woke to find a copy of Guy's Death Certificate on my WhatsApp.  Deeply saddened, I got up and went to make some coffee.  I looked out of the kitchen window into the complete darkness (it's dark this time of the morning in the northern hemisphere) and noticed one very, very shiny star.  Bright as anything, surrounded by total blackness.  I ran to get my camera and tried to take a photo from inside (I couldn't see it from outside) and this is what the camera rendered.  (It was too dark to focus properly.)  It looks like a heart to me.  It's blurry and fuzzy but it's a heart.  Then, for some reason, I added today's date and the time I saw the photo (6.14 a.m.) and both equalled 11.  (Eleven is the bringer of spiritual awareness and a devout supporter of humankind and is a messenger of the universe in Numerology).  Although Guy doesn't have a Master Number (11, 22 and 33) in his personal Numerology, I believe it was a sign.  It was such a moving moment for me that I had to share it.  It's a heart.  Love is all you need.  Then the star disappeared.

Guy Petterson

Apparently this was the last message a friend received from Guy at 5.03 a.m. on 19 October 2020—he passed away later that day!
Guy Petterson


Pics from Debbie in Australia

Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson


Woo Woo!
From Adrienne
Debbie and I were chatting on WhatsApp after the memorial, Guy's birthday, reminiscing about all sorts of things.  We chatted for about an hour before I had to call it a day.  I couldn't type anymore, my eyes were closing and my body was exhausted from being up for nearly 24 hours.  Ten minutes before we ended our fab communicating, and Debbie was heading home on a motorway in Australia, she sent a picture of a car that had just passed them (she was a passenger!) saying, "This ute/bakkie just passed us".  It sent chills down my spine and I responded, "No freakin' way!!!!  That's a message from Guy!!!!!" because I believe it was Guy sending us a message.  Debbie's response was, "It sure is".  I am open to these things and so am very aware of signs.  Now, what a "ute" bakkie was I had no idea (I subsequently discovered it's OZ slang for utility vehicle), but, the Ute people are the oldest residents of Colorado, a Native American people!  And I live in Colorado!  This shook me and I knew Guy was making the connection between us!

Guy Petterson

From Samantha
Wes, what an amazing presentation you put together.  It was warm, humourous and authentic.  You spoke with passion and it brought home what an incredible friendship the two of must have had.
Peter, thank you for all the arrangements to date.  Guy spoke a lot about your coffee mornings.
Paul, thank you for your speech and for being such a constant in Guy's life.
Guy was very good at connecting people.  It's a gift I'll miss of his.

Guy Petterson

A special well done to Wes and Peter.  You did very well.  Uncle is smiling.  Craig Pearce
Hear hear.  Storm Napier

Wesley Dabbs
Thank you everyone for attending, sharing and lending a helping hand in celebrating The Uncle.  They say time heals but I think this may take some time because of who The Uncle was and the way he was so involved in our lives.  I only got to know Uncle in a very short period of time but in that time a life-long friendship was made that I will cherish for a very long time even though he drove me batty on the squash court.  I miss him every day and there are so many little things that remind me of him.  Have a great day everyone.


Messages from the WhatsApp Memorial page—Thank You ALL!!
Guy Petterson  

Holding all the family in our hearts, much love, Belinda, Patrick and family.

Guy Petterson  
Morning, I know it's not easy for them but at least I make them smile.  Connie

A lovely family, wish I was closer to comfort them.  Must be so hard for them, Guy was so good to them.  Rosalie Stephenson

Guy Petterson

Such fond memories of Guy...thinking of you all at this time.  Roy Lighton

My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time.  Alex Nagel

Uncle was always stirring the pot and kept us on our toes.  Wesley Dabbs

Guy Petterson

I will say a few words this evening in remembrance of Guy.  Regards, Ralph Beeby

A big thank you to the BOYS...Tito...Dolfie...Phillip Goldberg...Tom Sterling....Kevin Proctor for being a huge support to Guy over the years...thank you BOYS (as Guy always said...what is with the boys ...stays with the BOYS)
Wesley Dabbs

Guy Petterson

From Debbie
He was very generous.  He even gave my bicycle away to someone more needy.

Howard's Eulogy

Fiona's Video Tribute

Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson


From Gaynor and Justin Lucas

It is with great sadness to have heard of Guy's passing.  Our sincere condolences to the Petterson family.
Guy will always be remembered as a kind, compassionate, thoughtful and encouraging soul.  Always willing to assist and taking care of everyone.
Thank you Guy for your laughs, your kindness, your encouragement, your support and friendship.  You always kept us motivated when the chips were down.
R.I.P. Guy.  You are missed and will always be remembered.
Gaynor and Justin


Dear Petterson family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Guy.  We are owners at Key West where Guy so carefully and thoughtfully took care of us all.  We are all very shocked and saddened by the news of his passing and wanted to share that Guy really did his best in all he did and his daily chats will be missed by Jean and myself.
May he rest in peace - He will be deeply missed.
With fondest memories,
Jean and Cheryl, Key West, Milnerton, South Africa


The Reception at the apartments where Guy worked.

Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson


We met Guy the day we moved into Key West almost three years ago.  We hit it off straight away and we saw and heard Guy at Key West every day taking care of business, managing his team and seeing that things were done.  Whatever problem there was at KEY WEST, Guy was always there to solve it, this building will never be the same without him.  There is a huge void here and we miss Guy a lot, it's not the same without him.
Goodbye Handsome, may your dear soul rest in peace.
The Fanaroffs


Hi...my Dear Friend
I miss you so much...I feel as if I have lost one of my limbs...Firstly I want to thank you for all the time we spent together...we shed tears...laughter and lots of fun...we always held hands...through the good and bad times...thank you for the last weekend we spent together...the entire weekend we went down memory lane...little did I know it was the last time we would see each other...thank you for always supporting me and helping me to find the bright light...I know you are up there watching over all of us...have a great heavenly birthday...thank you for being the caring, loveable person you have always been...reaching out to help others...may you rest in peace, till we meet again...love you my friend...
Antoinette Nienaber



Tuesday 19th October 2021 marks the day a year ago that Guy departed this realm.  He is sorely missed, certainly by me, and I think of him often, usually with a tear in my eye or a catch in my throat.  I chat with some of his friends on WhatsApp and we remember him every 19th of every month.  I hope that you remember him too, as his feisty personality was hard to forget!  As our parents age and dementia sinks its nasty claws into them, it appears to be a blessing that they don't really remember that he died.  Take a moment to recall a memory because you know that he hasn't stopped thinking about you.  If you would like to post anything, please just email me (pettprojects@yahoo.com) and I'll post it.  Thank you all again, for your memories and kind words about my little brother.
Be safe and take care.  Adrienne

Guy Petterson   Guy Petterson   Guy Petterson

The gang got together at the squash club on the evening of the 19th of October 2021 to have a drink to remember Guy.  Guy was there, in a box, held by Peter Wrensch.  I can just see the smile on his face at the irony!  (Thanks for the photos, Craig!)


Fiona and Mark went out to Cape Town at the end of October 2021 and on the 5th of November, Guy's birthday, they met up with everyone in Tableview at Guy's "Thinking Bench" to scatter his ashes.  Thanks Fiona for making this happen, and Mark for Zooming me in, and to everyone who attended.
Guy Petterson Guy Petterson Guy Petterson
Guy Petterson Guy Petterson


The "Olden Days"

Guy Petterson   Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson   Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson   Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson   Guy Petterson


Peter Petterson
Dad passed away on February 6, 2022 and is with Guy on the Other Side.
Rest in Peace, Pete! (3 Feb 1931 - 6 Feb 2022)   He had just turned 91! (Photo taken in 2017)

Norma Petterson  
Mom passed away on September 15, 2022 and has gone to be with Dad and Guy!  Seven months after Dad died, Mom's health took a turn for the worse and her dementia was never going to improve.
Rest in Peace, Mom, with all your loved ones!  (3 March 1934 - 15 September 2022)  Mom was 88.  (Photo taken in 2017)

Three of our family have gone, all within 23 months!
Peter, Norma and Guy Petterson


Guy would have turned 60 on November 5, 2022, so Happy 60th, Guy!
Guy Petterson

Guy Petterson     Guy Petterson     Guy Petterson

Index

Contact Adrienne: pettprojects@yahoo.com

I do not know where I got the squash court photo.