Local resident Morné Stone was given a final salute and laid to rest on Saturday 22 November.
This following his passing at age 53 on Sunday 16 November.
Born on 28 July 1972, Stone was the youngest son of Mary and Joey Stone. A lifelong Strand resident, he completed his primary education at Danie Ackermann Primary School, where his father had served as principal, before attending Gordon High School in Somerset West.
Youngest brother of Mario, Julian and Deon and elder brother of Marelize, Stone was a doting elder to numerous nieces and nephews, who affectionately addressed him as “Boeta”.
His formative years in Nolte Street, Strand saw him forge lifelong friendships with neighbours Lawrence, Gavin, Klement, Jason and Rinald, bonds that endured through marriages, births, bereavements and all of life’s significant moments.
At age 18, Stone enlisted in the South African Air Force, commencing basic training at Ysterplaat Base in 1991.
Beginning as a dog handler, where he developed his enduring love for German Shepherds, he later specialised as an aircraft mechanic, becoming an expert on Oryx and Lynx helicopters.
His distinguished service included deployments aboard naval vessels SAS Protea, SAS Outeniqua, SAS Drakensberg, SAS Agulhas, SAS Mendi, SAS Amatola, SAS Spioenkop, and SAS Isandlwana.
Colleagues valued his expertise, often turning to him as the go-to specialist for complex helicopter-maintenance challenges.
Stone married Rhianna Frier, an air force firefighter from Beaufort West, in a ceremony held in her hometown on 17 December 1999. The couple welcomed sons Nathan Spencer in 2001 and Gareth in 2004.
Throughout their 25-year marriage, he demonstrated unwavering devotion to Rhianna while taking immense pride in his sons’ achievements – Nathan’s academic success and Gareth’s rugby accomplishments.
Affectionately referred to as the “Mayor of Strand” by relatives, Stone was renowned for his daily neighbourhood walks and encyclopaedic knowledge of local affairs.
A passionate rugby supporter, he regularly attended Strand United matches and would often be found enjoying quiet evenings in his garden with his beloved German Shepherd, Tosca.
His peaceful Friday evenings, accompanied by jazz and classic R&B, reflected the calm and contemplative nature that characterised his later years.
Stone is survived by Rhianna, Nathan and Gareth, Deon, Julian, Marelize, sisters-in-law Jacqueline and Pamela Stone, 14 nieces and nephews and 14 great-nieces and nephews.
In his tribute, Nathan described his father as a man who “exemplified unwavering love and dedication in every aspect of his life”, a devoted family man, loyal friend and proud community member whose legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.
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