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Vermaaklikheid on the last day of 2025

This was the last time we saw Oli – May 2025, suddenly almost grown up, chilled and at ease with himself. It was a glorious day. Kids who had gotten to know each other as children could reconnect, suddenly taller and deeper-voiced and self-assured, no less delighted to see the childhood friends that used to live next door. From the first day Julia called to us as we walked home from Auburn House, when the boys were really still toddlers, they became fast friends, always climbing over the wall to play, bouncing for hours on the trampoline, dodging the dog as they raced round the pool, taking a brief break only for a bowl of Justin’s “pasta la vista”. When Kolya’s siblings were born, I was endlessly grateful when Julia tossed the irrepressible boys in her car and kept them entertained for hours at the Muizenberg slides, or at the beach, or even just at vegging for hours together on their iPads. Kolya was with Oliver from morning til night. It was a once-in-a-lifetime gift: not just a buddy next door, a sense of community. It wasn’t just the kids: many a night, long after the kids had had their fill of playing and swimming, the adults would sit shooting the breeze over a whiskey (or three). Oli, we are heartbroken, and will never forget you. Julia, Justin and the Kukard and Cooke clans… we are holding you tightly in our hearts. Lisa, David, Kolya, Molly-Rose and Eva.

Oliver was my son’s friend. My clearest memory of Oliver is of him showing my son how to do deadlifts in our home gym. He was so serious and nice about it. Not showing off. Not being a know-it-all. I so appreciated him being a part of my son’s friendship circle. My deepest condolences to his family. There are just no words for a loss like this. Much love and strength to all of you.

To Oli, you were my first friend. I will always remember climbing over your wall and playing until I had to go back home for dinner, or sometimes even staying past that. Every time that I came back to South Africa, seeing you was always a must. I am heartbroken, as I know everyone is. I hope one day to understand why this has happened, though I’m not sure I ever will. And while you may not be here to read this physically, I maintain hope that your soul remains with us. We may no longer be able to speak, laugh or see one another, but my memories of you will continue for as long as I live. To Julia, Justin and family, all my wishes go out to you. I hope for you to be able to come to terms with this reality, although it is a harsh one, and find peace. All the best, Kolya.

Tristan I’m sorry for your loss I’m so blessed to have gotten to know you I was really looking forward to meeting him in Cape Town. You have my deepest condolences from across the Atlantic Your American Friend Jason Gentry