1

THE ULOLWE

SOUTH AFRICA – SUID-AFRIKA

A monthly railway research / historical publication

‘n Maandelikse spoorweg historiese en navorsing publikasie

“Everything to do with the former South

African Railways & Transnet; i.e. Railway

Stations, Harbours, Airways, Road Motor

Transport, SAR Police, Lighthouses,

Pipelines, Catering, SAR Models & Diagrams

of Locomotives and Rolling Stock”

Patron – Les Pivnic - Beskermheer

Hennie Heymans, Pretoria, South Africa - heymanshb@gmail.com

June 2011 Vol 2 No 6B

Special Edition honouring the late Boon Boonzaaier

Junie 2011 Vol 2 No 6B

Spesiale Uitgawe ter ere van wyle Boon Boonzaaier

2

Contents / Inhoud

Editorial – Redaksioneel .......................................................................................................................... 2

Death Notice & Funeral Letter ................................................................................................................ 5

Condolences received from friends on SAR-List ..................................................................................... 9

Deon de Beer ........................................................................................................................................ 20

A tribute to Boon in Photographs by– Hennie Heymans ...................................................................... 26

Rob Adams sent this memory: .............................................................................................................. 41

Denny Trueman sent in this photo of Boon: ......................................................................................... 41

The last BTS departing Pretoria – Totsiens! .......................................................................................... 42

Conclusion - Slot .................................................................................................................................... 42

Editorial – Redaksioneel

Please let’s pause for a minute! Our friend Boon Boonzaaier has passed away – let’s give our

friend some respect – let’s remember him and what he did for the Railway-tourist industry

in South Africa. He also left his mark on our book shelves – he wrote about his passion when

Spoornet no longer gave him his trains! He took so many people on his tours – there were

old people as well who regularly travelled on his trains. He took older people to see their

own country at affordable prices.

Boon was no tickey snatcher! He did what he could for his family, friends, patrons and staff.

He was honest and loyal. He was a deep Christian and he had his own brand of humour. He

enjoyed the trains, no matter what impediments were put in his way! He overcame them all,

one by one!

I knew Boon before he started Bosveld Train Safaris – a colleague of mine retired to

Nylstroom and one day this friend – now also no longer with us – phoned me very excitedly

and said: “Hennie you are mad about trains. There is man in Warmbad who has published a

new calendar on trains.” I went through Warmbad (now Bela Bela) and got hold of the

printer who directed me to Boon and that is how our friendship started!

I remember the time I went with him to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. In those days he would

book places on a train, take people to Zimbabwe and hire local taxis to take his passengers

around. I remember the long curved platform at Bulawayo. We had to leave our things in

the compartment to visit the Railway Museum and other places of interest. I spoke to the

policemen on duty – these policemen were spotless and their legging shone! Nothing

3

disappeared from our baggage. The station was clean and the platform was polished with

red Sunbeam polish!

We went to various places in and around Bulawayo. To the grave where Cecil John Rhodes

was buried at the Matapos and went on a game drive and then took the train to Victoria

Falls. We had a lovely dinner on the train – unlike the new Spoornet dining cars – here was

still something left of the old former splendour. We had white table cloths and silver!

We arrived in Vic Falls and went to the famous Hotel for breakfast, then to the famous falls

itself, walked on the bridge and then a walk in town. The station master had promised Boon

that we could use his braai! However he was away for the weekend and I bought wood and

meat. We used the same train that we came in, to go back to Bulawayo. Boon asked me how

would I braai the meat without a Braai-machine? I told him not to worry. I went on an

expedition and found a lovely drain cover and two large stones. I made the fire near the

train and fried (braaied?) the lovely Zimbabwean Steaks – however I could swear it was

Rhodesian steaks! I gave the passengers their braaivleis and rolls and then I set down to

braai Boon’s meat and my own! A passenger came to me and asked whose steaks I was

braaiing? I told him the one steak was Boon’s and the other one mine. I felt I had to spoil Old

Boon for a change! I had a beer or two while Boon has his steak with a lovely Red Wine!

Boon asked me to go on the popular weekend Bosveld Rondomtalies as I was now engaged

as the official braaier (or fryer?) having completed my apprenticeship in Zim!

Boon was flexible – so one day it rained heavily where we were to stop and braai. I took the

gas-braai to the end of the train – I knew it was against the regulations – and I braaied the

steak and wors very carefully on the train and the passengers then ate in their

compartments. Lovely aroma filled the train. Later I tried to get the Police’s Holiday Club

interested and Mervyn Mark of Mainline Passenger Services suggested that we use a

Lounge Car on the train. This became a standard fixture. We then got a bar and I acted as

Barman once or twice. One day the thought struck me: Boon (and I) was selling liquor

without a licence! We crossed that hurdle! Then Boon provided his own bedding and that

caused its own problems – he then had to pay a surcharge to Spoornet. On one of the

Bosveld Rondomtalies Piet came to see Boon and Piet became the official cook. Later he

progressed to having a Staff & Baggage car to cook in.

There were many problems – no electrician! Then no drivers or no traction – in spite of an

“YQ” – some kind of train order. Jan came and helped from the beginning – the trains were

not always clean so Jan took over the job of cleaning the train. All will agree that Jan

performed his duty cheerfully and he also filled the train with water. Boon later had the

whole operation running smoothly – hot water was within limits, plentiful – I still can hear

him: “You must remember you are not at home, save water: shower with a friend!”

4

Many people of all walks of life were passengers! White or Black Boon had place for

everybody on the train. Many of my overseas friends travelled on Boon’s trains! Many a

time the train was late and passengers had to be picked up along the route or passengers

had to connect with their flights on the way back – Boon always made a plan!

Never in my life did I think I would be doing my shopping at Checkers by train. One

Sunday we travelled from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay when Boon had the train stopped

just across the road from Checkers – we all could detrain and buy the Sunday newspapers

and whatever we wanted to buy.

I had just bought my first digital camera when Boon phoned and asked what I was doing! I

told him I had bought a new digital camera on the insistence of the late Ric Searle. His

immediate reply was – I want to see you on the next train as photographer!

Boon even once hired the famous Blue Train and took it on the Bosveldrondomtalie – he

showed Transnet how to fill a train. I had a guest from the Belgian Police and Boon had

invited me along but we only travelled from Warmbad to Pretoria! What a trip! The Belgian

friend asked me very worriedly how much this was going to cost. It was first class opulence

where ever one looked! It did not cost him a cent! Courtesy Boon. My father went on a trip

when there was a rather nasty accident – the passenger coaches overturned at a level

crossing – fortunately nobody was injured. My father was in the passage talking to

somebody - he was about 87 at the time. No injuries but he said he wet his pants!

Once the assistant to the driver died between nowhere and somewhere! The assistant had

died while on duty outside the train. There was no communication – and again Boon took

charge. Had the man put in a compartment – covered him in a blanket and a passenger who

was qualified as a driver took the assistant’s place. The Police and other authorities were

informed at the first place where they had communication.

This is just a small glimpse in the life of Boon Boonzaaier – a man who was happy to make

other people happy while travelling. He knew South Africa like the palm of his hand.

Nothing could put him off – if there was an obstruction on a line he always came up with an

alternative plan. Sometimes a trip ran smoothly and a few miles from Pretoria we would be

halted. He knew everybody worth knowing on the railways – drivers and other staff

included. He always “planned the train” for each trip – then he had the train turned so that

in Durban or Muizenberg we would be able to see the sea from our compartment windows.

Boon’s train brought in a large amount of revenue for Spoornet. He and other operators

were paying millions to Spoornet!

Our sympathy to his dear family and close friends – we will miss him but we will never

forget him!

Anyway this is just a small obituary on a BIG MAN - our FRIEND BOON! Salute!

5

Death Notice & Funeral Letter

6

7

8

9

Condolences received from friends on SAR-List

Hi Hennie

Sad to see such a great railway man pass away. Like many others I only had the privilege of

meeting Boon once a number of years ago at a” Friends of the Rail” meeting in Pretoria. My

sincere condolences go to his wife and family. He leaves a great legacy in the South African

railway world. God be with him.

Les Bray, Pretoria

I was saddened by the news of Boon’s passing away.

I never met Boon although his train visited Port Shepstone on at least once accession.

Nevertheless, we corresponded and he and I discussed the South African 150th Anniversary

book I have now completed. He offered to assist and we planned to exchange our respective

publications. Now this will never happen…

We can thank Spoornet for destroying his Bushveldt Safari trains and a lot of other good

things.

Boon, at least you will no longer have any sleepless nights as a result.

Go well in the future.

Kind regards,

Allen Jorgensen.

I also never met Boon but his reputation as a train host par excellence stretches far and wide.

His wonderful book gives some measure of the man. My condolences to his family on their

sad loss.

Stan Long.

It is terribly sad that Boon Bonzaaier is dead. It is a huge loss, especially for his wife Lana

and his daughters, Elri and Adri. The staff of the Bushveldt Train Safaris are also suffering

the loss.

I was privileged to be a traveller on three Bushveldt trips. Two were to Namibia in 2005 and

2006. The third was to the cherry festival at Ficksburg and the Sandstone Estate. It was at the

latter where Quentin Pendal drove one of the narrow gauge Mallets (your choice of

pronunciation). He was, and still is, awesome.

One the second trip to Namibia I asked Boon about the Caprivi Strip. Without a moment’s

hesitation, he laid out the historical, geographic and political influences behind the

establishment of the Caprivi Strip. (Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caprivi_Strip for the

story.)

On the first trip to Namibia, I asked about Boon’s surname. I suspected it was Dutch. He

10

confirmed the fact and told me about the time when Napoleon invaded the Netherlands in

1811. Napoleon’s custom was to tax newly conquered countries so that he could keep the

taxes low at home. That, in turn, required a census. When the French clerks went to work,

they needed surnames. But many of the Dutch, like farmers and workers, only had given

names. For the census these folks had to choose surnames if they did not already have them.

The Dutch assumed that the tax census would be temporary so many chose funny names.

After the French left after seven years, the joke was on the Dutch because the funny

surnames stuck. The name Boonzaaier is one example. It literally means bean sower. But any

farmer will tell you that beans are not sowed, they are planted. I think the family sense of

humor was passed down to Boon.

The Bushveldt trips were noted for generating new romances and reviving old romances. I

will not go into the details, except to note that Boon liked to call these trips the “Love Train.”

He was a giant among us rail fans. He was also an entrepreneur, historian, entertainer,

teacher, captain of the Love Train, master of the mechanical arts, geographer, a patriot, in

short, a man for all seasons. May he rest in peace and ride forever on heaven’s trains.

Jim Johnston in Illinois.

We have lost a railway icon.....

I also never met the great man...I visited the George platform when his train was in town,

but it all looked so busy and bustling I was too scared to ask someone where he was....

Nevertheless, I drove to the 2nd last level crossing out of town and took this photo, Rest In

Peace Mr Boonzaaier, you affected more people than you know.

Rob Adams

I didn't know the man. But I loved that livery; much nicer than the garish Shosholoza

colours we have now. Frank Graham.

I did not meet the man although we did exchange correspondence many years ago. He was

a good man and very helpful. RIP Boon. – Carl Das Neves Vieira.

R.I.P Boon – Grant Fryer

I heard about him. How long ago did he pass away and hope that it was of natural causes -

Was he quite elderly? Bryn Morgan

Reply: He was a grandfather – he suffered from muscle dystrophy - retired early as school

teacher then started BTS - until Spoornet stopped it - not enough traction, they said! We saw

the RSA at cheap prices and the food was just good Boerekos. What more did one want?

Good train trips and Good Company! He even once hired the Blue Train! But that is special

story! Hennie Heymans.

11

Lekker man!

Crazy thing is Spoornet says not enough traction but they can afford to put working steam

engines that could earn them revenue and fill the gap on those long scrap lines - some of

them had only just been overhauled and many, many still good for thousands of miles -

bladdy stupid! Now it's not Spoornet complaining of traction shortage, its Transnet or

Shoshaloza. All cut from the same cloth. Muscle Dystrophy is horrible! Bryn Morgan

Yes Hennie, they were really good trips and that food was amazing, all prepared in a guards

van. Transnet were fools to stop those trains. In fact Boon would have made a damn fine

CEO for Transnet – Grant Fryer

With the passing away of Boon Boonzaaier. Does anybody have a picture of one of his

trains? Want to do a small piece on my blog. Craig Duckham

Craig, this is the first I am hearing of this news. What a great loss. I think Boons had one of

the best tour trains. I will search and see if I can find a pic.

R.I.P. Boon – Grant Fryer

I agree with Sue and Quintin that although he knew thousands of people, he always

managed to make you feel very special when spending time with you. I met him once in the

Lounge car, Bosveld train was parked on Santos at Mossel Bay and I spend the afternoon

with him and it was too short.

Deepest sympathy and condolences and our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Your train knowledge and experience will live forever in our memories.

Danie Strydom

Mossel Bay

Boons’ passing has left Margaret and I deeply saddened, and our condolences go out to his

family.

One of nature’s true gentlemen, his passing brings to a close an era when his informality

and natural friendliness touched so many lives. We, like so many others who shared the

experience of meeting him on his unforgettable trips, will never forget him and his crew. His

organizational ability excelled to the point of knowing more about operating than the

professionals, and his intimate knowledge of even the minutest detail was infinite. The

experience for us will live forever in memories and photographs, what better consolation

than to draw inspiration from his published works. Thank you Boon.

Peter and Margaret Sinclair

Hi Quinten,

Thanks for bringing back those fond memories of Boon. We are really going to miss him as

12

he was a real scholar and a gentleman.

Regards,

Les Smith

Hi all

Seeing as one of our very great friends left us, I felt it appropriate to just stand still and

remember a few things, I'd like to share with you.

Please don't feel obliged to read, and, use your delete key if needed.

Boon knew thousands and thousands of people, and he had many, many friends, literally all

over the world.

Despite the fact that he had so many friends, he always managed to make you feel very

special when he spent time with you. He somehow made you feel as if he had all the time in

the world for you, and that nothing else mattered.

I was fortunate to record many, many incidents and interviews which involved Boon.

His sense of humour, his knowledge about so many things, his love for his country, his

absolute love and worship for his wife, and above all, his closeness to his creator are but a

handful of things that always stood out.

I remember how, on all his trips, he always would say grace before every meal, not one bit

ashamed of his religion.

He could point out so many interesting things along the road. I guess he must have had

hundreds of thousands of pictures taken of anything and everything as they travelled.

It never was a problem for him to have that whole train stopped only so Hendrik or Manie

could go and take a picture of a specific flower growing somewhere.

I remember fondly how proud he was of his trains. He took us where no car could ever go.

He showed us things that no one else could even dream about.

And also, he cared for local communities.

How many times didn't he just have his train stop over at a certain point so passengers

could get off and buy stuff from the locals at a place?

I remember how innovative Boon was, with his tours. How many people would ever be so

lucky as to have a bbq1 under millions of stars, surrounded by nothing, ... Humefield?

Or, what about those nights when Boon made the train park right next to the ocean at Santos

Beach, Mossel Bay?

1 A braai in South Africa (BBQ)

13

The train were so close to the sea that, if the wind blew in the right direction, you could feel

the spray of the waves come through your window.

I remember fondly, and am so thankful about so many interviews i did with Boon. There

was one we did, him, I, Les Smith, and the late Bob Deysel, in Boon's compartment, and,

there was a 34class shunting, kept on interrupting us.

How wonderful it was!

Then, there was the time I just started up my audio podcast, Train Talk.

My very first interview I ever recorded, was with Boon, over the telephone.

I remember how nervous I was.

And, funnily, after I recorded and saved the interview (of about 15 minutes), I somehow

managed to delete it! :@

I remember how, when I called Boon the next day, explaining to him what happened, he just

laughed and said "no problem, we can just do it all over again." And, we did, almost with

more detail than the first try.

I remember back in 2005, how Boon arranged 3 extra coaches to be connected to the train

going to the Cherry safari in Ficksburg, for all the SAR listees.

Ironically, that trip Boon himself couldn't make, due to illness.

On his trips, when he had a hard time walking, Boon used to sit in the lounge car with a

microphone, and this way, he could still communicate all kinds of info to all the passengers.

I remember I afternoon, after lunch, when most people were eaten to the brim, how Carin

and I went to lay down in our compartment. Carin tried to take a nap, but, somehow, Boon

had the microphone on in the lounge and he wasn't aware of that, so, all the jokes and stuff

somehow came through on the speakers, for all to hear. I remember how I decided to go join

Boon and the laughter in the lounge, how Carin got a bit irritated, and, said to me "just go

kill that microphone!"

Upon arrival in the lounge, I told Boon jokingly what she had said, that the microphone was

also on. He just laughed his usual way and said "Well, you can't fight a guy with a

microphone. Ha ha ha."

Then there was, on that same trip, the Currie Cup final between the Bulls and the Cheetas.

Boon, as you know, was a die heart Bulls supporter. I on the other hand, supported the

Cheetas. I remember how we were all in the lounge car, travelling back from Springfontein

to Bloemfontein, and how Boon had a little portable radio, which he held the microphone

against, so all in the train could listen to commentary on the match. When the Bulls scored,

14

Boon and the bulls supporters chanted and cheered. When the Cheetas scored, the rest of us

freaked out.

Ironically enough, that match ended in a draw, 28 all.

But, during these train trips, things weren't always moonlight and roses. Sometimes there

would be impossible passengers on the train, moaning and groaning about anything and

everything.

Boon always managed to handle situations and people like those with the utmost

gracefulness.

I remember Toorwaterpoort. That must have been the single place that left the biggest

impression on me of all the places I ever went to. If it wasn't for Boon, I would never ever

have been able to experience that place.

Then there is Sandstone Estates. If it wasn't for Boon, I would never ever have been

privileged to be exposed to, and to experience it.

I remember back in 2006, when the struggle was on to keep the contract trains running. Boon

stayed positive about the future of these trains right to the very end. When the railways told

him that they were going to shut them all down, Boon remained positive, despite the

devastation.

I can clearly remember how angry and rebellious I was towards the railways. At the time I

felt like i would take them all on, blow them all up or something drastic. I was so, so bitter

towards the railways, and yet, Boon always, always managed to let one see things from a

different perspective.

He always looked for new opportunities to bring the railways to people. Those of you who

are lucky enough to have his book, Tracks Across the Veld, will know exactly what I’m talking

of.

Back in 2007, Carin and I were lucky enough to visit Boon and Lana up in Warmbaths for a

weekend. Late the Friday night, while I was in the bath, Lana discovered a snake in the

kitchen. Naturally, she was very frightened. Now, remember, at the time, Boon were mostly

lying in bed, it was very hard for him to move.

Despite all of that, Boon reassuringly told his wife "Don't worry about the snake, Quinten

and I are here to protect you".

I on the other hand, am soooo afraid of snakes, I decided to just lock myself up in the

bathroom, just in case that snake could find a way of coming for me. Ha ha ha.

So, there they were, Carin and Lana, fighting the snake, while the 1 guy was lying in bed,

15

unable to move, and the other (blind guy), locked up in the bathroom. I remember how,

when Boon said that he and I would protect the women, I thought to myself "Speak for

yourself". Ha ha ha ha.

The very next day, all Boon's staff from the train came to see him, his wife had organised a

meal and a get together.

When it was speech time, a very emotional Lana thanked everybody for taking such good

care of Boon while he was on the train.

She said that, with Boon being in such good care and being helped to live out his dream, she,

Lana, could also live out her dream of teaching.

Boon on the other hand, said to everybody present there, that the picture of the trains was

completed, but, that they were on the brink of starting something new. He assured every

one of his staff that he was going to try and find some means of accommodating them all.

And that was just one of the many, many virtues of Boon: how he always cared for the next

person, never bothered to put his own interests first.

And let's not forget Lana.

The last few years must have been tough on both Boon and her. Yet, Lana always stood by

Boon, she always was positive, always practical. Boon trusted Lana so much; he relied so

much on her.

As I said earlier, i think he worshipped the ground Lana walked upon. Those occasions

when Lana could join him on his trips, he was always so proud and delighted to have her

with him.

The last nine months or so must have been extremely tough on both Boon and Lana, what

with Boon unable to move, always being connected to that oxygen thingie. Yet, when you

came to see them, Lana always was prepared for you, you were always welcomed, and Boon

always looked fantastic. She took such good care of him.

And when she wasn't around, then old Jan was. I must spare a thought for Jan, who was

Boon's right hand on the trains.

On a serious note, I remember how, until very, very recently, when I had problems with

family and other matters, how I could phone or email Boon, how he would spend all the

time in the world, listening to you, and, how, almost fatherly, he would come up with such

practical advice.

I remember how he would always make you see things from a positive angle again, how he

made each and every problem seem manageable again.

The last time Carin and I went to visit them, him and Lana spent so much time with us,

16

almost like our parents, hearing us out, trying and trying to help, to give advice, to give us

courage.

I will never forget it.

Yes, I probably could go on and on, cause there is just so, so many things one can say about

Boon. And, I’m sure that, once I posted this email, I will have forgotten to mention this and

that and this and that.

But, now, with that old body finally giving up on Boon, I'm sure that where he is now, he is

free, he is a very, very happy man now, able to walk normally again, able to breathe

normally again, and, very close to his Creator.

Thanks for hearing me out.

All the best - Quinten Pendle

As I had never met the man and only seen the respect that list shows towards the man,

Quentin, your account is a great accolade to him. My thoughts and prayers are with Boons

family at this time.

Terry Rowe

Quinton,

Thank you very much for that wonderful anecdote about Boon. As mentioned, I had never

had the good fortune to meet him, but your e-mail describes him exactly as I would picture

him. I have read parts of his book and now when I read some more I will picture Boon up

there smiling down at us.

Richard Gillat.

Fellow Listees

I generally just lurk in the background on this list and read it for the interesting notes;

history, current climate and more recently the wonderful photos that are being posted that

have invigorated this list (special thanks Oom Les, and a bonus for us Aussies now that he

lives with us here in Australia).

I have been a member for many years and watched all the events good and bad that have

paraded through its columns over all this time but I have never been affected by the loss of

someone I have never met as I am today!

I used to read Boons updates and I wanted do much to be there to experience it. I could

hardly believe that someone could run a rail tourist business and then offer rail enthusiasts

on this list free travel on his trains just for the asking.

I mean, come on!!!!

You know the old saying, "if something sounds too good to be true then it probably is..."

17

How could you run a business, then give some of it away and still expect it to thrive?

Then I read the entries from listees that travelled with him, but with family commitments

limiting my travel opportunities, all I could do was drool!!!

I found myself reading "between the lines" and through this list began to feel I knew this

man and what he could give of himself jumped off the screen and into my life.

The forced closure of his rail touring business by things outside his successful business must

have been a hard thing to come to terms with.

Quinten

I appreciate very much your mini 'euology' of Boon for this list. You are lucky to have

known him and for him to have been your friend. Your words are inspirational and if his

wish is to be close to his creator then that is what I will pray for before I shut my eyes

tonight.

May he rest in peace and may we hold his memories close to us.

David Honer

Sydney

Beautifull words. Thank you .

Amen trainman - Nathan Berelowitz

Hennie,

I'm deeply saddened to learn of Boon's passing away, please convey my condolences to

Boon's family - we were in regular correspondence when I worked on the maps for his book

"Tracks across the Veld".

Bruno Martin

Victoria Point

Queensland

Australia

Dear everybody,

South African Railways have just lost one of its greatest supporters and many of us have just

lost a true friend.

I only met Boon the once, but he was such a great man (in every sense) that it seems as

though i had known him for ever, and I get the feeling that every listee has the same sense of

belonging to Boon.

Dear Boon, we are going to miss you more than words can ever say, but it is some relief to

know that your sufferings are now past and that you are now chartering trains in that great

railway in the sky, bringing delight to countless ghostly passengers.

Boon, may you rest in peace. We all loved you.

Sue Lawrence

18

I would have loved to have travelled on some of Boon's safaris.

His book will serve as a lasting memory.

Rest well, Boon.

Noel Foster in Perth.

Hi Hennie,

Very sorry to hear about Boon – a railway legend in South Arica. He must have clocked up

more rail miles than most of us put together.

My condolences to his family.

Trevor Staats.

I would like to add my condolences to Boon's family on his tragic passing.

You meet all sorts of people in the railway world and Boon was one of the very best. He can

best be described as an old fashioned gentleman who built a successful business despite

everything thrown at him by the railway authorities of the day. He brought many parts of

South Africa to a whole new audience and I know his passengers and friends thought the

world of him.

Rest in peace dear Boon.

Regards

Geoff Pethick

Today we stand, humbled by the fact that a dear, dear friend, a great guy, had to take that

last train.

For many years, Boon showed us all the most beautiful places around the country. Not only

did he help us experience life and beauty in a dimension way beyond anything else, but the

knowledge he had, the knowledge and love he shared for places, for people, was

unmatched.

Now my friend, it's time for you to take that last train, it's time for you to go and experience

something out of this world; it's time for you to feel a greater love than what you could ever

show us here.

God chose you to ride His train, a train with everlasting peace, love, and not a single

moment of pain and discomfort.

Ride that train with pride, go in peace, go home, and know that the legacy you left us, will

live forever, if nowhere else, then in our hearts.

Good bye, Quinten Pendle

19

I never met BOON but I have his amazing book and when I re-read it I will offer a silent

prayer for this wonderful man’s soul that it may rest in peace eternally. He deserves it.

Dave Fortune.

Hennie,

I am so sorry to hear of Boon's passing. A truly great and good man. My condolences to his

family.

Robert GMAM

Hi Hennie,

I never got to meet or know Boon but just by all e-mails on this list I got to know

Boon as a man on integrity who had a very deep love of trains.

Our condolences to his family and loved ones.

Richard Gillat.

Boon,

Deepest sympathy. At least where you are, the trains run on time.

Bon Voyage.

OnedownTrainman (Nathan Berelowitz)

Hi All,

My sincerest condolences to Adrie and other members of Boon’s immediate family.

THERE GOES A GREAT MAN……….A TRULY GREAT MAN!

He will be missed.

Sad greetings.

Joe Neethling

Boon - May you find peace in the great eternal railway station in the sky. You will be missed

by everyone whose lives you touched.

My condolences go to Boon's family and also his great extended family all over the world.

You will be missed........

Glen & Rosemary Landsberg

Atlanta GA

USA

Hennie,

Sterkte aan die familie hier van Blouberg af ook.

20

Regards,

André, Cape Town

To Boon's Family:

Our Deepest Sympathy and Condolences.

To Boon

Your service to the rail tourist industry - both enthusiast and tourist alike, will not be

forgotten!

You have left your mark in South African railway history - Big Time my friend!

R.I.P.

Carol and Les Pivnic

Hi Hennie,

Please pass on our sincerest condolences to Boon's family.

Kind regards, Les & Sandy Smith.

Deon de Beer

From another friend of Boon we received the following photographs:

Boon loved the flowers of Namaqualand

21

The beast parking spot in South Africa – Santos at Mossel Bay.

Boon and Staff pictured in The Hell – a place in the Cape Province

22

Oom Trevor Attwell after a 100 trips on BTS

23

24

Toorwaterpoort

Toor

Water

poort –

Boon

loved

the

place!

25

Die kokerboomwoud in Namibie

26

A tribute to Boon in Photographs by– Hennie Heymans

33-465 between Windhoek and Rehoboth – Hennie Heymans

Tulbagh Rd on

28-12-2003

27

33-441 trek BTS reg vir die Hooflyn te Holoog 22-3-2004 HB Heymans

34-925 en BTS te Ariamsvlei met sononder. 21-3-2004 HB Heymans

28

Laataand by Ausnek - Arriving late at Ausnek with 33-460 on 22-3-2004

34-064 @ Kroonstad on 3-1-200

Somewhere in the Western Transvaal on 3-10-2003 while Boon & I enjoy a sundowner.

29

6E1 1823 & Van

Rensburgskop

(Racing Car

Mountain) nr

Swinburne between

Van Reenen and

Harrismith.

30

Without doubt the most difficult shot in my filming career – thanks to Boon!

31

A model of Blue Train coaches in Botrivier Museum

32

Boon’s mother Mrs Boonzaaier at Botriver

35-054 nr Botrivier

33

Boon and I once follwed the train between George & Knysna – he taught me to take pictures

of steam! Here is 19D 2698

Boon wanted

me to take the

picture of 19D

2698 on the

bridge – to late!

Never the less a

great day

chasing the

train to Knysna!

34

One of my best under Boon’s guidance!

My first early morning shot of Toorwaterpoort – Boon gave me many instructions to keep in

mind! The second shot was on top of a rock on the right.

35

Another favourite stop was Kanfersdam, nr Kimberley!

36

Another view of train parked at Santos nr Mosselbaai – another favourite!

37

Tsumis Park - Namibia

38

Rooikranse, 34-014 & 34-109 with BTS on 4-2-2004 HB Heymans

Limpopo

Safari – a

stolen pic

of Boon &

Lana –

note the

reading!

39

My first front cover! Thanks to Boon!

40

Port Shepstone - The view from Boon & my compartment! It was one of those WOW days!

Here, below, is the last picture I took of Boon when the last train of Bosveld Train Safaris –

departed! That was the day I met CP Lewis!

41

Rob Adams sent this memory:

Denny Trueman sent in this photo of Boon:

42

The last BTS departing Pretoria – Totsiens!

Conclusion - Slot

We had the privilege to attend Boon’s funeral in Warmbad now called Bela Bela! All his

family and friends were there. Thank you Lana en family! We salute a brave and determined

man who lived his dream!

May God bless and keep his family!

Thank you friends, dankie vriende,

Hennie Heymans