OBITUARY – David Dudley Leppan
(Born: 2nd January 1948 – Died: 22nd March 2020)
David grew up in Irene and proudly attended PBHS, matriculating in 1966. He was called up to the SA Navy in Simonstown and was selected for the Navy Divers, successfully completing his training in 1967. He maintained his interest in matters naval and the sea, teaching his family of four all about the sea, the tides, boating and fishing. The family, including his beloved 10 grandchildren were regularly summoned to partake in swims, regardless of the weather, at the Marine Pool over the times of the equinox high tides. He loved being in the wilderness seeking out beautiful and exciting places in his much loved old Land Rover Defender, sharing his love for nature with his family.
After 20 years working for large corporates, he ventured successfully into the property field in Umhlanga Rocks. Then in 1989 he moved to the Western Cape where he founded and became the Principle of Hermanus Property Sales, a highly successful and reputable property business. David became a legend in the industry, much respected and revered and was quoted as saying he was having too much fun to consider retiring. However in 2018, aged 70, he did handover to his son John who continues to run the successful business David had established.
David was a very spiritual man who had a zest for life and was passionate about people, especially his beloved family. He always found the good in people and one of his greatest pleasures was telling his friends and clients about the history of Hermanus. He loved chatting to the older residents of his beautiful town and hearing their stories of the old days in Hermanus. He was a very generous man and would always lend a helping hand where he could to those in need.
He was an avid supporter of PBHS Old Boys and generously co- founded the Overberg Branch of the Association, sponsoring the setting up and some of the functions of the branch. Separate tributes are attached to the Obituary from Old Boys, who were saddened by David’s death. His leadership and support role will be sorely missed.
Sadly after his retirement, David’s health deteriorated and he was unable to do many of the things he had hoped to enjoy. He was in and out of the Mediclinic for various ailments, but he bore his illness with a great deal of bravery. In his last days he was able to sit at his poolside and enjoy his garden which he loved so much. He passed away peacefully in his favourite place, his own home with his loved ones around him. He leaves his beloved wife Lynda, friend and partner of 53 years, three sons, one daughter and ten grandchildren. RIP dear Friend.
-Ed Meyer (1957)
DAVID LEPPAN TRIBUTES
David Dudley Leppan died peacefully at home in Hermanus (aged 72) on Sunday 22 March 2020. He was born on 2nd January 1948, attended Pretoria Boys High School, matriculating in 1966. Many positive responses came from Old Boys when they heard the sad news of David’s death, paying glowing tributes to him.
Class Captain of the “Sixty-Sixers” Owen Frisby ( 1966) says he was a generous & enthusiastic supporter of our Class Reunions and supporter of many other PBHS activities. He will be sorely missed for his friendly cheerfulness and camaraderie. Owen received tributes from classmates Keith Tindale, Bart Mclea, Axel Braumann, Alistair Brand, Bill Forbes and John Griffiths
Ed Meyer (1957) co -founder with David, of the Overberg Branch of the PBHSOB’s says David was an avid Boys High supporter, enthusiastically and generously contributing to the setting up of the new branch in Hermanus. He would always have a warm, welcoming smile and time for a chat about the Old School. David was a ‘larger than life’ character , who always exuded positive vibes and had so many friends in the Hermanus community.
Greg Hassenkamp (1990) said he was an extremely loyal supporter of PBHS & the Old Boys Association. He was a good man in every respect. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. His life certainly deserves a celebration and it is sad that the” Coronavirus Lockdown” restrictions have prevented this from happening at this time.
Gus Anderssen (1965) said he was a true gentleman, kind, considerate & passionate about all the things he got involved with. After meeting up with him one always had a sense of warmth & gratitude. David will be viewed as a legend in Hermanus & had a big role in setting up the Overberg Old Boys Branch.
Frank van der Velde (1960) saw him as an active, enthusiastic man – a great asset to the PBHSOB’s and commented that his was a life well lived! It saddens me that he will no longer be part of our Old Boy functions in Hermanus.
Ralph Hulzer (1954) said it was so sad that he should be robbed of enjoying his retirement. He put so much into everything that he did in the community and his memories of David would always be good.
Vernon Els (1952) commented that Old Boy’s meetings would not be the same without him.
Hamish Hofmeyr ( 1994) will always remember David for his incredible contribution to Hermanus as a town and to his fellow Old Boys in this area.
Other Old Boys who also responded with expressions of sadness at David’s passing and sent RIP messages were Mark Gleeson, Louis van Breda, Dave de Klerk and from Pretoria Bill Schroder, Leon Kok and Inge Paulsen-Liddle on behalf of the Old Boys Association Office.