Born in Johannesburg on 4th September 1928, Gerald Cresswell passed away peacefully on 15th July 2014.
We say goodbye to a true gentleman who has spent almost 86 years of his life in the Lowveld. More importantly, we say goodbye to a person who has given – not taken – from our community….
As one of 2 children born from the marriage of Andrew and Coral Cresswell, Gerry (as he was fondly known to many) had a happy childhood. He arrived at Mataffin in October 1929, and after spending a few years at the local Nelspruit School, he was sent off to boarding school in Lydenburg at the early age of 9. He then moved on to Brooklyn school in Pretoria and thereafter enrolled at Pretoria Boys High in 1941. He excelled in all sports and was a popular young man. He was Head Boy of Solomon House and joint Head Boy of Pretoria Boys High in 1946. His accomplishments on the sporting field over the years were impressive. To mention a few: 1st team cricket captain (1944-1946), Combined Schools (1944), N E Transvaal Nuffield captain (1945 and 1946), SA Schools XI (1946), 1st XV Rugby (1945 and 1946), 1st team tennis (1945 and 1946) and School Shooting champion (1946). After school, Gerald maintained his association with PBHS by captaining (1947) the PBHS Old Boy’s Sunday League as well as Harlequins Rugby (1947). He went on to represent N E Transvaal against the MCC and Australia (1947), Sub Union Cricket (captain), Sub Union Rugby (captain), and N Transvaal Rugby (1950). It goes without saying that Gerald Cresswell left a mark during his formative years. Double provincial colours for rugby and cricket was impressive for this era.
Gerald married Verna Kelly in 1948, and they decided to settle in the Lowveld. This move basically ended his very successful sporting career, but it was he who made the decision to move to the Lowveld and start a family. He realized the importance of having a strong family, and if it meant giving up the opportunity of furthering his sporting career, then so be it. They have been here ever since – initially working at Croc Valley Estates and thereafter at H L Hall & Sons. He dedicated many years of his life to H L Hall & Sons and was always considered an integral part of the Halls business. Gerald played an active role in the local community. He was the chairman of Round Table, ran the Parents Association at Nelspruit Primary School and also spent countless years with LVCC – many as chairman. The role he played with LVCC was huge – and his active participation in all areas of the club was exemplary. He was the club’s squash champion and tennis champion and played soccer for the club for many years. He ended his long standing association with the club more recently by playing competitive bowls.
He and Verna have spent the past few years in White River. They have enjoyed spending time with their family – well-known lowvelders in their own right. But after struggling to recover from surgery 2 months ago, Gerald left this world in the early hours of the morning on 15th July 2014. This was despite a massive effort on his part to overcome this challenge – driven primarily by his desire to “look after” his dear wife Verna. This year would have been their 66th wedding anniversary.
To his sister Daph Wood – he has been a true brother. To his surviving wife Verna – he has been a model husband. At his memorial service on 18th July 2014, it was said that people have not witnessed a greater love by one person to another than that between Gerald and Verna. To his sons and their wives (Andrew & Jan, Chris & Di and Vernon & Barbs) and grandchildren – he was a role model and leaves a legacy which will never be forgotten.
Having spent his entire life in the Lowveld, we say goodbye to one of our pioneers. Gerald Andrew Cresswell may have initially left his mark in Pretoria, but he has certainly left a mark in the Lowveld. He has been an
ambassador and role model to our area. He has played an active part in business, sport and the community. He has been someone who has given – not taken – from the Lowveld. He was one of the true gentlemen of
the Lowveld. We need more men like him in this world.
Rest in peace Mr Cresswell. You have touched us all in a very special way. We move on with the knowledge that you have found a better place. You have left your mark in the Lowveld.
“Tis not whether you won or lost – but how you played the game”. You played the game well. You played an
active role here. It’s now time to take a break and rest in peace….
Anon