I joined Highveld Hikers in 1998 (then still under the flag of SAA Hiking Club) and not long after met the Smallwood's, Brian and Norma. Over the past 16 years we have done many many hikes together until Norma's troubling foot operations prevented her from joining us anymore. Brian kept on going and even after he got sick he could be seen on several hikes, still enjoying nature... and his beer! Brian passed away suddenly on 13 Feb this year and even though it was not completely unexpected, it was still a great shock to all of us who knew him. On Sunday 29 June we had a celebration of Brian's life with a braai at Eddy's house. We met old friends and reminisced about the good times and the memories. Many people remembered specific events or moments like these below - if you'd like to add something to the text, please add a comment at the end of the post and I'll happily add it in the text body. Also, if you have more pictures of Brian, please forward them to Shirley or me. Norma, we mourn with you and think of you every day. Brian, thank you for sharing your life with us. Farewell.
Brian my birthday buddy, I will always have a glass of sherry (OB’s) on him with my birthday. When doing a hike and I am scared of slipping. I remember Brian’s words. When we did Tepelkop in the Free state, it was raining, the sandstone was wet and slippery, Brian was walking with me and he used to say to me always trust your boots and where ever I go and I am in the same situation, I remember his words and he is in my thoughts. For me he is always walking with me, especially when we do a hike in the Free state. KEEP ON WALKING, Buddy…
Madelene Haasbroek
My memories of Brian are that he was always a caring and helpful person. He always helped me when I was hiking; always lending a hand when I needed support. He will be sorely missed.
Shirley Klein
Brian Smallwood - a Hiker to the very end. Hikers the world over will be familiar with the phrase, " I'm going to cut a corner off your badge for taking a short-cut", but this could never be said about Brian. On many occasions he would rather walk the rocky path about 5 metres from a perfectly good road, maintaining that he was following the path and not taking "short cuts“. Of all the many hikes I have hiked with Brian, I can truly say that he never complained about anything. Yes, he might have occasionally muttered a few choice words, many of which contained the phrase "bloody hell", but he stoically trundled on at his own pace. Brian may have passed on to better pastures, but in our hearts and minds he will always be taking up the rear on future hikes, ready to give a helping hand to those who need it.
George Surman
He always knew where he was – he never got lost. So now he must be in his rightful place – rest well my friend
Eddy Schudel
Brian our dear friend, you may not be with us in body but you will always be with us in spirit on every hike. We will talk to you, ask you if we are walking in the correct direction, see you "test” your bed about 6pm; hear you ‘quietly’ get up in the morning to put the kettle on. I shall miss toddling along at the back with you; having a quick sit down; watch you “count insect’s legs” as you bend over to have a few seconds rest; your ever ready hand to help me over a river or difficult place. Your safe driving so I could have a catnap. Your generosity like when we got lost in Cedarburg and we had to go on half rations and you gave me all your peanuts - “Bloody hell woman – take them, you need them more than I do.” All your stories about Poland and your youth. Never a great talker during the day but often chatted in your sleep – loudly! When asked if you wanted to do a particular hike – don’t mind it’s ok with me whatever you want to do! I am so glad you did Hadrian’s Wall with Eddy and I last year; I knew you really wanted to do it and it was a wonderful experience and a great hike. You will be greatly missed but always remembered. Sleep well my friend.
Shirley Tebbutt
I was thinking and then Brain came into my mind - a story he was telling us, how early one morning Norma woke him up to get out of bed and he asked why, she said she needed to go to the loo. His answer was why don't you get out your side, her answer was because Bella (her cat) was comfortable and asleep, so dear Brain, as usual, did what he was told to do.
Tony and Patricia
Brian refused to let the inevitable consequences of age get in the way of him living life and he made sure he lived it to the last! Every hike, every moment, lived with youthful passion.
Nicola Vrey
Brian stayed with her the whole way, supportive and encouraging. At one stage Brian even pushed her bottom to get her over the next hurdle! The progress was slow but Brian remained with us for the entire climb to the top.
Karin
On a hike to Hanglip in Limpopo, we were standing topless outside the hut after a long hot day’s hiking. I was very fit and skinny at the time and Brian looked me up and down, slapped his belly and said: “You need to start drinking some bloody beer and get some meat on you”.
Pieter Vrey
Brian, Always there on a hike with a helping hand or
shoulder and waiting ever so patiently for us slow walkers. And of course, that
great sense of humour. Remembered with fond memories.
Dennis and Elise Le Roux
Time is too slow for those that wait
Too swift for those that fear
Too long for those that grieve
Too short for those who rejoice
But for those who love, time is eternity
Henry van Dyke
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