Popular teacher always had smile
A SMILE that could light up a room and a laugh that could vibrate it, is what Angelo Pieterse, 47, will be fondly remembered for.
The Hillside High School history teacher died on October 3 from a heart attack, while officiating at the national schools' weightlifting tournament in Bloemfontein.
Pieterse taught at Hillside for almost two decades and was a integral part of its staff, heading up both the schools rugby and weightlifting programmes. His knowledge and experience in these two sports also saw him fill the position of Eastern Province Schools administrator in both.
Acting principal William Jansen said Pieterse was a very happy individual who was always willing to help.
"The pupils and staff of Hillside will sorely miss our teacher, colleague and friend. He was the type of person who always had a smile on his face, and was very straight forward as well.
"His very well attended funeral at the New Apostolic Church in Cleary Park was testament to the influence he had on everyone he met. All the jokes he made and the way he could lift any spirit will ensure that he is never forgotten."
He once said: "Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision."