Well-known figure loses cancer battle

ROB KNOWLES

KENTON-ON-SEA and Bushman's River Mouth lost one of its adopted sons on Friday April 13, when Walter (Wally) Kitcat died following a brief battle with cancer.

A St Andrew's old boy, Kitcat, 75, was a well known as a businessman, sportsman, lay preacher and a campaigner for the rights of the people of his area.

GOODBYE WALLY: On Friday April 13 long-time resident of Kenton/Bushman's, Walter Kitcat, following a brief illness, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family. His funeral was held at St David's Church in Kenton on Monday April 16 Picture: FILE

In his youth he achieved many sporting accolades, specifically being awarded Eastern Province colours for hockey and squash. Throughout his life Kitcat loved the game of golf, and would while away the hours playing at the Royal Port Alfred Golf Club where he was a senior member.

The son of a missionary priest, Kitcat was born in Grahamstown in February 1937, his father's last posting. He attended St Andrew's College where his sporting prowess made him a popular student.

After leaving school he joined the Ford Motor Company selling and marketing tractors. In the mid 1970s Kitcat, who was working from Port Elizabeth, saw an opportunity to move to his beloved Kenton/Bushman's, and started an estate realty business there, Sea Cottage Estates, the longest serving independent estate agency in Kenton, Bushman's and the surrounding area.

He also served as president of the Kenton Chamber of Business.

When his first partner in Sea Cottage Estates, John Beaufort, died his share was purchased by Dave Malherbe, who worked closely with Kitcat from the mid 2000s.

"Wally was a good man who will be sorely missed by everyone in Kenton,” said Malherbe.

Minister of St David's in Bushman's, Terry Beadon, who also performed the funeral service for his late friend, said Kitcat was only diagnosed with cancer just before Christmas last year.

"Fortunately, Wally did not seem to be in pain when he passed away,” said Beadon. "And he died in his own bed surrounded by those he loved.

"There were four things that made Wally the man he was. First was the love and dedication he felt for his family. Next was his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Thirdly, Wally was a good businessman,” Beadon continued.

"And, finally, Wally was a gifted sportsman.”

Kitcat's family expressed their wish that accolades not be heaped upon him, rather preferring a private funeral at St David's last Monday.

Kitcat is survived by his wife, Val, his son, David, and two grandchildren, Emily and Christopher.