Home » Joost’s Memorial is Heartbreaking and Heartwarming as he Leaves Loftus for the Last Time

Joost’s Memorial is Heartbreaking and Heartwarming as he Leaves Loftus for the Last Time

45 white doves were released for every year of Joost van der Westhuizen’s short life. And beautiful tributes were delivered for the rugby hero, who became a legend when he fought a disease so bravely and publicly… and reached out to help others affected by the same Motor Neurone Disease (MND) with his J9 Foundation. Sports Minister […]

By SAPeople
10-02-17 16:07
in Eish!

45 white doves were released for every year of Joost van der Westhuizen’s short life. And beautiful tributes were delivered for the rugby hero, who became a legend when he fought a disease so bravely and publicly… and reached out to help others affected by the same Motor Neurone Disease (MND) with his J9 Foundation.

Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula delivered an awesome speech that was praised around the countrey for being beautiful, sincere and lightening the mood. Mbalula said Joost has been awarded an Official Provincial Funeral because “he is one of a kind, and is simply the best”. (Watch videos below.)

As testament to this, even World Rugby Chairman, Bill Beaumont, travelled to South Africa to pay his respects today.

Mbalula said Joost was a “national superstar and in the leagues of George Gregan and Jonah Lomu.”

Joost’s estranged (but close) wife, Amor Vittone, recounted memories of the man who was her first love, the man she will always love, and the man who is the father of her two children – Kylie and Jordan. Amor said Joost “gave the children love and showed them how to be a fighter”. In letters to their dad for his memorial Jordan (13) thanked him for being the best dad and the best rugby player of the world. He said: “I want to be the best sportsman like you, because you said I must work hard!! I will always love you to the moon and back. Daddy please tell God that Liverpool must win. You will never walk alone! I love you so much, Jordan.”

Kylie (10) said: “Dad, I’m sorry you had to go but you wanted to. I know you are having a blast in heaven. Love #1Dad. You will always be in my heart. I love you and no one will ever change that. I will never forget you, you will always be by my side. Remember you mean the world to me. I love you, from Kylie.”

Amor’s strength standing in front of the world today was both admirable… and heartbreaking.

Francois Piennaar said: “The class of 95 is saying goodbye to a legend.” (The whole team was present.)

And it was true. In 1995, the Springbok team that Joost was part of brought the country together. This week Joost has done it again. South Africans around the world have been wearing their green and gold in tribute to Joost, the man who fought hard for his country on the field… and off the field.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the stadium as Joost left the Loftus field for the last time.

Today was a fitting and fine tribute for a man who showed us how to be our best when life gives us our worst.

Watch Fikile Mbalula pays tribute to Joost van der Westhuizen

https://twitter.com/Iavan13/status/830037734743998465

Sumari (Sumi) Botha Performs Number 9 at Joost van der Westhuizen’s memorial service

PJ Powers sings The World in Union, in tribute to Joost

The Full Service – Joost van der Westhuizen’s memorial service

Watch Francois Pienaar at around 1:00:00; and Amor at around 1:20:00…