MOSSEL BAY NEWS - With much sadness, the learners and teachers from Erica Primary, members of community and the parents of Leathon Ohlson said a sad farewell at a memorial service held in the school hall on Wednesday 8 June.

In memory of Leathon, it was decided that a Garden of Remembrance be made in order to honour all learners from Erica Primary who have passed away at a young age.

A special variegated Milkwood tree that is not easily found in the area, was planted on the school field by the principal, Mr Fielies, in the presence of all the teachers and learners

Ms Emere, the teacher who initiated the tree planting project, encouraged the learners to look after the tree and called it the ‘Leathon Tree’.

"The tree is a rare tree, just like each child is a rare and special gift which cannot be replaced," Teacher Emere said.

"If taken care of, the tree will serve to remind learners for years to come of their dear friends who were called to heaven early. It will provide shade from the heat on a hot day and is planted in a position where it will be one of the first trees a visitor to the school will see, a thing of beauty, just like each child whose future we hold in our hands."

The Garden of Remembrance will also remember the following learners:
Brian Galulu, Deverauy Groenewald, Dyllan MacKock, Arthur Damons, Andy Nuwegeld, Fernell Pietersen, Brian Booysen and Frikkie Makunga who was a worker at Erica.

The Chairperson of Erica's Parent Council, Mr De Jager thanked Ms Emere for the initiative and the teachers for the important role they play in the learners' lives.

Six year old Leathon tragically died on 1 June after a bakkie reversed over him while he was standing behind it outside a cafe.


Teacher Emere from Erica Primary who initiated the Garden of Remembrance project.


The learners of Erica Primary gathered around to watch the ‘Leathon Tree’ be planted.

PHOTOS: MELISSA  HILLS