David Bouwer

Fly high little brother…. We had so many plans for when we were old, now you’re flying those golden wings, with that heart of gold, on your golden highway. We weren’t only siblings, we shared a soul and were the best of friends. In all our years, we never fought or argued. Just always there for each other. I’m not sure how I’m going to live life without you, my heart is absolutely broken, but I know God will carry us through and I know you’ll always be around watching over everyone, just like you’ve always done.

I love you so much and always will xxx

Our thoughts are with you. Love Derill and Joy

I met David and Faye when I was, I think, 18 or 19 years old — 33 years ago now. Faye and I had a part-time job at Checkers in Lynnwood, I believe it was called the Glen Fair Shopping Centre. Over time, I grew very close to both Faye and David, and I became a frequent visitor at their parents’ home.

David, you were such an amazing son, brother, and friend. The respect you had for people — no matter their colour or creed — was inspiring. You had a heart of gold. The Bouwer family was incredibly close-knit, and your family values were something to truly admire.

Even though you were younger than Faye and me, you always looked out for us when we went out — like a big brother, always there in quiet strength.

When news of your passing came, my mother, Rabia — who worked at Cardies in the same shopping centre — shared her own memories of you. She said that Cardies was always your first stop, and you’d ask her if there was anything she needed. Sometimes you’d even bring her a chocolate. She remembered the deep conversations, the laughter you shared — and while telling me these little stories, she burst into tears and said:

"Yoemna, David was a pure gentleman. He was like a son to me. I will forever love and cherish the memories we shared."

Faye, my friend from so many years ago — even though we haven’t seen each other in such a long time, we somehow kept in contact. You’ve lost your brother and your best friend. I have no words. David’s sudden passing has left us all in shock. All I can say is: hold onto the memories you shared with him. They are precious and eternal.

Mr. and Mrs. Bouwer — my heart is broken for you. You raised a wonderful son, full of respect, kindness, and love. I lost my own son to cancer in 2023, and I know the deep pain of losing a child. The road ahead will be painful and hard, but with time, it does get gentler. May David always remain in your hearts and memories.

Rest in peace, David. You will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved you.

Dear Dave
We knew you for a minute
We will remember you for a lifetime!
Ride free forever
With love
Zane and Christine

Dear Auntie Gloria, Uncle Gordon & Faye

I am heartbroken about the unexpected loss of your beloved son & brother. There are no words that can ease the pain but know that my thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time.

He was taken far too soon, and I can only imagine the depth of your grief. I hope you can find comfort in the love that surrounds you and the memories you shared with him.

Rip dear David
Gone too soon and missed by so many who loved you.
I will cherish the memory of your bubbly personality, lovely chuckle and beautiful blue eyes.
Your heartbroken Godmother

Dear Bouwzer,

I was immediately drawn back to memories of our childhood and all the fun times we had at school together in CBC. I was finally able to show my boys a picture of you with long hair...they didn't believe it was you. After a gap of many years, we reconnected a few years ago. Thanks to your indomitable spirit ,we had our own reunion party with Patrick and Gus at your home. I will always remember that evening and your giving heart.
Callum and Bryce were heartbroken, and couldn't believe that the Pirate has left us. You will remain in their hearts and memories for years to come.
David,I have lost a great friend, and an even greater human being.
May your Wings carry you to the great beyond where we will meet up again one day.
Love,Kyle, Liza, Callum and Bryce

Pave Dave, your mischievous smile and antics will certainly be missed, a great memory I have of you 21 years ago when I worked at Honda Centurion, you used to wheel me outside onto the “pavement” on my work chair! Always joking and laughing!
You had so much life left to live,
So many sunrises to wake up to,
So many more memories to make,
So much more adventures ahead,
It will forever be so sad that you didn’t get that time!
Ride high in the clouds above my friend as you watch over your dear family. Sincere condolences to Barb’s, family and friends.

May his soul protect us and watch over us .his soul is now in a safer place , he became a father to me that I never had and I am thankful to have had that feeling of a father son bond . He was a loving husband, father brother, son and friend . His soul is riding forever now .

Brother
It's been the hardest thing to lose you
You meant so much to me
But you are in my heart, Brother And that's where you'll always be I know that Heaven called you But I wish you could have stayed At least the memories I have of you They will never fade
I did not want to lose you But you did not go alone
Because a part of me went with you When Heaven called you home
So just remember one thing
We are not apart
You're with me in my memories And in my broken heart xxx

My dearest brother David, aka Tristan

To me, you were always Tristan. You had the spirit, strength and courage of a Lion. There was something extraordinary about you — a strength, a fire, and a heart so full of love that it lit up every room you walked into. You weren’t just my best friend for 35
33 years — you became my brother, my family.

Love is a terrifying thing. It's not safe, because when you love someone, you have to face the fact that you could lose them. And now, here I am, facing the unbearable truth that you’re gone. But I wouldn’t trade a single second of knowing you — even if it means living with this heartbreak — because being loved by you, and loving you, was one of the greatest blessings of my life.

Sometimes, life throws an unexpected wrench in our way. It might be that you're in jeopardy of losing your health, your career, your home, your freedom — or worst of all, that you might even find out that a loved one has died. These moments shake you. They make you realize how very precious life is, how sacred every second truly is, and how vital it is to cherish the people we care about.

You, David, made life shine. You were joy, mischief, loyalty, and deep compassion all wrapped in one beautiful soul. You made people laugh. You always helped people. You gave your heart freely, and you made our hearts smile every single day.

It was my greatest joy and honor and one of the best days of my life when you walked me down the aisle to give me away at my wedding. That moment — your strength, your pride, your love — it meant the world to me. It was truly special, and I will never forget it, brother. You had the bridal party in fits of laughter ,hence us being 45 minutes late for the wedding...

There’s an ache inside me that words can’t reach. All the stars have been calling your name ever since you went away. There will never be another like you, I miss you more than I can say. And even though you're gone, I promise — I will never forget you!!

Thank you for every beautiful memory, for the laughs, our bike drives, tears, comfort, and unconditional love.

Time is a gift — every minute and every second. We must surround ourselves with people who make our hearts smile. And you, my beautiful brother, certainly did that. That’s the secret to find true happiness in this world..

And so my dearest brother Tristan, it will be in the gardens of memories, in the palace of dreams, that we will meet again. Until then, rest safe, fly with the angels, and know — truly know — that you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Goodbye for now, Ti we meet again. I’ll carry you with me, always.

Tracy Tinks

RIP dear David. 🙏🏻 Always kind and supportive. Love and condolences to his family and my dear friends Gordon, Gloria and Faye. 🙏🏻💐

Dear Uncle Dave (aka Uncle Tristan),

Thank you for being the incredible human that you were — and still are in spirit. Your vibrant soul, rock-star personality, and unstoppable zest for life left a mark on everyone who knew you!

Thank you for being the best of friends and a true brother to my mom, Tracy. Thank you for teaching Carla and me how to drive a four-wheeler, for always encouraging us to try — even when we crashed once or twice haha and for being so cool about.

Most of all, thank you for being the amazing person you are — a loving husband to Aunty Barbie and a devoted father to Cap-Cap and Blade.

You are sorely missed and deeply loved. May God be with you and bless every step of your journey in heaven.
Keep on rocking.

Love you always,
Chané Moraites

David Bouwer aka Triston
What a great privilege it was to have known you. I will always remember you for who you were: genuine, funny, unselfish, crazy and authentic. Extremely hard working and dedicated.
Your son can be proud of you, and so can you. What a great man he will grow up to be.. I salute you and rest well my friend.
Jean Pohl

Dave , Thank you for everything you have tought me.Sorry about the nissan 1400 that I wrote off in the drive way(coffin on wheels as Themba said)and thursdays I didn’t come to work because of babelas but i knew , you knew.

Will never forget the day in the bakkie on the way to mokopane for moering the galvanize sizes into me with those silver rings. You were an master plumber and feared none. I will truly miss you and thanks for everything cheers for now.

Your Old appy
- Anton

Life is an uncertain journey,
Never knowing what’s around the next bend.
Never realizing what a difference one second can make,
Nor knowing who will be your next friend.

Life has it’s ups and downs,
Life can humble you when you’re riding high.
Sometimes, you know pure happiness,
Other times, you want to do nothing but cry.

I think the purest thing life offers,
Is the love of family and friends,
Not the one's who are there in fair weather,
But the one's there through thick and thin.

When a friend like this leaves your life,
Your memories keep them alive.
You carry them in your heart every day,
Allowing their spirit to survive.

I'll think of you often throughout my life,
Until my time reaches the end.
So keep an eye out for my arrival one day,
So we can reminisce of good times, my old friend.

RIP Dave, we miss you Brother, and until we meet again, let the memories keep you alive.

Hilton & Crusaders Sin City crew

Gordon, Gloria and Faye,
Our condolences on your bereavement. We know how proud you were of David. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Towards the end of our Matric year 1991 , Dave and I took a 6 pack of beer and walked down to Struben Dam in Lynnwood Glen. We got to our usual spot to find a newly fitted bench with freshly laid concrete………………….32 years later, 7.10.2023 we returned to find our bench, along with inscribed date 24.09.1991 with our handprints, knuckleduster imprints and scribbles of our anagram code names. Taking a seat while enjoying our customary beverage along with Grandpa headache powders in the late afternoon we reminisced over our school years, partying and working early weekend hours in Checkers Bakery together, where Dave always brought in his Boom Box and pumped his mix tapes. Yes we were bloody naughty and got up to mischief a lot but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Goodbye for now Dovak, love you always my brother, Akdov.

"To the man who raced through life with a grin and a throttle wide open…

You left us too soon, but if anyone could outrun the Reaper on a motorbike, it was you. Heaven’s gates just got a lot noisier, and I pity the angels trying to keep up with your legendary joyrides.

You were the kind of friend who’d turn a grocery run into an adventure, a quiet street into a racetrack, and every bad day into a joke. Even now, I can hear your bike revving past my house—probably breaking the sound barrier—just to remind us you’re still here in spirit (and probably doing wheelies on a cloud).

A never-die attitude, a heart bigger than your engine, and a laugh that could drown out an exhaust pipe. You were a one-of-a-kind husband, father, and friend—a true legend who taught us all to live loud, love hard, and always check the oil.

Save me a seat on your celestial ride, mate. Until then, keep the skies thunderous and the heavens smiling.

PS: If St. Peter tries to give you a speeding ticket… you know what to do."

“May your final ride be easy, and the road stretch far and wide.
May each bend feel like a gentle curve, ’til the horizon meets the sky.
May the rush of the wind whisper in your ear, and the sun glint in your eye.
May you ride along this road with grace, as the sun sets, and falls from the sky.

Our beloved son, it’s too hard to comprehend we’ve lost the best son any parent could ever wish for…. We fought to have you born on the same day as your Da and we got it right. You’ve been a son like no other. Our hearts are shattered, but we know you didn’t suffer and you went the way you always said you wanted to. You were always there for everyone, day and night.

You started your business, Plumbing Wizard, in 1999 with one assistant, old Mike. Staff varied from 40 at one stage to 16 permanent workers currently. These are all devastated and mourning Dave, their boss and friend, as much as we are.
You had a solution to every problem and would come rushing over if ever we needed you. God truly handed out the best son when he gave us you. Like your sister says, how are we to do life without you, but we know God will carry us through and you’ll always be here with us and in our hearts and soul.

We’ll never stop loving you and counting our blessings for having such an exceptional son.

Love you with all our hearts.
Da and Mama Bear xxxx