Leigh Holloway

Dearest Leigh
Lots and lots of love to you and your family and friends.
I was lucky to have you as a friend.
I will remember you for ever because you are lodged in my heart.

Leigh and I met in 1976 in Pitssburgh, Pennsylvania where we were both American Field Service (AFS) students for a year, graduating from High School in 1977.
We hit it off immediately and remained lifelong friends visiting each other in the UK and South Africa.
My American host, Arthur Erbe, who also knew Leigh, wrote me a poem in 1977 called a fragile gift.
I'd like to dedicate it now to Leigh, my wonderful, intelligent, bubbly, fiesty and passionate friend.

A Fragile Gift

I feel the tossing wind of words
That sweeps the feelings wet and dry
Curling deep and biting hard
The raw and tender shielded eye.

They soar and dip and grind and fall
Like changes in the moods inside
With leaf-like settling near a root
They flutter softly and subside.

What to say when they are done?
How to find the choicest one?
The way to love is cluttered sweet
With foliage deep and twigs unsung.

I rake them gently in a pile
And handle them like just-blown glass
Searching for the perfect one
To polish clearly unsurpassed.

I give you this...the ones I found
From the many tossed behind.
Guard them tenderly with trust
They are the inner core of mind.

Arthur Erbe 1977

Much love and many fond memories helped shape a year of growth and understanding. You are always in my thoughts dearest Leigh.

Love always Charlotte and Mike

Leigh, what an inspiration you have been to so many. Your zest for Life, your generosity of spirit, your compassion were truly marvellous.

I miss your presence in my life, my dear sister.

Dear Leigh,

Nick and I were just at our kitchen table, wine in hand, remembering how you brought us together - you were there at the very start of our office romance. As we dream about moving to a little farm cottage outside Amsterdam, we often think of Welbeloond and the beautiful home and life you created. You inspired us to dream big.

You’re one of the strongest, smartest, kindest, and most generous woman I know, and you’ve had a part in shaping who I am today. Sunday evenings at your kitchen table - garden-to-plate meals, bottomless wine, and the best company - are memories I’ll treasure forever. Thank you for taking Harvey in; a one-in-a-million dog - memories of him at Welbeloond and Tokai forest will always be cherished.

Thank you for being one of my rocks during my PhD, for sharing hugs, ears, and wine, and for celebrating milestones like my graduation and that unforgettable “Where’s Wally” 21st birthday.

To my size-9 shoe babe - thank you for sharing boots and scarves I still treasure.

One of my favourite sayings is that we become the average of the people we spend the most time with. My goodness, I’m so lucky to have you forever in my average.

Always in our minds and hearts.

Love

Jenna

Dear Leigh,

Words cannot express how honoured I am that our paths crossed. You have not only brought so much laughter, love and wisdom into my life but you also gifted me with the worlds best friend and for that I am eternally grateful.

We will always cheers an extra one for you.

I love you forever,
Jess xx

Dearest Leigh
You are one of the bravest, smartest and most positive people I have ever had the privilege of knowing, and you will always be an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing your precious daughter with me and for trusting me to look after her while she lived with us in London, and now in your stead. I promise I will. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend time with you in the good days as well as during your final weeks. Your grace and sense of humour right until the end were remarkable. You have left an incredible legacy during your extraordinary life - your talented children, your beautiful home and all the wonderful memories created with friends that will be cherished forever. I look forward to spending time with you again in your beautiful garden when I visit Welbeloond. Keep shining Leigh. Much love. Nin xx