Rhodes graduate, Dean Du Chenne (22) died after being struck by lightning in Calgary, Canada.
Rhodes graduate, Dean Du Chenne (22) died after being struck by lightning in Calgary, Canada.
Du Chenne and two others were working on a fence at Sears Ranch Beaver Camp during the late afternoon on Thursday 22 July, when a thunderstorm rolled over. After taking safety precautions, the group were heading back to their truck, when Du Chenne was hit by a bolt of lightning.
Du Chenne was taken to hospital and placed on life support. He died the next morning.
The three friends that Du Chenne was travelling with have returned to South Africa to attend the funeral. His family are still in the process of arranging for his body to be transported home.
Tracey Chambers from the Communications Division at Rhodes, it is a tragedy losing such a capable young man.
Du Chenne’s Facebook page has overflowed with kind words and loving memories from friends and family. A Facebook group has also been set up for friends to share memorable moments and pay tribute to a young man who put a smile on everyone’s face.
“I am honoured to have known such an incredible person; you have touched the lives of everyone who knew you. Your legend will live on forever,” said devastated friend Kayla Forbes.
A close friend Cari Haakonsen bid farewell with a poem.
“May the road rise to meet you / May the sun shine warm upon your face / The rains fall soft upon your fields / And until we meet again / May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”
Du Chenne, who was from Ballito, first came to Grahamstown in 2006. He spent four years studying at Rhodes, and graduated with a Bachelor in Social Sciences.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday 4 August at 2.30pm at the Parish of The Blessed Sacrament, 2 Newport Avenue, Virginia, Durban North and then at Berea Rovers in Durban. Chambers says that the university will hold a memorial service for Du Chenne after the funeral takes place.
He leaves behind parents Dennis and Dianne and sisters, Janet and Claire.
