To my legend Uncle, From my earliest memories you have always been like a mentor and a positive father to me, you will be sadly missed and never forgotten. One of my earliest memories of you and aunty Hester taking me to see my first flick at the drive in, Jungle Book, to many weekends spent at your house, around the pool, at the NSRI clubhouse, in guppys garage. I remember you often coming over to our house to cut Guppys hair, often in your suit and tie, you fetching me one day and saying to my folks, "I'm taking boy with me to fetch Jacques at Varsity" then driving with you to Port Elizabeth, stopping over at Beavers Pies in Port Alfred for a bite, so many memories, in fact too many to mention here. The name tin tin has always stuck. Always supported me so much, it's unheard of and probably the best Uncle / Nephew relationship ever heard of. To Jacques and Shelly, I have not always done things right and have made mistakes, your patience and Mom and Dad's lessons have helped navigate me to where I am today and without their and your love and influence in those early years, I would be absolutely nowhere today. I owe you and your family a debt of gratitude. I love you always and forever. Uncle Johnny is up there in heaven, smiling down on everyone for sure, he has left a legacy of family that are legends on the roll. This message goes to a true Master Skipper, Pillar of Strength and Integrity, of Class and Pedigree that defines the best of our entire family, especially the VENTER family name. Everyone can look up to you but very few can even try match what you have achieved. Sending a message of love, hope and peace to Aunty Hester and the family in New Zealand. God Bless. Rest well, Until we see you again Uncle Johnny 👌 love Keifie and family

Uncle Johny, and family looking back at photos that pop up every now and then to remind us of the amazing times we had the privilege to spend with you. The stories you and Aunty Hes told about your adventures and the love, commitment and life you both spent together will always be in our hearts and only a testament of what marriage is about. We remember when Chris dropped off a whole load of wood for you, the excitement and ideas of what you were planning on doing, showing us your workshop and the amazing things you had made already made us feel like we were home (family) Welcoming our family into yours was nothing short of feeling loved . We remember the farm visits, the fire going the music the laughs the dancing on the deck, where you and Candice went for a couple of spins on the dance floor, we remember you and aunty Hes just laughing at all our crazy games, it has been a precious moments that we will never forget. We pray that Aunty Hes finds peace in knowing you are safe and that God will comfort her in this time. We will cherish every moment spent with you, we will miss those times until we meet again Uncle J. Loves Chris, Charlene, Bianca and Tiaan

Uncle Johnny we have so many fond memories of you. Will never forget the big Mexican hat. You always made our kids laugh. May you rest in peace my dearest Uncle. Please protect Aunty Hes with your angel wings. She will need all the protection and comfort. Till we all meet again.

It is with a very heavy heart we write this tribute our dearest rafiki Johnny . Our times with Johnny and Hester were so special and lodged in our hearts forever. We met at the Dar es Salaam yacht club and there was an instant connection between us all. We all loved boats and sailing in that amazing part of the world. Sanyati was johnny and Hester's baby as they sailed her along the coast of East Africa. Great days sailing together and enjoying evenings of fun and chats and laughter , drinking rum and coke (wine for the ladies) and meeting more friends. One particular night 12 of us were all sitting around the quarter deck together and realised there were six of us “John’s “ sitting around in the group! When we moved down to the south coast of Dar es Salaam Johnny and Hester came to stay with us for weekends and together we forged some amazing memories. With Janine and Deon. Freddie and Ina and Rich. One New Year’s Eve we fired up some expired rescue parachute flares on the beach at the stroke of midnight . Maybe 2010. The flare was blown back right onto the beach and almost landed in our boat anchored there and right next to us.  What a crazy fun freak out night !! We can’t count the nights of our Wednesday night club eating and laughing our hearts out at Anghiti restaurant (Indian). Such amazing food and friends. Johnny was a master in everything he did in his life and could fix anything. Eight years of friendship enriched our lives and made memories that will last for ever .  Our thoughts and love now go to Hester and their kids and grandkids . It will be a difficult road ahead dear Hester and please know you are in our thoughts and we will always be there for you. Johnny will always be with you . And us too. We love you both. Fair winds and calm seas Johnny. All our love  John and Liria

Dear Uncle Johnny and family, Throughout our stay in New Zealand, Uncle Johnny and all of you welcomed us with warmth and kindness, making us feel like we had family here. We will always remember the stories he and Aunty Hester shared together. Their life together was a beautiful story to love, friendship, and commitment, and we will always cherish the moments spent listening to their stories. We will miss Uncle Johnny, but the love he shared with us will live on. Sending all our love to the family during this time. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories you shared with him. With love, Diego, Casey & Grae.

Dear Hester So sorry to hear of the passing of your precious husband, Johnny. Jacques and Michelle a very loving and caring father. Dale and Elizabeth an exceptional father in law, grand children a fun filled man always with a hug and a smile... deepest sympathy to exteded family and may God give you peace and comfort... Lots of love, Marlene and family.

To my cousin Johnny: It takes me way back to our school years where, as cousins we were 5 boys ( Johnny and Archie my brothers Johann, Pierre and myself. Both our dads were very strong physically and Johnny and johann were the same. I still remember Johnny holding a bully on the ground during a school break time and was so impressed. However, that was not his personality, he was smart, reliable and respectful. After Johnny eventually left our home town, we lost contact with him travelling the world working in many countries. Two years ago I contacted him as we moved to NZ and was thrilled to have spent a weekend at Wellsford with him, Hester and family. The hospitality was incredible and we feel so blessed to have had that Tim with him. Rest in peace Hohnny we’ll all miss you but never forget you- love to Hester and family. 🙏🥰

Tribute to Johnny — Brother, Uncle, Family Pillar Johnny, you touched our lives in ways you may never have truly known. Your life, your marriage, and the example you set have been a deep source of inspiration for the younger generation in our family — encouraging us to strive for more, to be better, and to live with purpose and integrity. Though we may not have always had the chance to spend as much personal time together as we would have liked, every moment shared with you felt like family — warm, real, and filled with love. Your presence will be sorely missed, but your spirit will continue to live on in each of us, in the stories we share, and in the lives you've helped shape. May God comfort Hester, your beloved wife, and your children, Jacques and Michelle, in this time of sorrow. With love, Marius and the Simpson Family

Tribute to Uncle Johnny – A Cherished Godfather and Beloved Uncle Uncle Johnny wasn’t just family—he was the heart of so many of our memories. As Candice’s Godfather, he held a special place in our lives, always bringing warmth, laughter, and that unmistakable spark wherever he went. I still remember the day I went into labor with Candice—when the nurses asked who the father was, without missing a beat, Uncle Johnny joked, “I am!” We still laugh about that moment to this day. That was him—full of life, always ready with a laugh, and never missing a chance to lighten the moment. Our family get-togethers were never complete without Uncle Johnny at the center. Whether it was cutting watermelons and mischievously rubbing them into the children's faces, or leading our backyard cricket games with his competitive spirit and laughter, those were the days that made our family feel like home. One of the fondest memories I hold is our 2019 visit to New Zealand. Spending that time together, sharing stories, and just being in each other’s company—those moments are priceless, and I will cherish them always. Uncle Johnny, thank you for your love, your laughter, and the memories you gave us. You were one of a kind, and you will always live in our hearts. With love and gratitude, Till we meet again. We love you.

I have known you for most of my life. You married Hester when I was 2 years old and from that day you weren't my brother-in-law but became my brother whom I loved with all my heart. Thank you for being the best husband to my sister and the best dad and granddad anyone could wish for. Today we celebrate your life and boy what a life you've had! You have travelled the world and been to places that most people would have given anything to see. You found your person and lived your life always putting her and your children first. You loved your grandchildren unconditionally and everyone could feel and see that love. Your intelligence and bright mind was something else! Loved to listen to your stories of the ocean which you loved so much. John know that you are loved dearly and you will always be remembered with love ...and loads of it. I will miss your kindness, your sense of humour and everything else that made you Johnny. Rest well in the arms of Jesus. Love you to the moon and back always ..

Uncle John, you were not only our uncle, but our father and grandfather here in NZ. You have left such a big gap in our lives, but a gap that is filled with the most amazing memories and so much love. You were a strong, talented man with a great sense of humour. You lived the best life. You worked hard, travelled the world and loved with all your heart. The love and respect you and Aunty Hes shared in your marriage, right till the end, was such a privilege for us to witness. True role models of what a marriage should be and if we have half of what you two shared then we consider ourselves the luckiest. You are everywhere in our home. From the bar chairs you made us, to the trolleys’s for Manu’s tools and all the other bits and bobs. You will always live on in our home and in our hearts. We promise to always keep your memory alive. We also promise to try remember, after every party “to know when to hold and know when to fold”. We respect you. We will miss you and we will always love you ❤️ Till we meet again for another sherry our legend ❤️

Tribute to a Legend – Uncle Johnny Uncle Johnny, you were truly one of a kind. A legend in every sense of the word. So many good memories flood our hearts when we think of you—your laughter, your wisdom, your stories, and the way you made everyone feel like family. We feel incredibly honored to have seen you in New Zealand earlier this year, in 2025. It was a blessing to share that time together, to laugh, to reminisce, and to create even more precious memories that we’ll carry with us always. Your legacy lives on in every heart you touched. Thank you for the love, the lessons, and the laughter. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Uncle Johnny. Forever in our hearts. ❤️

A Tribute to My Little Brother Johnny – The One I Spoiled and Will Always Cherish From the moment Johnny came into my life, he wasn’t just my younger brother — he was my heart. I took it upon myself to look out for him, spoil him, and protect him like only an older sibling can. And honestly? I loved every second of it. I used to sneak him snacks when no one was looking, let him win games (sometimes), and defend him even when he was clearly the one causing trouble. He had this mischievous smile that made it impossible to stay mad at him — and he knew it. Johnny had a way of wrapping everyone around his little finger, but with me, it wasn’t even a fight. I was wrapped from day one. As we grew older, he didn’t stay “little” for long — not in heart, not in strength, not in spirit. He became a man I admired deeply. Kind, loyal, brave… still funny, still full of life, still the Johnny I adored. And even when life threw him its toughest challenge, he faced it with a strength that left us all in awe. Cancer may have taken his body, but it could never take the love he gave, the memories we shared, or the bond that was built from a lifetime of sibling love — the kind of love that never fades. I will always remember how I used to spoil you, Johnny… but you grewup you spoiled me, it was you who gave me the greater gift. Your life, your fight, your laughter — they changed me, shaped me, and will stay with me forever. You’ll always be my little brother. And I’ll always be proud to have been your sister. Rest easy, Johnny. I love you endlessly. Till we meet again.

Your passing has been such a hard thing to deal with , my heart breaks every time i think of you not being here, i keep reliving the moment i first met you nearly 5 years ago , you came walking up the drive with a spring in your sept , your little sun hat on and looked up with a massive smile , looked me straight in the eye and said "'HI I'm Johnny "" shook my hand and said welcome , right there and then i thought to myself " We will get on " Since that day i have had nothing but respect and love for you and your amazing family, Little did you know that Mel and i had been to Hell and back and how you and your family helped us get our lives back on track and we became part of the family , i will miss the time/talks and advice you sheared out in you little workshop , i'm just going to miss you so much mate .Love you always and will do all i can to help the love of your life Hesta and Michelle in anyway any time Love and will always remember the time i had with you.