Godfrey Mocke started out with the class of 1960 but joined us in sixth form, where he was well liked for his good humour, benign nature, and gift for entertaining conversation. He also stood out from his peers for his red hair, fluency in Afrikaans, and enthusiastic participation in almost every sport the school had to offer. His particular forte was swimming, and he became captain of the school swim team. He also shared the Niekie Gerber Memorial Prize for Afrikaans.
After school Godfrey lived at varioius times in Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria, but he eventually settled in Fish Hoek on the Cape Peninsula, where he married Dorothy and raised his children Dawid, Jasper, and Annetjie.
Godfrey remained a keen swimmer all his life, and even in his sixties he thought nothing of diving into the ocean and swimming out to Robben Island, or taking a seasonal job as a life saver in Cornwall, England. All in all, he caculated that he had held 38 different jobs, the most recent as a collector of oustanding taxes for the SA Revenue Service.
Godfrey was an enthusiastic participant in the websites for the classes of 1960 and 1961, and enlivened the Tuck Shop Chit Chat with amusing narratives from his schooldays. He was also a welcome and cheerful presence at gatherings of old classmates in Cape Town in the last three years.
Godfrey remained active and athletic almost to the end, and in November 2012 he undertook a visit to Australia. He returned in time for his 70th birthday on 11 December, a joyous affair celebrated by his wide circle of friends. The following month Godfrey was diagnosed with a melanoma and incurable cancers of the lung and the brain. He received some medical treatment but chose to remain at home in palliative care wth his family. He remained steadfast, sustained by his firm Christian beliefs. After a mercifully short illness, Godfrey died on 11 February. He leaves his wife, three children, and one grandchild.
The 1961 Swim Team, with Godfrey as Captain
Still a very fit swimmer at 67 years old!
Godfrey with his wife Dorothy
|
Terence Dowdall
Godfrey was one of the most likeable members of our cohort of 1961. He had a genuine warmth and generosity of spirit in an abundance that set him apart from most of us. In my book he was that rarity among human beings - a genuinely good person. I always enjoyed his amiable banter at DHS, and enjoyed it just as much when we made contact again when these websites were set up. He leaves a real space in our cohort of classmates, because in some way he was one of our anchors - a loud, lively, positive presence. Go well, Godfrey.
David Sawers
Our paths have not crossed for many years, but as a result of the frequency that the Mocke name appeared in the press Godfrey was often in my thoughts. Another constant reminder is the 1961 1st XV picture behind my desk which has Godfrey on my right holding the school flag ( he was the official touch judge ) I loved his story about wrinkles in the Tuckshop Chit Chat. Wished I could have hooked up with him before he passed away. God Bless Godfrey.
Dave Sawers
Denis Moffatt
Godfrey was a good guy. What more can one say. I am sure all of our thoughts are with his family. He will be missed, and the fact that he hardly made it past his 70th is worrying as I am still paying for my own expensive bash!
I really find it hard to believe that we have recently also lost Jack and Clive, both really great people, and hope that we have made enough of an impact at the pearly gates over the last 12 months. These three fine people should be way beyond what we are expected to contribute.
Go well Godfrey, and thanks for the friendly competition in the pool.
Denny Moffatt
Peter Elstob
RIP Godfrey
Jenny & I would like to offer our condolences to Dorothy and family.
Godfrey was one of my closest friends at school and afterwards. He introduced me to the world of competitive swimming and to lifesaving at Durban Surf ....... Dorothy and Godfrey counselled me after my 1st engagement broke up in Cape Town ........ My wife Jenny and I only met in 2001 and found out that we had a very strong connection though Godfrey and her first husband John Bush. As you probably are aware John and Godfrey were virtually inseparable .... John has recently suffered a serious stroke and is in rehab in Cape Town Our wishes for a full recovery go out to John, Di and their family.
I have many happy memories of time spent with Godfrey and Dorothy in the past years.
We hope to get down to Cape Town in the next month to visit our friends there.
Roy Henry
ROY HENRY
The best team man ever. A very good mate to everyone in the year of 61.
Godfrey was instantly accepted by everyone with whom he came into contact - always humorous, refreshingly honest, sincere, solid.
As touch judge for the 1st XV he would encourage each player with calls from the touch line, and they responded.
The fun days on Durbans North Beach at the Nest would always be more fun for everyone with Godfrey's warm disposition leaving you smiling and happier for spending time with him.
A special man! Go well Godfrey!