I was really upset to get the news that the last Irishman living in Oranjemund passed away last night.
A good friend of my late father, Tom Parkhill passed away in his sleep last night at his Guesthouse in Oranjemund.
Tom was a resident in Oranjemund since the mid 70's and spent the last few years conducting business in Cape Town.
He had only returned recently.
He was a very popular member of the local community and a friend to many.
Our condolences to the family and all his friends who shall miss this larger than life character....
This was indeed shocking news uncle Tom worked with my dad at engine bay for many years. I spent an evening last week with uncle Tom remembering the days at the riding club, a few interesting stories about my dad, I left that evening feeling good having spent time with the man who had so much to say, we hugged each other and I left. All I can say is "Uncle Tom thank you for the memorable stories" you will always remain in my mind rest in peace and condolences to freinds and family
RIP Tom Parkhill, a character of note and a dear friend to my Dad, particularly in his last years... image 11
Now who is going to drink all that whiskey with Kelvin when he celebrates his 18th, wedding day and birth of his first child Tom? It is a very treasured gift!
May you RIP - I can only imagine the reunion you are having with Jock..... cheers
love10
R.I.P Tom Parkhill will always remember your stories . Was great to sit and listen to you and my dad to all hours of the night / morning .
Condolences to the family
Got this posting from Danny Meyer's Facebook page.
"BEER is my favoured beverage. Has been for yonks, but this evening I will end the day (and working week) with an Irish whiskey.
I fondly recall a ritual of many years. Consuming a pint or three of beer, that tasty honey coloured beverage of a mildly intoxicating nature, at Harare Club in the company of good friends and business associates. Leaving at 19:00 to dine with Thea and our youngsters, at one-or-another of Harare's many excellent eateries.
So why this Friday evening change from beer to whiskey? It is the way I wish to remember my dear and now late friend, Tom Parkhill.
Tom Parkhill and I first met on 20 September 2006 when a colleague and I stayed at his guest house in Oranjemund, a 'closed' (restricted entry) diamond mine town on the Namibian side of the Orange River mouth.
Over just short of a decade, Tom and I cultivated a solid friendship. Resultantly whenever circumstances and travels permitted, we spent many happy hours together in either Cape Town or Oranjemund.
Go well 'Sheriff of Oranjemund' my opening greeting whenever we met. This was followed, for you over a whiskey and me with a beer, by that lovely Irish toast, 'May you be in heaven an hour before the devil knows you are dead'.
Tom, I know we never agreed on this this score, but you will forgive me for sharing my view with others too, on the difference between Scottish and Irish whiskey. Buddy, as I always told you, it lies in the spelling - Irish whiskey includes an 'e'!
We never did make that trip to Zambia and Zimbabwe, two countries you always wanted to visit. Go well dear friend. I shall miss, but always remember you.
Photos: The late great Tom Parkhill, entrepreneur par excellence, friend and Sheriff of Oranjemund. Additionally - photos taken in and around Oranjemund"
Memorial Service Details!