06/08/2025
On what would have been Colin Kroukamp's 63rd birthday, his wife Daleen and daughter Chanté chose to honour his memory not with tears, but with acts of kindness that reflected the generous spirit he carried throughout his life.
The journey that brought them to Stepping Stone Hospice's New Market facility began during the difficult days of December 2024. On the 16th of that month, Colin suffered a major stroke that affected the right side of his body, leaving him unable to speak.
As if this devastating blow wasn't enough, medical tests revealed the possibility of pancreatic cancer, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already heartbreaking situation.
"We picked up that he possibly had pancreatic cancer," Daleen said, her voice carrying the weight of those challenging weeks. By mid-January, Colin was discharged from Germiston hospital, with doctors explaining they had done all they could. For Daleen, this presented an overwhelming new reality.
"I had no idea what to do, how to set up for him in order to accommodate him at home because this was new for me," she explains. In her moment of uncertainty, she reached out to Sr Margi at Stepping Stone Hospice, a call that would provide both practical guidance and emotional support during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
Sr Margi walked Daleen through the entire process, explaining how to set up proper care at home and what warning signs to watch for. The hospice team had even arranged to conduct a home visit to provide additional support. However, before they could make that visit, Colin peacefully passed away.
Months later, as Colin's first birthday after his passing approached, Daleen and Chanté decided to transform their grief into something meaningful. Instead of dwelling on the sadness of his absence, they chose to celebrate his life through generosity – a quality that had defined Colin throughout his years.
"Today was Colin's first birthday after his passing and I decided to show acts of kindness in his memory," Daleen shared. Together, mother and daughter arrived at the hospice carrying bags filled with thoughtful donations: extra nappies, wipes, beautiful flowers, comfortable cushions, and a mobile toilet – all practical items that would directly benefit current patients and their families.
Chanté, reflecting on her father's character, added warmth to the tribute: "My father was an amazing person who was very much involved in the Alberton community and who had a very good sense of humour." Her words paint a picture of a man who touched many lives, someone who found joy in community service and could bring laughter even in difficult times.
