ORDER OF SERVICE
In Loving Memory
Of
Steven Gary Goosen
1968 – 2008
The Potters House
14th April 2008 2pm
Order of Service
Slideshow celebrating Steven’s life
Welcome—Pastor Robert Matthews
Hymn—Amazing Grace
Eulogy—Read by Grant Ribbink. Written by Danie van Aswegen
Eulogy— Delcia Richter
Family’s Tribute to Steven—Floral offering
Eulogy—Kelly Goosen
Reflective Song
Message by Pastor Bob Matthews
Hymn—Because He Lives
Conclusion by Pastor Bob Matthews
Departure of Coffin
Pallbearers— Geoff Goosen, Russell Smith, Eric Smith, Joe Jooste, Grant Ribbink and Neil Yates.
Signing of Farewell Book
In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made to the Potters House Church
Amazing Grace
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believed!
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
(We chose this song because this is truly what Steven believed.)
Because He Lives
God sent his Son, they called Him Jesus,
He came to love, heal and forgive
He gave His life, to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Saviour live
And because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
And because I know, I know He holds the future,
My life is worth the living, just because He lives.
How sweet to hold a new born baby
And feel the pride and joy he gives
But sweeter still, the calm assurance
This child can face uncertain days, because he lives
(Chorus)
And then one day I’ll cross that river
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain
And then when death, gives way to victory
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He reigns
(Chorus)
Invitation
Please be invited to join the family for tea and refreshments at:
21 Noel Street
HelenaValley
Sincere thanks
The love and support given to us at this time has been overwhelming. Thank you to every person who has showed us how much you care. Your thoughts and prayers and sometimes, very practical actions, have made a very difficult time that much easier to bear.
With Special Thanks to Steven’s South African friends who have so generously contributed to this farewell service.:
Edwin and Chantelle Atkins
Warren Beneke
Bridget and Jannie Jooste
Bruce May
Danie and Leigh Ann Van Aswegen
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From Lynne: In memory of Steven Gary Goosen who died from a brain hemorrhage on the night of 4th April 2008. Our hearts go out to Belinda and Kelly.
Steve will be sorely missed by Geoff, Lynne, Michael, Delcia, Chris, Sam and Geoffrey and all the Australian cousins, to whom we give our most special thanks for their support, concern and care.
EULOGIES
From Danie van Aswegen, Steve's great friend
It is with heavy sadness in my heart that I write this, as how can words be used to describe that very special friend that one has shared so, so much with?
I was about 9 when I first met Steven, in fact I actually ran Delcia over on my bicycle, and when she cried out that she’d tell her mother, I used some obscene words, and Delcia’s ears were never the same again! That was the beginning of me being Steven’s terribly naughty friend. We were terrors. One awful memory is of us, just after Xmas, terrorising a local girl to let Steven try out her new pink bicycle, it was a girly fold-up bicycle. Reluctantly she let Steven take it around the BMX track, only to snap it in half! We told her to go home and tell her dad that father Xmas had given her a reject bike.
As youngsters we built forts, fished, hiked and rode bikes together.
Many an evening was spent, instead of getting ready for the following mornings’ early fishing trip with Geoff, by us stealing Geoff’s fancy cheese and urinating out of Stevens upstairs bedroom window, aiming at the neighbours washing on the line of course. Once we had grown up a little, Steven never broke any early morning fishing appointments (unlike my often hungover self!). Come rain or shine, Steven would fish, always keen to try new spots he’d heard about. He was passionate about all he did.
Once, when we were teenagers we wanted to go to the mountains on our motorbikes to visit our friends. My bike was broken though. No problem for Steven, he sold the golf clubs he’d inherited to buy the spares to fix my motorbike so we could go. He certainly didn’t play golf in those days!
Steven was the first of the friends to get a car, and boy, could he drive. Many an evening ended with a dice through town! I think we all learnt to drive in that little Renault with the dashboard gearshift! I remember how we’d take the wheels off our motorbikes, just so we could fit them into the car to go riding. Then we’d put our helmets on and drive through town in the car, revving it, pretending to dice everyone.
When we were sent to the army, I was posted far from home, whereas Steven literally landed on his doorstep. I’d stand for hours in a queue to phone my, now wife, Leigh Ann – only to hear she’s not at home, she’s at the Goosen’s, in fact she’s actually out to movies with Steven! Another time while I was in the army, Leigh Ann moved into a tiny flat and only had a little 2 plate hotplate to cook on, but the plug was too high and the cord was too short, so she literally had to cook on the floor. Steven saw this, and the following weekend, Geoff and Steven showed up and built her a wooden counter to cook on! When Leigh Ann fell pregnant with our son, Bradley Steven who is now almost 17, Steven was the first person we told. Incidentally, Bradley is just like his namesake at that age – motorbike mad!
I have so much to thank Steven and his family for. Without realising it, they have taught me so much in life, and I strive to have his compassion. I could always count on Steven, although not in a fight-then he was the first to run, a lover not a fighter!
I have SO many memories, too many to mention, but I can sum it all up by saying that Steven was a kind and loyal friend, plain, uncomplicated, down-to-earth kind of guy. I have been truly privileged and blessed to have had him in my life.
Rest in peace my buddie.
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From Kelly:
Hi, I'm just gonna say a few words about my Dad. He was a great person and you probably already know that. It's been such a relief to know that he's in Heaven and looking at us rght now, smiling, and eagerly waiting for the day we join him. I know that he wouldn't have wanted us to stop eating and getting ourselves sick. He also wouldn't have wanted us to remember the bad things or to feel sad, but to remember all the good things and feel happy that he's happy and with God in Heaven. We should remember all his habits and hobbies, and how he would smil and grin shen you're annoying the daylights out of him. He was such a great Dad who raised me to love and honour God. We used to always blackmail and bribe each other until we both agreed that if I played with his hair then I would score a lift to school. He made friends everywhere he went and I speak for everyone when I say that we love him and will miss him so much, Now I'm gonna play a song that's dedicated to my Dad. Please close your eyes and listen carefully to the words. Thank you all.
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From Bridget Jooste, family friend and Kelly's Godmother:
Stevie darling, I cannot find the words to describe the passed few days. In total denial and disbelief I find myself trying to write this dedication.
We met by accident, quite literally, when you and Danie went flying through a stop street and hit the stationmaster’s wife on your bikes. Jan hid the both of you in our garage to avoid awkward questions from the cops concerning age, licenses and speed.
GT stripes were the fashion of the day. You and Danie discussed GT stripes in front of Blake and Bryce. When no one was watching, they took the spray paint and sprayed GT stripes down either side of their cat. She subsequently nearly died of a fur ball after trying to lick herself clean.
Stevie you were wonderful with kids, so I always knew that one day you would make a brilliant father. When Bryce was so ill, with the worst off-putting number 11’s streaming down his face, you never hesitated cleaning him up. You even bunked school to help care for him…or was it the attraction of gwaai’s and grog on tap??
Stevie when you loved, you loved with all of your heart. There were never any half measures. After your wild teenage years, you met and married Belinda and never looked back. You have been a truly faithful and loving husband.
Kelly came into this world and your life became totally fulfilled. The pride you felt for your beautiful daughter was indescribable. You were a father out of the top drawer. Your relationship with Kelly will never be forgotten.
Stevie, I want you to know that I will always love you so. Thank you for being part of our lives. Go well my young friend. I’ll keep my eye on Kelly for you as promised.
I would like to end with a short poem.
“For long you live,
And high you fly,
For laughs you give,
And tears you cry.
For all you touch,
And all you see,
Is all your life will ever be.”
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This beautiful photo was taken in February 08
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Lynne and other family members have sent photographs taken at this time. Although it may seem incongruous to include these "happy" photo's on this page, I hope they will reflect the comfort that was felt by the togetherness of this family.
 
Lynne and Gavin Kelly and Di
Geoff, Russ and Neels Jooste
Right, Kelly with Christian and Wade
 
Jenny, Hannie Jooste and Lina Schoeman (Bee's Mom)
Lynne with Glay and Neville Kok
 
right, Lynne, Delcia and Kerry
left, Grant, Joe, Delcia and Belinda
 
Liana and Eric.
right, Kelly and Russ
MAY 08 -SINCE PUBLISHING THIS, WE HAVE RECEIVED A MESSAGE TO THE FAMILY FROM DELCIA, AS FOLLOWS:
"I really have no way of saying how proud I felt to be a part of this amazing family whilst I was in Australia during the upheaval with the loss of my Brother. You were all so kind and generous. It made things so muc easier to bear, and does make one feel that they're part of a much bigger family circle than first appears! THANK YOU ALL. Love you all lots and lots, Delcia. XXXXX
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