It is with great sadness that I must inform you of the passing on of Col Louis Alexander, SM, MMM, JCD.
Ex OC of the 2nd Battalion and President of the TSRA.
Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife Elvina and children Lorna, Fillip, John and their families.
The memorial service for Col Alexander will be held on 1st of December at 11h00 at the Benoni Baptist Church, 30 Wordsworth Road, Farramere, Benoni.
Dress Code: Flannels or Kilt, Association Blazer with medals.
Please Note: COVID protocols will be observed. Due to the numbers permitted, regrettably, no Tea will be hosted after the service.
Yours Under The Red Hackle
Trevor (Porky) Wright
Chairman ~ TSRA
Just a very few of the condolence messages received by the TSRA
- What a great man that I had the pleasure of meeting many years ago! May he RIP. Condolences to his family. Charles Sinclair
- RIP Col…….it was a great pleasure knowing you and serving under you while you were the Officer Commanding of the 2nd Battalion Transvaal Scottish. My sincere condolences to the family. Michael AJ Else
- Very sad news. Sincere condolences to to the family. Leoni Naude
- So sad also served under him at 2TS great gentleman and officer..RIP Paul Booysen
- MHSRIP. A real gentleman. Roy Andersen
- RIP, rest easy Mike Huxtable
- RIP Soldier Charles Alan Laubscher
- My condolences to Elvina, Fillip, John and Lorna and their families.I first met Louis in 1966. Dennis Edgar
- MHDSRIP Chad Thomas
- We salute you Sir. RIP. Condolences to the family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Richard Gardner
- I am at a loss for words…RIP Andre De Bernier
- RIP Sir Beverley Lahner
- RIP Glynnis Morton
- I grew up with many members of the Jock Family. Many have left us, but I’ll never forget Colonel Louis Alexander. RIP Sir. Colin Tame
- MHDSRIP!! Craig Anthony Herwill
- Fantastic officer and gentleman, may his soul rest in peace. Condolences to the family. Seán Culhane
- RIP. Condolences to the family. Peter Boberg
- RIP. Condolences to the Family. Sorry for their loss. Trevor Taute
- This is terrible news. He was one of the biggest gentlemen I knew. Rest in Peace. Harry van Staden
- RIP Jaco Lötter
- Rest in peace. Salute. Mervyn-Minnie Beukes Mark
- Please accept my condolences. Ian Deetlefs
- Sincerest condolences to the family. RIP Sir. Bruce Harris
- RIP Reg Tischendorf
- A thorough gentleman who I enjoyed serving under and shooting with . Condolences to Elvina Fillip ,John ,Lorna and family . R.I.P. Sir. Stewart Campbell
- RIP Sir. Condolences to the family. Gavin O’Leary
- Another Jock Family member gone. Our Condolences to family and friends. Greig Martin
- RIP. Christiaan Jo
- RIP Sir Brian Parry
- RIP soldier John Parkin
- Rest easy soldier. Mark Tapson
- Very sad to hear, he was a true gentleman. Condolences to all. Dick Olsen. SA Irish Regimental Association
- I am very sorry to hear of Lou’s passing. Being somewhat snookered by distance, I ask that you convey my condolences to Elvina and their family.I’m beginning to feel like a “green bottle”. Hoping you and yours are well, Yours truly, Pat Marshall
- Such devastating news. So sorry to hear this Mr. Wright. Col Alexander was a real gentleman and role model for me as I grew through the regiment.Regards, Trevor Page
Eulogy by Lt Col George Brownlow
Saluting this fine Man on the 1st December 2021 – A Honour and a Privilege
Colonel L F Alexander
Without memory, there is no culture. Without memory, there would be no civilization, no society, no future.
I’d like to begin by thanking everyone for coming to celebrate Louis Alexanders life.
Louis was one of the most giving persons I’ve ever known, I am sure I know many of you would agree.
Louis had four main loves of his life, GOD, His Wife, His Family, and the Military.
EARLY LIFE
LOUIS FILIP ALEXANDER
DATE OF BIRTH: 24 FEBRUARY 1938
PLACE: QUEEN VICTORIA HOSPITAL, JOHANNESBURG
FIRST OF 2 CHILDREN
FATHER: LAWRENCE
MOTHER: SIGRID
BROTHER: EDWARD (PASSED AWAY 2015)
CHILDHOOD
LIVED IN JOHANNESBURG UNTIL LOUIS COMPLETED GRADE 4. MOVED TO GOODWILL FARM, IONA IN THE LAKE CHRISSIE DISTRICT. STAYING IN THE SCHOOL HOSTEL DURING THE WEEK, being that the (FARM WAS ABOUT 48KMS FROM ERMELO) ON A FRIDAY AFTER SCHOOL, HE AND HIS BROTHER WOULD OFTEN BE FETCHED FROM SCHOOL ON THE BACK OF A 3 TON CHEV TRUCK. A HIGHLIGHT WOULD BE TO BUY A LOAF OF WHITE BREAD FRESHLY BAKED BREAD, EATING THIS ON THEIR WAY HOME. HALF A LOAF EACH, NO BUTTER, NO JAM, NO COLDRINK, BUT HE SAID IT MADE THEM FEEL LIKE absolute KINGS with the imagination of the smell and warm touch of the freshly baked Loaf.
IN Earlier years LOUIS LEARNT TO DRIVE ON THE FARM WHEN APPROXIMATELY 10 YEARS OLD IN HIS DAD’S 1939 FORD V8 AND WAS ALSO TASKED WITH DRIVING A FERGUSON TRACTOR TO PLOUGH A FIELD OR PREPARATION FOR PLANTING. HE LOVED TO RIDE HORSES ON THE FARM HIS FAVOURITE WAS A CHESTNUT BROWN HORSE THAT HE NAMED COMET. He WAS DEVASTATED WHEN THE FAMILY HAD TO SELL THE FARM AND MOVE TO DUNVEGAN.
THIS HOWEVER WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TIMES THAT LOUIS REALISED JUST HOW THE HAND OF GOD WAS OVER HIS LIFE. IT WAS DUE TO THIS MOVE THAT HE MET ELVINA, SHE WAS 13years old AND HE WAS 17
HE WOULD OFTEN TELL THE FAMILY THAT GOD MOVES IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS IN OUR LIVES AND OFTEN WHAT SEEMS TERRIBLE AT THE TIME TURNS OUT TO BE SOMETHING QUITE BEAUTIFUL.
YEARS LATER, CHARLES ( son-in-law) purchased A MASSEY-FERGUSSON TRACTOR WITH A GRASS CUTTER TO KEEP THE LAWNS TRIMMED ON THE PLOT , which was a FAVOURITE past time of LOUIS.
Strict rules in place, CHARLES WAS ONLY ALLOWED TO MAINTAIN THE TRACTOR AND WHEN HE STARTED IT UP LOUIS WOULD BE THERE IN A WINK TO SEE WHY IT WAS STARTED.
EDUCATION AND WORK
ATHLONE BOYS HIGH SCHOOL
MATRICULATED AND WAS AWARDED FULL COLOURS FOR RUGBY
MARRIAGE AND CHILDREN
MARRIED ELVINA ON 07 MARCH 1959. MARRIED FOR 62 YEARS. 4 CHILDREN: FILIP, JOHN, GORDON & LORNA
3 DAUGHTER-IN-LAWS: ANTOINETTE, ROBYN & TANIA
1 SON-IN-LAW: CHARLES
12 GRANDCHILDREN
13 GREAT GRANDCHILDREN
33 total
The family would make sure that even if all present at the plot, they would make sure they were spread out in two,s, and three,s . Should they all be together as 33 people, The Col would see an opportunity to have a platoon, The Alexander platoon, doing fire and movement session in the back yard. or a PT class, this would be too good an opportunity to be missed.
WORK
As a young man JOINED ANGLO AMERICAN AS A LEARNER OFFICIAL UNDERGROUND STATIONED AT DAGGAFONTEIN NEAR SPRINGS. In years to com, LOUIS WAS MADE A DIRECTOR WHERE HE MANAGED THE SALES IN A REAL ESTATE AND BUILDING COMPANY UNTIL THEY CLOSED IN 1976. Subsequently, HE WORKED FOR GLOBAL ROOFING SOLUTIONS FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS UNTIL HE HAD TO RETIRE. MANY OF HIS CUSTOMERS STILL PHONED HIM FOR MANY MONTHS THEREAFTER AND DID NOT WANT TO DEAL WITH OTHER REPRESENTATIVES AND HE WAS THEREFORE RE -EMPLOYED PART-TIME AS A “FREE-LANCE” REPRESENTATIVE. HE WORKED FROM HOME FOR GLOBAL ROOFING UNTIL HE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH MULTIPLE-MYELOMA AND EVEN THEN, CONTINUED TO ASSIST CUSTOMERS UNTIL HE WAS PHYSICALLY UNABLE.
SIGNIFICANT, SERVICE EVENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
I start of with the following ‘’What I can do for my country, I am willing to do.” Certainly holds true for the LOUIS. Out standing dedication to the services over 60 years involvement, ‘’that’s passion , dedication and tenacity’’. Seriously grand record, considering from 1954 the Colonel did not miss 1 year without rendering service, each year there was a commitment to the regiment and the Country
The pinnacle of the military career was the appointment as Commanding Officer of The 2nd Battalion Transvaal Scottish.Command starting in the year 1976 – to 1987.
11 years as officer commanding. This was a very interesting and turbulent time in the history of South Africa and South West Africa. Traditions were held strong, training on going, with Deployment to the operational area of South West Africa. Yearly operations on the boarders of South Africa. Dress code adhered to on all occasions.
Making Officers, NCOs and the determined rifleman proud to be a unit Man.
Further service at higher levels at Group/Command were posts attained after the 2nd Battalion Transvaal Scottish.
The one that tops them all is the Marriage of Louis and Elvina, I have not seen such a love between to very special people. Becoming a one Person picture. 62 years of togetherness. Wow some achievement.
BELIEFS
MEMBER OF BENONI BAPTIST CHURCH. LOVED THE LORD TO THE FULLEST.
HOBBIES
RUNNING Louis was running long distance at a super age, many younger men would fall by the wayside, family members accompanied him on many a race supporting and being seconds where required.
Shooting. Was always keen on keeping his eye in on the shooting range, achieved a good few medals at local and national Bisley. Supported the shooting team to achieve winning the gold cup 3 times in a row. Allowed Officers and men to further their experience in operations beyond our northern boarders.
GARDENING
Loved to be outside in the Garden, directing the garden employee where, How and when to cut the various plants and edgings. Louis did say that at the time it was the closest to a bush experience one could get in the suburbs.
MEMORIES
The Memories are Thick and thin. However, A memory is special to the individual, maybe seen by one person, with a strong remembrance for eternity.
My Memory of Louis is that of The Colonel sitting on his officers Chair military jargon’’ green folding, for the use off, chair camping, sucking on his Pipe from under his Moustache, contemplating what his officers were discussing and planning. Then the disgusting smell of the Bloody Horse shoe Tabacco in a little white sakkie, must have been composed of bus tickets and manure. blew in our direction on every occasion that we had a order group, it did not matter where one placed himself, the Bus tickets and manure would always catch us in a cloud of Gray/white smoke.
IN CLOSING
Colonel Louis Filip Alexander, Southern Cross, Military Merit Medal, Pro-Patria, Southern Africa Medal, General Service Medal, Unitas Medal, 40 yearlong service (Gold) John Chard Decoration and Clasp, John Chard Medal
We, your Family, friends, fellow Officers, Warrants NCOs and Soldiers, in particular those you have helped and inspired, we wish you a fantastic Super new Posting, you have left us with memories we will cherish forever.
Thank you. Colonel
Corinthians 1 8:6
Yet for us there is but one GOD
The Father, from whom all things came
And for whom we live
And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ
Through whom all things came and through whom we live
Old soldiers never Die, they just fade away.
Filip Tribute To Dad
My Dad was a great person. I will miss him dearly.
Among many special times we shared , there are a few that sit a little closer to home such as when we went shooting together for the Transvaal Scottish and getting up at ridiculous times of the morning to participate in road races. I’d like to think we also enjoyed some of the more physical projects such as building my home bar and the Lapa at dad and moms place. These are just a few of my fondest memories I will always hold close to my heart your loving son Filip Walter Lawrence Alexander ( in us your legacy lives on )
Lorna – Tribute to Dad
Dad, where do I begin? My heart is broken! Broken for those of us left behind to mourn your passing, but so happy that you are now in the arms of Jesus.
You were the best Dad ever and I thanked God often for making you my Dad.
I am struggling to put my thoughts into words, but I know that we spoke often and I was blessed to be able to tell you things that I needed to say when you were here.
We shared our lives with you, and I just have so, so many memories swimming in my head and for each and every one of these I am grateful.
When you moved to the plot with us, we were told by some people that it would never work; parents and children always land up fighting and the relationship will sour. Well 14 years later we proved them all wrong. We had the best relationship and if nothing else our bond was stronger for it. The last few days when you were weaker and speaking less, I would sit across the bed from you, you would wink at me or I at you; the other would wink back, you would smile. No words were necessary.
Thank you for being the best Dad I could ever have asked for; life will never be the same again, but I will strive to make you proud always!
Eryn – Tribute
2 Timothy 4:7 – “ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”.
A good man, a greater husband, father and grandfather, we honor you and thank you for your race.
You accepted me from day one, and gave up your time freely, always game for a quick (or not so quick) conversation. I will miss you, your stories and our laughs.
Go be with Jesus now, whom you loved wholeheartedly.
Nadia – Eulogy for Grampa
“Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ”. When my grandfather first came to know the Lord at 64 and began attending church, they used to allow people to stand up in the Sunday evening service if they felt they had something to share. And each week that my grandpa did he would start off his message with these words from 1 Cor 1:3, so I felt it appropriate to begin the same way.
Where to even begin, what words even do justice to describe Louis Alexander. A man whose held many titles: son, brother, husband, father, colonel, grandfather, friend. A man who completely lived up to each and every one of them. The one most relevant for me was that of ‘grampa’, and yet he was so much more than that.
My grandfather was a man with great integrity, virtue, and respect for all. He valued family and laughter and enjoying all the moments that life has to offer. He wasn’t one for a cold dish, unless of course it had his nightly icecream in it. He had a booming laugh, and an even more booming sneeze. He loved the Lord with all of his heart, and he loved reading the word – and so despite his more recent circumstances he was filled with an unspeakable joy. He was also very strong-willed as all of you would know for sure! So strong-willed, in fact, that when he lost his ability to use his legs at all, he kept asking us to bring in the treadmill while he practiced and worked on movement because he knew he would use his legs again and eventually he did. This determination is something I’ve witnessed in many areas my whole life as I’m sure every person here has too. He was incredible wasn’t he?
30 589 days or 1006 months. That’s how long we were given the privilege of sharing this world with my grampa. Over 30 000 days. That’s hard to even fathom, but one thing I’m sure most of you would attest to, is that my grandfather had a story for just about every single one of those days, and NONE of them were under 10 minutes long. One of my favourite stories being of the day when he met his incredible wife, my gran, Elvina Alexander. Whose strength and resilience has been unmatched, not only during the last week and bit, and not only these last 3 years but for her entire life – I know grampa and this room would more than second that.
And so, if we can take anything from my grandparents, but particularly my grandfather’s life, I believe that would be to walk through each trial with strength; strength paired with absolute dignity. I also believe he would tell you to chin up, and quite possibly would encourage you to give running a go.
We’ll all miss you unbearably at times grampa, but we will honour you with the strength I know you would have shown.
One Response
My sincere condolence’s to Mrs. Alexander and family. Colonel Louis was a great inspiration and role model when I was served in the Regiment. He was always a true gentleman. He in my opinion epitomized what a senior officer of the Transvaal Scottish Regiment should represent. His manner and conduct was always becoming of an officer. He taught me as a young subaltern some important principles of what to do and say and at times what not to say! Sadly I failed him on the odd occasions. Colonel Louis and I had initially met each other when I was a young Manager at Federated Timbers and he a representative for a roofing company. I also fondly remember that day in Oshivello, being my 1st border duty with the 2Bn Transvaal Scottish as a composite company and our detailed discussion around immediate action drills, platoon level. Pipe in hand and wearing his Red Hackle Cmdt. Louis pulled me aside and proceeded to discuss in such a fatherly manner his approach. Our relationship of mutual respect was forged from the outset. I also remember the times when the proposition of amalgamating the 2nd Battalion with the 1st Battalion had then been presented very surreptitiously and our, at times heated debates, opinions around such proposals. He always placed the greater good of the Regiment above everything else, serving with pride and honour.
Rest in peace Sir! You have run a good race… Thank you Colonel.
Lance Houghton – California USA