You weren't ready for a child when you had me I understand. You ran from your responsibilities as a father and growing up without you being a presence in my life was hard and made me resentful. I desperately needed my father at a young age and as I grew I realized that it was hard for me to consider you as such, when we last spoke you tried to pick up the broken pieces but unfortunately the damage was done and I ran just like you did all those years ago, I abandoned you as you did me. What haunts me is that we ended on bad terms and never got to make amends, we were both so stubborn. News of your death hit me hard and I remember running out of the house at midnight with tears down my face, staring up at the night sky and thinking about the past and the future, what could of been different, what could of changed. Life isn't always fair and things don't always go the way we want them to, but you were still my father and deep down I still loved you. Rest in peace dad, hopefully I'll see you again someday and we can make up for lost time. Your Son.

My Dear Friend, we are missing you terribly. My WhatsApp message to you on 6 December reading "Remember no crazy stunts there, don't want to have to fly in to rescue you" was never supposed to become a reality. But that is the essence of our bond always willing to do anything to help each other whether that was in our business dealings, trying to stay alive white river rafting down the mighty Zambezi river in the Bokata gorge where I almost drowned in that whirlpool, being the best man at my wedding, waiting to board a plane and hearing that your beloved dog Max had passed away and the countless adventures that we shared together over the past 20 years. You were a true friend, someone I/we counted as family, someone I will never forget. Garth I hope you are at peace where ever you are, it is only with that thought we are able to carry on. Rest in peace..... Robert Pooley & Family Cape Town South Africa

18 January 2017: Life Celebration of Garth. It was a mystical day. A perfect blue sky and a white frosted landscape. The small wooden chapel at Blijburg Amsterdam was filled with warmth, love, shared memories, tulips and candles. We are grateful to have been able to say goodbye to Garth in this special way. Garth would have loved it too, we are sure of it.

Dear family and friends of Garth, I was in shock when I heard what happened. My sincere condolences. When thinking back at Garth, I immediately get a smile on my face. We met when I started working for Teleena in 2012, I was the HR Manager and he was managing the IT department. He managed the team with passion, full of energy, with a great heart for his (mainly) international developers. He had plans for all of them. When my kids met him when preparing the opening of Teleena's new building, they were impressed by his high kicks at the boxing ball. He introduced himself as the South African Warrior, and my kids kept asking for him. The tall South African sportsman! Garth has contributed a lot to peoples lives and I will never forget. Wishing you all the strength you need! Regards, Lieseloes de Graaf

I met Garth through Babs and Wim. It must have been 10 to 15 years ago. I can’t remember exactly. We were still living in Amsterdam at that time. Garth was visiting or staying at Babs and Wim’s place. I took an instant liking to this tall, friendly and easy going guy from South Africa. Over the years we met regularly at parties, bars, restaurants or at home. As rabid rugby fans we watched many world cup games together. Yes, those great memories I treasure. However there was one thing about Garth that made me a little bit apprehensive. Whenever I saw him he was always challenging me to hit him in the stomach! He was apparently fiercely proud of his stomach muscles and claimed that he could take any punch with a big smile on his face. Although I was tempted many times I never took up the challenge. On the one hand I obviously didn’t want to hurt the guy but on the other hand I was afraid I might break my fist on his mighty six pack. Alas, I will never find out if it was all a bluff or not. The man of steel is no more. The iron man has fallen to the ground and has left a big dent behind. We, I, will miss him tremendously. Olaf.

I worked with Garth at Workiva for the last 2,5 years and was shocked and saddened by the news of his passing. Garth was just a great guy and an important part of our team. When Garth still lived in Maarssen and we had gone for a team dinner in Amsterdam, he would go 20 mins out of his way to drive me closer to my home so I didn't have to wait for the train for 10 mins. He was always up for a laugh; proven when he was the captain of our boat on our summer outing and deliberately steered our boat (not once but twice) underneath a willow tree. Saying it was just like a massage. I will always remember his enormous Kingsday hat, his face on his cooking class video when his ratatouille didn't taste the way he had envisioned it and how he laughed about it later and his love for his farting dog Max who he missed dearly since he died. My sincerest condolences to Garth's family and friends. Garth you will be missed. Love Leonora

Dear Garth I am still in shock, you were always larger than life... no, to me you felt like LIFE... I worked with you for many years at I-Soft in Cape Town, there was never a dull moment in the office with you around. You had a great mind for IT and taught/shared much with us, but it was your extreme and different ideas about life that really caught my attention. I remember at least one special occasion and often share it with friends... I think it might have been my 40th birthday where you got down on your knees in the middle of the office and sang 'Happy Birthday' to me, the whole song in a very 'Marilyn Munroe' way... that is you, always making special moments... One thing is for sure, you lived your life to its fullest. You will be sorely missed. Heartfelt condolences to your family and friends. With much love and celebration of your life, Dianne

I've been lucky enough to work with Garth over the past few years. I only spent time with him in person during his trips to America, but I will always remember him fondly - his kindness, his sense of humour, his enthusiasm, and his indomitable spirit. I will miss him. I can scarcely imagine the sense of loss felt by those closest to him - you have my deepest sympathies.

Dear Garth. We worked as programmers at Isoft in Cape Town on Omnix and shared accommodation while working on a Solace banking project in Melbourne. Memorable time skiing on Mt Buller. Very popular and willingly did so much more than what was required. Thank you!! David Beechey (Isoft Solutions)

Garth was my first mentor in software development and he taught me so much when we worked together at Isoft Solutions. Garth, you had a huge impact on my life and I am grateful for all you taught me. Andy Wanless.

dear Garth, We met @Teleena where you were running the IT department. However I remember you best from a ski weekend in 2011. The persistence and stamina you demonstrated to get the slopes under control was really amazing. This undoubtedly was the story of your life: exploring new shores and never step away from a challenge. It is a great loss, and my thoughts are with all family and friends.

"Tame the wild sky". Garth paragliding in Switzerland.

My sincere condolences to Garth’s family and closest friends for their loss. Garth is in my thoughts. I worked with him in Teleena where he was really appreciated. As already said below, he was an incredible person, very social and with an exceptional sense of humour. Also an excellent professional, very good manager, always taking good care of his people and trusting his team. He was very persuasive, he could “sell” everyone his ideas. We went to Dutch lessons together. He really made me laugh many times. I will not forget you Garth. Rosa

I feel fortunate to have been with Garth in Jordan and meeting him has been a privilege as he was someone whose light shone so brightly. At the end of our trip one of the group said that you meet people for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Our paths crossed with him for a reason to experience his outlook on life, unfortunately our journey did not continue together for longer but he has touched our hearts for a lifetime. I have shared two photos with you, the first was taken at Wadi Rum where we stood on the top of the rock taking in the landscape, the second I snapped of him on the last day at Jerash in the amphitheatre of the roman city. He was enjoying taking in the beauty of Jordan with his new friends, we really saw the essence of the man. On hearing that I had a horse he immediately responded that he wanted to gallop bareback across a beach through the waves naked- what a passion for life! I have been viewing his videos and he had this amazing ability to capture the natural beauty of places he had visited. He had said he was going to produce a video for Jordan so it would be wonderful if his photos could be shared for us to see Jordan through his eyes. Like many of us I have been trying to make sense of what has passed: One day at a time; this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering. Adam Lindsay Gordon, Australian poet (1833 -1870). I would like to pass on the message to his son that he spoke about him and he was constantly in his thoughts wherever he was. Pam Renwick

Garth and I met each other for the first time in London in 1999. We both worked for One.Tel at the time. The first thing I admired about him was he stayed so relaxed and focused on what he was working on. Later when I worked in Amsterdam and we needed a new member in our IT team, Garth was the first person I had to think off. The years after we kept on working with each other and he became one of my best friends. I remember our long lunches when we worked on the Keizersgracht in Amsterdam. I remember our philosophical conversations about life, about what is really important, about music we both liked, about what love means. It is too much to tell. We even had our own little company for a while and yes we even made some money with that company. Garth went back to SA every now and then, but was always asked back if he could help us out. The last couple of years Garth settled in Amsterdam bought a house in Maarssen. One of our greatest adventures was trying to implement Scrum in the company we worked for. Our conversations in the car (we were carpooling at the time) were so inspiring. I think that is Garth. He used his artistic side to make the work floor fun. I always have thought that his real passion was not in IT, but more in making great photos, making cool videos (see his channel on You Tube). He had the talent to use that creative part into the day by day business world. That is why so many of his colleagues loved him so much. That is a unique combination. In our daily car rides, we listened to music and sang very loudly to all kind of music. Sometimes when I dropped him off at his place, he invited me for a glass of wine. Just because it was so nice to continue our conversation for a while. When he got married to Leigh in Cape Town, I had the honor to be his best man. There are so many memories of these almost 17 years. Especially the last couple of days, the memories keep coming back. Also when I am asleep. It is hard to believe that those moments will never come back. Although Garth and I were very different; He is a hero with Paragliding while I am afraid of heights. We were still soul mates and have very much in common. That was always one of our big questions. “How can 2 people born at 2 different parts of the world, be so the same in many ways?” With some people you have the feeling that it was meant to be that you meet them. Garth was that for me and for him too. I will miss you my old friend. Wim Hoff

We “La Beduina Tours staff – Jordan ”are deeply saddened by the loss of Garth . As much as we have heard about Garth’s nice and kind personality from our tour leader and the camp staff , we really feel that we lost a family member … From the time we heard about Garth’s death , it was such a hard shock for us and we felt unrest until we arranged all the procedures for moving him back to his family with the great help and support by Explore worldwide and the South Africa embassy in Jordan … No one can prepare you for a loss , it comes like a swift wind . However , take comfort in knowing that he is now resting at the arm of our lord . Our deepest condolences to all Garth’s family and friends . La Beduina Tours staff – Jordan . Amman Office Mecca street - P.O.Box 1190, Amman 11821- Jordan Tel: 00962-6 5541631/ 5541632/5541639/5541620 Fax: 00962-6 5541706 / 5541630 Petra Office P.O. Box 80 Petra 71811, Jordan Petra - Jordan Tel : 00962 3 2157099 Fax; 00962 3 2156931 http / www.Labeduinatours.com Email / ismail@labeduinatours.com sales3@labeduinatours.com

We “La Beduina Tours staff – Jordan ”are deeply saddened by the loss of Garth . As much as we have heard about Garth’s nice and kind personality from our tour leader and the camp staff , we really feel that we lost a family member … From the time we heard about Garth’s death , it was such a hard shock for us and we felt unrest until we arranged all the procedures for moving him back to his family with the great help and support by Explore worldwide and the South Africa embassy in Jordan … No one can prepare you for a loss , it comes like a swift wind . However , take comfort in knowing that he is now resting at the arm of our lord . Our deepest condolences to all Garth’s family and friends . La Beduina Tours staff – Jordan . Amman Office Mecca street - P.O.Box 1190, Amman 11821- Jordan Tel: 00962-6 5541631/ 5541632/5541639/5541620 Fax: 00962-6 5541706 / 5541630 Petra Office P.O. Box 80 Petra 71811, Jordan Petra - Jordan Tel : 00962 3 2157099 Fax; 00962 3 2156931 http / www.Labeduinatours.com Email / ismail@labeduinatours.com sales3@labeduinatours.com

Lunch with crackers and sardines and the best watermelon ever! We were all alone in a beautiful cave in Cala Luna. It was an amazing boat trip with the ferry with rain, thunder and lightning. But Garth was there, explaining how lighting gets diverted through the boat and we all felt safe.

Photo taken at viewing point looking over the Gola di Gorrupa in Sardina, the deepest gorge in Europa. We went on holiday for a week and stayed in a bed- and breakfast place in Cala Gonone. We explored beautiful caves and beaches. Walked over rocks. Snorkelled. One day we rented a speed boat. And Garth taught my kids how to steer it. My boys were not used to doing so much all the time in one day, but Garth told them: "Try to see as much as you can, because you never know if you will be back". As we were going to the beach with our snorkels and towels, Garth remembered how he used to fold his towel when he was young. A neat little bun, with all the stuff inside and that way easy to carry around. After trying a bit he found it again and he taught us. He also made sure that after we came back from the beach that everybody took care of their things. First wash all the salt water off, hang everything to dry. "First do the work, then you can sit, make yourself useful". Life with Garth, everyday was an adventure!

Sunset skinny dipping in Sardinia. What Else? Garth made a joke about skinny dipping, but my son Vincent was immediately into it. "Yes, let's go swim". Of course, then Garth had to go as well. My son Simon didn't follow and you can hear in the video how Garth had influenced Vincent's language. Don't worry, guys: No nudity in this video.

We walked together for only a short time....Intens, playful and in space. I miss you. - Anouk

I worked alongside Garth in our Amsterdam office. He was not only a great colleague but also a kind and patient person taking the time every week to help a couple of us study for the CST course, which he helped develop. As many others have expressed, Garth lived in the moment and never took himself too seriously. He had a sense of humour that would have us cracking up in the office, thinking back to our Amsterdam Olympics this summer. His big orange Kingsday hat was renowned in its own right on the canals as were his captain skills during this year’s summer event when we squeezed our office into two little boats and a detour under a low hanging tree left us emerging with a boat full of leaves! You will truly be missed by everybody who had the pleasure of meeting you. Sarah M

I had the pleasure of working with Garth at Workiva. He was always had a smile on his face and made the office an enjoyable place to be. Garth was always happy to lend a hand and also take the time to explain more technical things to the team. You will be missed my friend.

I took this photo of Garth during an after work borrel with some fellow Workivians at the Herengracht Bar, Amsterdam (26-Oct 2016). For a joke, I asked someone to go and stroke the moose head on the wall - Garth had such a great sense of humour and always knew how to make us laugh. Garth, you are sadly missed, our office and King's Day won't be the same with you and your giant orange hat! Thank you for all your support and the fun times. R.I.P , love Rebecca.

I first met Garth in 2005 working together in South Africa, and then 11 years later he recruited me to join him in the Netherlands, a life changing experience. I was fortunate to have spent the last 9 months working with him, seeing him so passionate about his work and especially the people he worked with. He always seemed like he was getting younger, one of my last memories of him in the office is him skateboarding around the boardroom table trying to see whether he was ready for a hike in the Jordan desert. I was fortunate to have spent a weekend trip with him touring Dublin/Ireland end of Nov 2016 , where he would always ask random strangers their opinion , including taxi drivers who would spill their entire life story to him. He will be sorely missed as both a colleague and a friend. Finally a photo of him in the background from a special place in Ireland in 2016 where he spent nearly an hour admiring the lake , taking photos from all possible angles. -Christiaan G

Garth ; when you left the camp in little Petra you gave me a warm Bedouin coat you bought especially to feel warm in cold nights of that vast and dry desert . Every time I wear it ,I will remember your warm Haert . Wish you a happy resting and our condolences to your brother and the whole family . From Atif . Ibraheem . Mahmoud . Saleh . And from all team in the ground agent in Jordan .

from the walk

It was wonderful getting to know Garth in Jordan. What a kind, funny, warm, generous soul. I loved the quiet walk with you back from Petra, your amazement and kind words about my Dad's singing in the King's tomb, stopping for tea in the sunshine, collecting colourful rocks and stuffing our bags with rubbish as we meandered in that beautiful light back to the camp. Morning hugs with you and Jeff were some of the most nourishing I have ever experienced! Thank you for your music recommendation which I share with you here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsgP8LkEopM My heart goes out to your family and friends Garth, I imagine you leave a big hole. Even knowing you for a short time you've inspired and changed me. Thank you. Lucy Potter

I was lucky to share Jordan with Garth. His friendly, heart of gold quickly made him friends with the whole group. He loved giving everyone bear hugs and we all loved receiving them. He liked to stir me about the rugby (South Africa v Wallabies) which was a good laugh. This photo is of Garth as we descended the 900 steps from the Monastery in Petra. He had stopped to enjoy the view and probably rest his sore knee a little. After sharing an extra day in Amman with a few of us from the group, Garth was travelling on to enjoy Ma'in Hot Springs and Majib Nature Reserve. I hope you enjoyed your time Garth as we enjoyed our time with you. Casey Macfarlane x

Every thing .... Every body ... Every moment ; joins , contacts and unifies with eternity and this eternal fact remains and lasts ... I wish you happy resting as You were happy , generious , and shared a good manner that represents and shows not only your inner but the home you came from . People who met you in Jordan will always remember you and our condolences to your family . Saleh Arfou . Tour leader of TP Explore. . 22 ed Dec ,16 .

I swam in the ocean with you, I've climbed in the Alps with you, I've hiked in the Drakensberg with you at my side, I've flown from land to sky to soar upon thermals and below clouds. Yes! We kissed the clouds. We've loved, fought and laughed together my friend and my brother. Garth I will miss you but always have you next to me in thought and spirit. Your Brother.

Garth - our free-hugs cloak man in Jordan I had the privilege to spend eight days with Garth in Jordan. On the first day we were sitting next to each other in the first row of the bus. After the four hour ride to Wadi Rum it felt like we’ve already told each other a fair amount of our life story without even having known each other. During our walks in Wadi Rum we talked even more. Garth was one of the people you see, talk to and feel you have been knowing each other for a long time and who you would tell nearly everything. He showed a lot of interest in the people and things around him and always earnestly wanted to know how you felt. On the last day in Amman, which Garth, Casey, Lansing and I spent together, he wanted to explore everything. He was so delighted when he saw all the graffiti on the walls and exclaimed: “Oh, I love graffiti…. Look at that… isn’t that beautiful…Have you already seen that one over there…” It was great, especially since I also love graffiti. When Casey, Lancing and I wanted to head back to the hotel he decided to go to a hammam instead. Later, back in the hotel, all red cheeked, he looked so relax and told us how wonderful the hammam was. The last memory I have got of Garth is when he gave Casey and me one of his legendary bear hugs, that we also got every morning in our camp (see picture), in front of the elevators. Thank you Garth for having been such a wonderful, warm-hearted person. Karen Brunemann

I was lucky enough to spend last week with Garth in Jordan. Garth and I had a wonderful week trekking through Wadi Rum and marveling at Petra. We spoke of hiking in the Drakensberg mountains in his native South Africa. While in the desert, we nerded out while speaking of how the topography of Jordan was reminiscent of a favorite book of ours, Frank Herbert's Dune. On our last day in Jordan, Garth and I, along with our trip partners Casey and Karen, spent the day exploring Amman and then Garth and I shared a final big (Garth sized) hug before I headed for the airport. The attached picture shows Garth anchoring our train as we bobbed in the waters of the Dead Sea. I'll always remember fondly spending a week in Jordan with Garth, and I'm so sad he's no longer with us. Lansing Freeman

this is when we had breakfast at bagels and beans with max. I ordered a omelet 3,0 and Garth ordered granola. And as dessert we both ordered a muffin. I ordered a chocolate muffin and Garth ordered a apple cinnamon muffin. his muffin looked delicious and I really wanted to try it so I suggested we both feed each others muffin to each other. this is one of my best memory's with Garth. I will miss you forever my dear friend. Vincent Hoff

Garth was the loveliest person anyone could meet. He had such a warm heart and lived life to the full; a true inspiration to us all. It was such a pleasure to work with him and learn from him, he was a fantastic colleague and friend and will be truly missed by anyone who had the fortune of meeting him.

Hi Garth, Just to let you know once again, we (Edith and Yinsha) will miss you, but this time for good. I hope that you have done all you told me you wanted to do, that all your dreams came through before you had to row your boat on your own. Just want to quote you on one sentence I have read so many times: A boat doesn’t go forward if each one is rowing their own way. - Swahili proverb

A beautiful, warm and kind soul. I wish we could have had more beautiful moments like on Babs 2016 B-day….will cherish this memory of you. Love, Maja

Me, my wife and my kids will remember the Zulu Warrior Garth for ever. We worked fine @ Teleena. We will never forget you Garth.

Just heard the terrible news today. I've known Garth for almost 10 years and he was one guy you can truly call great. Always straightforward and tough when needed. When I was on a sickbed with a change to die, this gut stood beside me. My condolences and strength to all his loved ones. Garth, where-ever, whenever.... you'll never by forgotten and we'll meet again. Rex

Truly one of the nicest guys that i've ever met. He was a source of great strength and support whilst I was going through a marriage breakup last year - always prepared to meet for coffee or dinner and to watch the rugby together. The photo is from a boat trip that we did in Utrecht together with friends in May 2015.... as usual he had organized everything... I'll remember him most as a genuine free-spirit who laughed easily and enjoyed life to the full. Rest In Peace my friend...

Garth and I hanging out at the Wilderness Holiday Inns (1996). Truth be told he lead me to drink and smoke... He hee, just kidding! Just enjoying a cigar after another great day flying together (Logbook says our first flight from Gerrikes Point). Gary

Garth above Sir Lowrys Pass take off (photo taken mid '90s)...note the michevous grin on his face. Gary Taylor

Garth with his paraglider above St James (Muizenberg)...1996. Cheers to my fellow 'Scientist of the Sky' Gary Taylor

Hi friends, from down under in New Zealand. This photo was taken in February 2005, the last time I saw me 'ol mate...over ten years have passed since then but the wonderful memories of the adventures we shared together will last a lifetime. I have been reminiscing about some of the more crazy (somewhat reckless but always fun) adventures we shared together. Like the time we scoped out a new take-off site high above Chapman's Peak Road and couldn't take off because of high winds. Thankfully the Cape Fynbos saved our butts that day, by consistently getting tangled in our paragliding lines. Then there were those many hours sitting on the hill waiting for the conditions to be 'just right'. We wouldn't say much but just hung out enjoying the blessing of life and looking forward to the excitement of take-off and another roarsome time in the skies together. There were also those times sitting in the car, at Sir Lowrys Pass carpark....wind howling but the both of us, ever hopeful of a flight, content to listen to Insomina by Faithless...just chilling together. Also the times we sat out in front of Bailey's Cottage (Muizenberg) sipping a cuppa and watching the whales passing by. Aaaah mate, those were the days. So many great memories. The greatest gift Garth has left me is to always make the most of life and to take time to enjoy the small things...the butterflies in the meadow, the breeze in your face...thanks for being an inspiration and blessing to me Garth. I'll always think of you when I head off on my next adventure or just sitting in the garden hammock, hangin out :) Kia Kaha (be strong) everyone. Love from Gary Taylor in New Zealand

Strange how deep you can know someone in an indirect way. We shared the same passions, were supportive , complementary and had great respect for each other...man it just worked great..... ....in hindsight, we always knew this like real men do. So in a way our friendship will never end. So miss having a beer with you. Travel on wherever that may be. Love and a big hug, Emanuel

Garth showed me around Amsterdam and we got to enjoy traditional erwentensoep together after the farmers market. We shared a love of food and cooking.

His last adventure was to Jordan. He felt true peace and saw the most beautiful views of his life, he texted me on 30 December.

When Wayne visited Amsterdam after their holiday in Switzerland, we went to Amsterdam Tower. A new tourist attraction with an amazing few over Amsterdam. Garth lived on the other side of the canal.