Tearful farewell to murdered men
April 26, 2006 Edition 1
Terr-Liza Fortein
The family and friends of slain actor Brett Goldin and fashion designer Richard Bloom embraced one another for support during the heart-wrenching memorial service held for the pair in Cape Town yesterday.
The service was held at the Albow Centre in Hatfield Street, Gardens, last night.
Bloom's brother Derek and his good friend Leigh McFadden sat in the front row at the service and became emotional when several speakers paid tribute to Goldin and Bloom.
Derek Bloom was tearful throughout the service and Bloom's life partner, Brian Hellman, shed several tears as friends and colleagues spoke of how dynamic, exhilarating and inspiring Bloom and Goldin were.
Sonia Esgueira, who enjoyed a friendship with Goldin which lasted 10 years, said she could not believe she was not going to grow old with her friend at her side.
An emotional Esgueira said Goldin was always prepared to put his worries aside and attend to others who needed him.
Hellman himself took to the podium to share some of the memories he had shared with Bloom. He said losing his partner was devastating.
"When I was told of Richard's death the words sliced through me and I was overcome by shock, numbness and pain I had never previously experienced," he said.
Hellman said he was relying on his pleasant memories of Bloom to give him strength.
Hellman also encouraged those present to channel their anger at the brutal murders into "positive avenues".
Bloom, 27, was a fashion designer for Maze Clothing in Cape Town, while Goldin, 28, was a well known actor about to leave for Britain with Janet Suzman's production of Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Their naked bodies were found near the M5 on Monday last week. They had each been shot once in the back of the head.
Nine suspects have been arrested in connection with the murders.
Several actors, politicians, musicians and comedians and other prominent Capetonians attended the memorial service.
Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon, members of Cape Town band Freshlyground, mayor Helen Zille, mother of murdered baby Jordan Leigh, Natasha Norton, and comedian Marc Lottering were all in attendance.
Hundreds of relatives and friends from across the country attended the funerals of Goldin and Bloom who were buried at Johannesburg's West Park Cemetery on Friday.
After the service, Lottering, a friend of Goldin, said the service was beautiful, but it was unfortunate that people had to come together to mourn the death of two young lives that were taken away so brutally.
terri-lizaf@incape
