One of the oldest living people in the world, Fredie Blom dies at the age of 116.
The Capetonian who celebrated his birthday in May 22 died in his home in Delft on Saturday.
According to Western Cape community development officer, Gadija Francis, Bloom died peacefully.
“He passed on this morning from natural causes. We think that it was his age and I don’t suspect anything to do with Covid-19,” she said.
He said the community is mourning the death of Bloom.
“This is an extremely sad time for everyone in Delft … I said to Ouma Blom’s wife this morning, he is now in good hands. We must thank God for the life that he lived.”
According to Bloom’s personal identity document, he was born in the Eastern Cape town of Adelaide on May 8, 1904. That means he witnessed two world wars and saw the fall of apartheid.
He lived through the Spanish flu pandemic, which killed his sister, and remained unshaken by the Covid-19 pandemic that reigned in 2020.
He spent most of his life working on farms around Cape Town, and was married to his 86-year-old wife Jeanette for nearly 50 years.
A legend has been called home.
His long journey and work here is done,but Uncle Fredie will never be forgotten.
My heart is breaking for Aunty Blom right now,for his family but especially for her…the love and affection they had for each other was so beautiful to witness ❤ pic.twitter.com/tEa0eKH1if— Earl Hendricks (@EarlCraig06) August 22, 2020
Although he had been quite ill, he seemed to have rallied somewhat on Monday. I saw him walking to the bathroom and that sight made us happy. By Thursday he said that he had had enough and was admitted. I am thankful for the love, for lessons and that the end came quickly 🙏🏾 https://t.co/fRCFcmg0Cb
— @Doreen Morris (@DoreenMorris) August 22, 2020
Oom Fredie Blom, 116, went to his eternal rest at 6am this morning. “He has fought the good fight, he has finished the course, he has kept the faith” It is well. #RIPFredieBlom 🕊️🕊️🕊️
📸Unknown pic.twitter.com/HiGNrVM1Eu— @Doreen Morris (@DoreenMorris) August 22, 2020
