Rugby fraternity mourns Plato
The Namibian Rugby Union (NRU) has expressed its condolences to the family of Chandler Plato, one of the first Namibian victims of the Covid-19 pandemic.
LIMBA MUPETAMI AND LEANDREA LOUW
WINDHOEK
Chandler Plato (49) was a well-known rugby administrator in Namibia. He served close to a decade at the helm of Kudu Rugby Club in Walvis Bay and was recently re-elected as representative for the Western Rugby Region, thus serving as board member at NRU.
In addition, Plato was employed at the Walvis Bay municipality for more than two decades as a building inspector. He also wore the unofficial hat of health and safety officer at the municipality and led the Covid-19 task force at the town.
“NRU is deeply saddened by the death of father, husband, friend and board member Chandler Plato. Or deepest condolences go out to the family.
“May God give you the peace that you seek and may our prayers ease the pain of your loss. His presence and kindness, enthusiasm and positive attitude will be dearly missed,” the NRU wrote on social media.
Rugby family
Unam Rugby Club also extended their condolences. “He was a big pillar in Namibian and coastal rugby and had a big influence on Kudus and Unam rugby as well. He will be missed for his positive and never-say-die attitude; he was and always will be part of our rugby family. We will keep you in our prayers. May the Lord guide you through this difficult time,” they wrote on social media.
Reverend Amengenge Nyati from St Mathews Anglican Church, who was also Plato’s colleague at the municipality, encouraged the family and said they should find solace in the arms of the Lord.
“The entire community Walvis Bay mourns with you. Everything that happens in our lives is according to God’s plan. He knew what was going to take him away. We should not fear because we have the Great One is by our side,” Nyati said.
Words from loved ones
Senior rugby player Chad Plato, the youngest son of Chandler, expressed his gratitude towards his father’s colleagues.
“It’s truly a difficult time for all of us, and I believe this is a time that we should stand strong and pray. My father was a great man; he was truly a great man. Seeing everyone who was here today (on Tuesday) saying goodbye to him, it is evident how he touched everyone. I just pray that we never forget him and that we always keep him in our thoughts.”
The widow, Lovina Plato, said Chandler was working very hard for the Covid-19 task team.
“I can only say that he was the best husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. If you had him as a friend or on your side, you would have him forever.
“I know he touched everyone’s hearts he came in contact with. When my husband fought for something or someone who he believed in, he was dedicated to that cause. He was relentless and for that we will always remember him. He was the light in all of our lives.”
She added that somewhere in the future a proper celebration will be hosted to honour her husband’s life. “Even if we just host it on the rugby field - which was where his passion was,” she said.
Plato’s colleague and friend Daniel Mouton, who arranged the drive-by farewell, described Plato as passionate.
“He wasn’t just my colleague and buddy, but he was my go-to-person. He was a dedicated and passionate man, always ready to fight injustices. Even from his hospital bed he was still making sure everything is supposed to be the way it should be. I’m going to miss him terribly,” said Mouton.
WINDHOEK
Chandler Plato (49) was a well-known rugby administrator in Namibia. He served close to a decade at the helm of Kudu Rugby Club in Walvis Bay and was recently re-elected as representative for the Western Rugby Region, thus serving as board member at NRU.
In addition, Plato was employed at the Walvis Bay municipality for more than two decades as a building inspector. He also wore the unofficial hat of health and safety officer at the municipality and led the Covid-19 task force at the town.
“NRU is deeply saddened by the death of father, husband, friend and board member Chandler Plato. Or deepest condolences go out to the family.
“May God give you the peace that you seek and may our prayers ease the pain of your loss. His presence and kindness, enthusiasm and positive attitude will be dearly missed,” the NRU wrote on social media.
Rugby family
Unam Rugby Club also extended their condolences. “He was a big pillar in Namibian and coastal rugby and had a big influence on Kudus and Unam rugby as well. He will be missed for his positive and never-say-die attitude; he was and always will be part of our rugby family. We will keep you in our prayers. May the Lord guide you through this difficult time,” they wrote on social media.
Reverend Amengenge Nyati from St Mathews Anglican Church, who was also Plato’s colleague at the municipality, encouraged the family and said they should find solace in the arms of the Lord.
“The entire community Walvis Bay mourns with you. Everything that happens in our lives is according to God’s plan. He knew what was going to take him away. We should not fear because we have the Great One is by our side,” Nyati said.
Words from loved ones
Senior rugby player Chad Plato, the youngest son of Chandler, expressed his gratitude towards his father’s colleagues.
“It’s truly a difficult time for all of us, and I believe this is a time that we should stand strong and pray. My father was a great man; he was truly a great man. Seeing everyone who was here today (on Tuesday) saying goodbye to him, it is evident how he touched everyone. I just pray that we never forget him and that we always keep him in our thoughts.”
The widow, Lovina Plato, said Chandler was working very hard for the Covid-19 task team.
“I can only say that he was the best husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. If you had him as a friend or on your side, you would have him forever.
“I know he touched everyone’s hearts he came in contact with. When my husband fought for something or someone who he believed in, he was dedicated to that cause. He was relentless and for that we will always remember him. He was the light in all of our lives.”
She added that somewhere in the future a proper celebration will be hosted to honour her husband’s life. “Even if we just host it on the rugby field - which was where his passion was,” she said.
Plato’s colleague and friend Daniel Mouton, who arranged the drive-by farewell, described Plato as passionate.
“He wasn’t just my colleague and buddy, but he was my go-to-person. He was a dedicated and passionate man, always ready to fight injustices. Even from his hospital bed he was still making sure everything is supposed to be the way it should be. I’m going to miss him terribly,” said Mouton.
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