Dusi Legend Dies
06/07/10
Graeme Pope-Ellis, 15-time winner of Durban's Dusi Canoe Marathon, died and was laid to rest at the Hilton Chapel at Hilton College near Pietermaritzburg. The 62-year-old Pope-Ellis was considered a legend in the canoeing community, having raced in a record 46 Dusi marathons since 1965, winning 15 times. He also won numerous trophies in other races.
Now, as he is laid to rest, tributes are pouring in from the local and international sport community.
Olympian Shaun Rubenstein said, "Graeme taught me to get out of bed with a smile on my face, every day. He had such passion for life and it rubbed off on everyone around him."
"In all the years I knew Graeme, I never once saw him fail to make time for a stranger or a youngster and a novice paddler who wanted to chat to him or ask a question," adds Dusi Grand Master Rick Whitton.
Dusi competitor John Edmonds said, "It's really sad that we have lost him when he was just starting to relax. From having been totally self-made, he was now able to host out-of-province paddlers and share his wealth of canoeing experience."
Pope-Ellis was involved in an accident on his farm near Pietermaritzburg when his tractor overturned. He is survived by his wife Wendy, his son Lee, and countless fans, supporters, and well-wishers.
