A TRIBUTE TO THE "GIRAFFE" MAN - HE BROUGHT JOY TO SO MANY OF US..............

On Wednesday a dear man, was murdered. I would have been honoured to be able to call him a friend, but to Paul I was probably just one of many people who loved his giraffes and got in his way. I doubt if he even knew my name, though he knew my face and knew here comes trouble when I arrive with tourists, friends or family in tow.

 He was always kind to me, but being a busy man on the run constantly with his giraffe, zebra, impala, springbok, wildebeest and running the farm and making sure the lawns were watered, the pumps at the dam working and a million other things. 

The only time I ever saw Paul sitting still was one morning I popped out with Michelle and he was having breakfast in the office. He looked at me, smiled and just told me to take the feed in the back of his bakkie and watch out for those people in for the convention "and don't get trampled" and he winked. I am totally convinced that the minute Paul stopped breathing he was at Heaven's door where all the animals and old friends and family was waiting for him with open arms and Our Lord, said " a bit early, but do come in" Rest in peace Paul, you will be sorely missed. 

We are all still in shock, but in the meantime, I am sharing his friend David's  tribute.

 I have organised a fund raiser in  leu of flowers , see bottom of page, this page is linked to my Facebook page and to Heia Safari's page as overseas visitors have expressed a wish to donate via PayPal, that I am trying to set up as a Donation Button. 

A tribute to Paul Schulte.

By David Batzofin

http://www.davidbatzofin.com/2013/04/an-invitation-to-celebrate-life-of-paul.html

RIP
Paul Schulte

1956-2013
Another senseless Muldersdrift murder victim!

Wednesday, 03/04/13
This morning the sunrise at Heia will seem less bright...


The current Highveld storm that is raging seems to be a fitting way
to commemorate the life of Paul who died last night (02/04/13)


The animals on the property seemed to know that all was not well
The giraffe were Paul's favourites.


A family gathering at the fire-pit on the shores of Lake Heritage a few months ago.
This group included his children and grandchild.
Paul is in the background with the giraffe.


Although Franz Richter built this dam, it was Paul's dedication and hard work that turned this into a second legacy.
Perhaps we can name the bridge in his honour?


This was another of Paul's "projects"
This bar and sun-downer spot sits on top of what was just a wall a few years ago.
His passion for the property led to many changes that made a great venue even more special.


Paul should have been known as the 'Giraffe Whisperer'
This baby was only 24 hours old, but Paul was able to interact with it in mom's presence


This was the relationship that he enjoyed...
Although the constant attention of such a large animal could be a problem occasionally.

"The Ship"
Bishop Brent
(1862-1926)

What is dying?
I am standing on the seashore
a ship sails on the morning breeze
And starts for the ocean.
She is an object of beauty
And I stand watching her
Till at last she fades
On the horizon
And someone at my side says:
"She is gone".
Gone! Where?
Gone from my sight-that is all.
She is just as large in the mast, hull and spars
As she was when I saw her
And just as able to bear her load of living freight to its destination.
The diminished size and total loss of sight is in me
Not in her,
And just at the moment when someone at my side says,
"She is gone",
There are others, who are watching her coming,
And other voices take up a glad shout
" There she comes!"
-And that is dying.


The Impala rams would follow Paul's vehicle waiting for food.
And if none was forthcoming, they could become insistent...


Paul particularly liked this image.
In the beginning he was critical of my Blog pictures.
As a result, it made me strive to make each posting better than before.
His input was something I came to value.


He and I often laughed about this herd.
Paul was able to get up close,
while they chased me on more than one occasion.


The sky over Heia will never be the same...


Even the zebra seem to be looking for him...


This fountain is in the graveyard that Paul recently upgraded.
The graves here are those of his ex in-laws...


This was the last image that Paul and I laughed about.
It was taken on Monday, 1/04/13.
I was not to know that this would be the last time I would see Paul alive.


Sunset over Lake Heritage...
my favourite spot...


The threatening sky over Heia
waiting to release yet another shower.

Like the Zebra, this is one of the iconic Heia images...
Paul's bakkie(pickup truck) and at least one of the giraffes


This is one of my favourite images of Paul...
The moment he heard the shutter click he turned to me and said...
"I know that this will end up on a Blog"
And it did...
Paul, you played a bigger road in my life than you knew.
Thanks for all the feedback and the friendship.
You and your bakkie will be sadly missed.
To the family members, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Let us hope that this will be the catalyst that puts an end to some of the senseless killings
This is an area that is known as "The Cradle of Humankind"...
let it not become "The Grave of Humankind'.


Next week there will be a celebration of  Paul's life:
http://www.davidbatzofin.com/2013/04/an-invitation-to-celebrate-life-of-paul.html

With the permission of Heia Safari Ranch, the help of Equi-Feeds Randjiesfontein Branch, Genevieve Meyer and Isabel Smuts, I am hereby sending out an appeal for funds, in leu of flowers, in the memory of Paul Schulte, for feeds to Heia Safari Ranch for his beloved animals.

as per Genevieve, Equi-Feeds are kick-starting off the project with a large round bale of Erasgostis, value of R 340.00 and 3 bags of Game Cubes @ R 165.60 per bag.

Any amount, big or small will be welcome, please do your donations with reference: Heia Safari - Paul to

Standard Bank
Paarl Branch
Afresh Vention
Acc No: 278 226 779

Equi-Feed will deliver the feeds direct to Heia Safari Ranch.

Please share on your Facebook page and with all the friends , you know who also love Heia Safari Ranch and as a tribute to Paul, who did so much for the animals there and brought pleasure and joy to so many people by sharing his love and dedication with the visitors to the ranch.

If anyone has any questions or concerns you can contact me on 011 678 7161 or contact Genevieve at Equi-Feed on 011 238 7976

Let us send hundreds of trucks for a huge Giraffe Party in Paul's honour.

 — at Heia Safari Ranch

Love and Kind Regards to all - Marianne Klint Taylor