The Edgemead community is mourning the sudden passing of a well-known resident and athlete, Christopher DeOliveira (55).
DeOliveira passed away on Monday 17 March at his home. Chris was a member of the Edgemead Runners Club and also involved with starting the Bothasig Residents Association (BRA) Runners.
His father, Cesar DeOliveira, told TygerBurger that Chris, his only son, fell while at work earlier that day.
According to him, Chris had left for work at 05:45 that day as he usually does to be at work by 07:00. At 10:30 Chris called his father to inform him that he had fallen at work and asked that his father meet him at the doctor, which he did. When he saw Chris at the doctor, all seemed fine. The doctor did some checks, but could not see what was wrong, the father said. His father kept an eye on him throughout the rest of the day, but later that evening, around midnight, Chris passed away.
Inspiration
The emotional 89-year-old said his son was the inspiration for him starting his running career. TygerBurger contacted Chris in June last year when a story was published about his father who is still active and running at such a senior age. His father, Chris explained at the time, only started running a few years earlier in 2017. DeOliveira senior said he still runs and that the last race he had taken part in was held at Canal Walk in Century City recently. That same weekend Chris, who usually runs with his father, was taking part in a race at the Knysna Heads in the Southern Cape.
Huge loss
Patrick Andries, men’s captain of the Edgemead Runnings, said this week that, Chris’ passing is a huge loss for the running club and the community. “It is very sudden for us all.”
He said Chris still took part in two races the weekend prior to his death – one in Parow and another in Langebaan on the West Coast.
“Chris was a very kind and generous person. He always gave to others, was devoted and passionate about running. He was always happy, especially when he was running with others,” Andries said.
Chris joined Edgemead Runners in 2019 and quickly became a valued member, the club says. His dedication to running was evident in his remarkable achievements, including being recognised as the male runner with the most mileage in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024, improving year on year. He embraced challenges, often travelling to compete in races across the country. Over his time with the club, he proudly ran nearly 6 000 kilometers in club colours, the club said. The BRA also paid tribute to DeOliveira who was a former member.
“Chris was instrumental in starting the BRA Breakfast Club and the BRA Runners, initiatives that brought people together and strengthened our sense of community. Beyond his contributions, Chris was a true gentleman, kind, warm-hearted, and always willing to help others. His presence and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Chris was a dear friend to us,” the BRA wrote on its social media page.
The family are still making funeral arrangements.
