Dave Smit

I sat on a bench this morning with Goldie at my feet, on the banks of the Liesbeeck River. I thought of you, Dave, a few hours before your memorial service at Mowbray Presby. Psalm 23 came to mind as the water rippled and flowed over stones and a small weir. I saw you as being in a quiet and safe place. The water of life continues to flow within and around you, no longer earth-bound. Thank you Dave for your energy, presence, ministry and friendship in this life for so many good years. Rest in peace, dear Dave. With love from Anne Wollaston (with Goldie alongside).

To the Family of Rev. Dr. Dave Smit, During the three months I was blessed to have an internship in Cape Town, South Africa, my life was forever changed. I met friends and mentors who became family. One of the individuals who shaped my life from a global perspective was Dave Smith, who also served as my mentor. His wife, Renée, embraced me like one of their own children. This was my first time being away for so long in a different country, and Dave and the Mowbray Presbyterian Church family welcomed me with open arms. For this, I am deeply grateful. Dave’s leadership has profoundly influenced how I pastor my own congregation, and the wisdom I share with the pastors and congregations I have the honor to serve is built on the foundation of his teachings. While I mourn his death, I celebrate his immense impact and the legacy he leaves on earth. Though we are saddened by his passing, we hold on to the knowledge that he is in heaven, giving God praise and glory. Family, we understand and share your grief, and we covenant to pray for your strength. Therefore, it is in this tradition that we hold to the words of the songwriter who simply said, “When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.” May his passing be well with your soul. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Dr. William D. Carter, III

We remember Dave with great joy. Dave was always there for us when we returned to South Africa for brief home assignments and continued to advocate for us throughout his ministry at Mowbray Presby. Dale enjoyed running and talking with Dave during a 10 km race along Boyes Drive. Although this was probably just a “fast walk” for Dave, he was generous in not allowing me to feel awkward about being so slow. I was so looking forward to spending time and talking about Jesus and His love for us (and BZ’s books!) with Dave over our upcoming home assignment… This will need to wait until we are together in the new heaven and earth. Our daily prayers continue for Reneé and the family.

Dearest Renee, Nikki, Gareth, Ranj, and Fernando. Thinking of you all today. With fondest love. Epitaph on my own Friend by Rabbie Burns An honest man here lies at rest, As e’er God with his image blest: The friend of man, the friend of truth; The friend of age, and guide of youth: Few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d, Few heads with knowledge so inform’d: If there’s another world, he lives in bliss; If there is none, he made the best of this. 🩷 Jenni and Craig 🩷

Dave was one of the ministers that although we only saw each other infrequently, he touched me through his kindheartedness and loving nature. He was an honest debater at general assembly and a great sound board for difficult decisions. His smile and joyful nature is legendary and will be sadly missed. Rest in peace dear brother and much love to Renee and family.💔

Pastor Dave as we have always called you. You will always be remember by us and our children Irene & Daniel as a person who embraced people with a message of Grace, Encouraging people to get to know someone before we share with them about Christ. I believe this came from the fact that you were interested to know each of us individually. A heart of a true pastoral care. We are glad to have you us our Minister as a family. Our kids called you Uncle Dave. We will really miss you but we will carry this message of grace to impact other lives. Rest in Peace.

I knew Dave through Journey On. He was what Quakers called "a weighty soul," meaning that he was the real thing, tried and true, and with a lightness and a joy about him--his presence elevated every one of our online gatherings. It was an honor to have known him just as it's an honor to know Renee--truly spectacular humans. My heart goes out to your family--what an amazing legacy Dave has left.

As I got to know Dave (and Reneé) and having the honour and privilege of them becoming my parents in-law eventually, one of Dave's favourite topics was running. We had often talked about how nice it would be to run together. This selfie was at the end of the first, last and only run we did together along Sea Point in December last year, so I cherish this photo dearly. Dave's positivity and knowledge about life were amazing to hear and learn from. The world is now a bit stranger without you, Dave. 🤎x

Our family, more especially my late parents Peter and Shirley Hyslop were congregants at Mowbray Presbyterian Church for most of the 20 or more years Dave and Rene were serving there. They were good friends to them and were often present at family gatherings and celebrations. When mom and dad were in their last stages of their life, Dave was always ready and willing to pay them a visit at the home where they were staying to share the Word, and break bread. Dave was also willing to conduct our marriage to my wife, Lorna and it was a joyous occasion. It was heartbreaking to have heard the news when Dave passed on, but I do believe he ran a good race, and richly deserved the prize waiting for him in eternity.

How can we ever forget all the precious moments shared! Looking back at photographs over the past years, these were always celebrations, shared together so many times in so many places. Weddings in Potchefstroom, christening in Vanderbijlpark, finishing races in Cape Town, Christmas in Paternoster. And countless more. Our hearts are broken. But Dave’s kind spirit, his wisdom and laughter, his love and enthusiasm for life, will be part of our being forever. The traditions will live on, with Dave being part and present in all our hearts. With much love, Pierre, Alta and Kara

There’s one more angel in heaven, there’s one more star in the sky … Dave your smile, kindness, your love for our Heavenly Father and genuine caring and compassion for your fellow humans will forever be etched in our hearts and memories. We were so shocked and saddened by the news of your passing. We first met Dave and René in Heidelberg Gauteng when Dave was appointed as the minister of the Presbyterian Church there. Our youngest son was just 3 at the time. He’s now 42 and also in the ministry. Dave played such an integral role in our lives and there are just so many happy memories with this very special person and minister. From baptisms to marriages to ordinations to memorial services Dave was always by our side, especially in the loss of our beloved daughter. He played a huge role in Douglas and Caitlin’s lives and for that we will always be so very thankful. May you rest in peace Dave in the arms of God who you loved and served with all your heart. René, Nicci and Gareth please accept our deepest condolences and know that we are here for you in whatever way we can help to make this load a little lighter. We will always cherish the special memories of Dave and carry him in our hearts. RIP dearest Dave. Barbara and Billie 🙏🏻

I have known David mainly through the endless stories Nikki has shared with me over the years. Nikki loved, loves and will forever be at awe of her father’s magical energy. I grew to love Dave vicariously. It was and still is such a beautiful and strange connection with Dave that spiritual individuals can appreciate. Dave was the earthly incarnation of Jesus, Buddha, Shiva, and Mahatma Gandhi all in one. Dave’s divine nature and unconditional love was abundantly evident to everyone who would enter his orbit. I was blessed to meet Dave in person at Nikki’s wedding. I could feel his vast golden auric field around him along with his strong faith in life, humans, kindness and daily miracles. He was an earthly angel for everyone willing to receive his healing affection and infectious trust in life. I wish I had more time with him, luxuriating in his radiance, beaming love and other worldly wisdom. Dave you will be terribly missed. However, I know where to find you, in heavens in your angelic essence.

I first met Dave in 1976 when we were both on a Youth with a Mission course, and I was delighted when he was called to Mowbray Presbyterian in 2000. What a blessing he has been to all of us at Mowbray! His joyful enthusiasm, wisdom, and deep caring have enriched us all. Dave was one of the kindest people I know, and it's still hard to realise that he is no longer with us here. Praise God that we will all be together again with our Lord one day. My sincere love to Renee and all the family.

I remember when Dave and Reneé came to Presby Summer Camp as Camp Parents. I remember when Dave spotted Ashley Robbins for the first time at that camp. I remember when he drove through to Somerset West to ask my advice about youth ministry, and when Petro and I sat with Dave and Reneé under the grape vine at Roseville Road. I'm going to miss you Dave. Well done good and faithful servant.

Dear Faith, Renée and family. We remember Dave with love. My memories of Dave from years ago was at Umhlanga beach when he joined the family on holiday. He was so kind to little Haidee at that time. We know he will be missed very much. God bless you all.

DAVE SMIT: Colleague and Ecumenical partner. A FRIEND who cared, was open minded, resourceful, strategic and loyal. With DAVE we learned to be constantly prepared for the unexpected and how he worked to improve the lives of others. DAVE had a unique sensitivity to know what was going on, always bringing a clear and imaginative vision for the future. His enthusiasm was infectious! The guitar man was inspirational and represents a spirit that stays in our hearts. Now DOCTOR DAVE has run the race, and leaves a legacy of an adventurous, free-thinking minister, devoted, trustworthy and faithful. Able to surround himself with diverse perspectives, he led by example, giving us a legacy worth living. REST IN PEACE, my Brother. Surround your soul with heavenly music. We will always be tuned into your gift of LIFE. Mark and friends of LCAG (Liesbeek Christian Action Group) CAPE TOWN.

Dave still can’t believe you are gone.Always smiling and encouraging others to keep going .Go well Dave

Doug and I have been heartbroken to hear of the news of Dave's sudden passing. We had the special privilege of being Dave and Renee's neighbor during their time at Princeton Theological Seminary. I will never forget that on the day that we moved into our seminary apartment, Dave appeared out of nowhere, and asked us if we were in the storage room. No, we said. We are in our apartment! It was clearly up to the brim with boxes, and looked nothing like the home that we would eventually make there, even hosting a weekly small group with Dave and Renee. To our surprise, this relationship continued past Dave's time in Princeton as we had the special opportunity to visit the Smits while serving the PCUSA in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Dave and Renee graciously opened their home, and allowed these young Americans to crash in their house for 10 days! Not only this, but we shadowed Dave a bit during this time in his new work at Mowbray, which was a massive privilege. We didn't realize it at the time, but God was planting seeds for us to return to Mowbray in 2002, and help Dave begin his ministry with Princeton Theological Seminary as a host church. The submitted photo, taken at Blouberg Strand in 2000, upon that first visit to Cape Town, captures so much of how I remember Dave. The wind was blowing strong. Sand was whipping into our faces. Still we walked along with joy, soaking in the sights, and even delighting in the intensity of the whole thing. There are a handful of other things that must be mentioned, because I will never forget: joining Dave with his Greek New Testament group at the Bible College in Cape Town, being graciously invited into the home of the Smits on Christmas Eve 2002, listening to Dave lead worship and play guitar, and all the while enjoying his grace, laugh, and unceasing sense of joy. We are sad. And we are deeply grateful to have known him.

In 2015, I met a lovely man over Skype who became not only a colleague but also a good friend. From the beginning, he believed in me. A year later, on April 26th, we landed in Cape Town, welcomed by Dave and Gavin Norris. I will always remember a colleague who valued my opinion and never took credit for something he didn't do. He was a man who valued family and supported me both in private and in public. After three years of working together, when I shared with Dave that I felt called to the Church of Scotland, he supported and encouraged me. Oh, Dave, when Renee came, you were supposed to come along to Scotland to preach at Kirkgate Parish Church. My children called you "Grapa Dave." Our family valued you and still cherishes every day and moment we shared together. Rest in peace, Dave; you will always be remembered.

I was very privilege to have very humble and dedicated pastor. Rev Dave was one of the greatest theology teacher about Love. I will never forgot one of his quote: "A healthy relationship starts when people agree to disagree". He left a legacy that we will continue to cherish. R. I. P❤️❤️❤️

Our dear Renee Mary and I, and no doubt many others, are still reeling from the news of Dave's death while on holiday in Belgium recently. We find it difficult to get our minds around it and our hearts go out to you and all your loved ones. There has no doubt been an outpouring of affection, care, concern, sympathy, love and prayers for you all as you try to come to terms with his passing. We cannot begin to imagine what it must be like for you as you contemplate the future without Dave at your side to enjoy your new home in Glen Cairn and years of retirement together. Praise God for the 39 years He gave to you together as well as your children and years of service at Dalpark and Mowbray. We praise God for bringing you both into our lives and for our fellowship in the Gospel both at St Andrew's and at Mowbray. I had hoped that Dave would succeed me at St Andrew's but it was not meant to be. He lectured for us at St Andrew's School of the Bible where his teaching and sheer enthusiasm for the things of God were greatly valued. After you returned from Princeton, I asked the Lord if it were possible for Dave to be my colleague at Mowbray. On the very day I phoned Dave to consider this, you had apparently said to Dave that your longing was to move to Cape Town. When you came to CT for Dave to preach with a view to a call, what a joy it was to drive you around the Peninsula to show you something of the beauty of Cape Town. That evening we had supper in our home and then we watched Mr Bean movies. Dave nearly fell off his chair laughing so much. I think we enjoyed watching Dave as much as Mr Bean. When you came in 2000, Dave landed with his feet running and right to the end of our time together, he never stopped ministering at full pace. Right from the beginning we worked together as a team. I always regarded him as a colleague sharing responsibilities, ministry and decision-making as equals. I valued his unwavering support throughout. I knew I could rely on him to carry out his responsibilities faithfully. The congregation enjoyed his preaching, his insights into the Word of God, his great enthusiasm in leading worship, indeed the great energy he brought into every aspect of ministry at Mowbray. We valued his wisdom when difficult decisions had to be taken at a Session and Presbytery level. He was an invaluable member of the Fellowship of Vocation and Presbytery Ministry Committee. We conducted endless interviews with potential candidates for the ministry. His questions, insights and written reports always amazed me. He became a valued member of the local fraternal and worked hard to enhance the work of LCAG. Through his persistence, folk from Gugulethu who used our premises were brought into membership. He succeeded in bringing African Enterprise to the southern suburbs willingly giving away the leadership of it in an effort to bring other churches on board. American students in the ministry came yearly to gain experience at Mowbray and lasting friendships were formed. His passion for music and leading worship will long be remembered. We sang songs in different languages He built up worship teams and encouraged members to play an instrument, read the scriptures, lead in prayer or man the sound box. He actively drew many members into active participation. He successfully ran numerous Alpha Courses both for adults as well as teens.The Holy Spirit weekend was a turning point for many. Dave loved people and he had a great capacity to get alongside people who disagreed with him breaking through the barriers of disagreement and misunderstanding. He was always smiling even in times of difficulty and we often heard him singing songs of praise or hymns as he went about his work in his office. He never held grudges and had a great capacity to forgive. Once Dave made up his mind about something, he persevered with great tenacity. He fought tirelessly for Eleanor to do her Probationership at Mowbray. He failed but not without a fight. He completed many Argus cycle races. On one occasion, he had at least six punctures, but that did not stop him from completing the race. He doggedly completed his Doctorate despite many setbacks and disappointments along the way. If there is one word that stands out for me as I think of Dave it is ENTHUSIASM. He exuded enthusiasm for God, for Jesus and His church, for people and for causes close to his heart. He was a loyal friend. He befriended many including beggars standing at traffic lights asking for money or food. As a family we are doubly blessed to have known Dave. Our son Alan also ministered with Dave at Dalpark for eight months when Alan was the Church Development Evangelist at Dalpark from 1999 to 2002 and Dave was minister at Dalpark and St Andrew's Brakpan till his move to the USA to study at Princeton. In my retirement years, Dave would phone me for a chat from time to time. Mary and I visited you both in April this year after his heart attack. We planned to meet in September this year. Little did we realize that it was the last time we would see him in this life. I end with the words that Dave often said from the pulpit: God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good!

My husband, Malcolm and I have known Dave and Renee for 33 years. We met them in the Dalpark Presbyterian Church. I was looking for a church to attend and came across an advertisement in the Brakpan Herald. I got up and went to the church. Malcolm was working. Dave did not preach that Sunday but Renee was playing the piano. Gareth was in his pram and kept on throwing his bottle out so that I must pick it up. I put our names in the visitor's book and on the Monday Dave was at our house to visit. I have never experienced this before. It was the start of the best church services we have ever experienced. Renee was playing the piano and Dave the guitar. Dave was an an amazing preacher and teacher. Malcolm and I were at church regularly. I went every week but Malcolm was working sometimes. We had church on Sunday mornings, worship singing on Sunday evenings. We had Bible Study on Wednesday evenings and one a month a management meeting. We were at church all the time. Because we didn't have a church building, we met in a nursery school, we had our evening services at our houses. It was so special. I have grown spiritually like never before. Malcolm and I were battling to have a baby. Dave, Renee and the Dalpark Congegation were praying for us. Our beautiful Elizabeth was born on 14 March 1998. Elizabeth was baptised on 12 July 1998.Dave gave an amazing sermon, Renee read a beautiful poem and Alan Webster sang a beautiful song. Dave and his family left the church to study in Princeton and he then took a call at the Mowbray Presbyterian Church. We kept contact throughout the years. When we were in Cape Town we visited them and when they were this side they visited us. Elizabeth grew up knowing them and loving them. With her baptism they gave us a letter to give to her on her confirmation. She read the letter as part of her testimony. At the age of 20 Elizabeth was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She had to go Cape Town for a bone marrow transplant. She was very ill at first but Dave was there in her bedroom, praying for her and reading bits from the Bible. She got better and we spent some time with Dave and Renee. They also met her boyfriend. We came back home but Dave and Renee supported us all the time. Elizabeth said that she wants Dave to marry her and Kendal. Unfortunately she passed away on 27 April 2022. We have asked Dave to do her Celebration Memorial Service. He gave the most beautiful sermon, Renee read the same poem she read at her baptism. Dave also read Kendal's eulogy. They made this very sad day more bearable. We will always remember Dave as the most caring and wonderful friend, mentor and confidant. Our hearts go out Renee, Gareth, Nikki and the rest of their family. Please know that you are in our prayers and thoughts. Our sincere condolences, dear friends. Rest in peace in the arms of your Lord and Saviour, dear Dave. Lots of love. Marie and Malcolm Burns

Uncle Dave has been so pivotal in upbringing as a child in church. We shared a similar interest in playing guitar. The passion that he would have when strumming the guitar and singing was unmatched. His heart for caring for others was God sent. We will miss you so dearly Uncle Dave. You are rested in the arms of the Almighy God.

I had the privilege of spending about 9 months at the start of my time at the Dalpark Presbyterian Church working under Dave's leadership. We spent many mornings analyzing, assessing, theologizing, and laughing as we thought about the Church and of course, the Dalpark congregation where we loved to work. I learnt a lot from Dave, mostly from his faith and deep love for the people who attended on Sunday mornings at the services held at what became the Dalpark Private School (where I still serve on the Board). Of course, we loved to jam on guitars and share our love of worship and music. Dave was always positive. He even spoke about hard and negative things with a smile, always giving the benefit of the doubt to those who were not so kind or faithful. He wanted to believe in the goodness of all people and seemed to delight in everyone he met. Dave was a good audience and would laugh with his whole body, his face lighting up at some joke I attempted, finding things a lot funnier than they were. He was a man of faith and I remember how he and Renee tithed on every gift they received to make the trip to the USA possible. He was an inspiration as someone who trusted His Saviour and experienced the benefits of this way of life. I was chuffed that he went to work alongside my dad and I know that this was a fruitful ministry partneship. It was a sad day to hear the news that he had not made the recovery we all hoped for, but his life is not about 1 day, but many years of adding value to others and bringing joy to this world.

Sending our condolences from Australia. I will miss playing Dave on Friends 2 scrabble. We were well matched and had some good games 🙏💐

To the Family of Rev. Dr. Dave Smit, During the three months I was blessed to have an internship in Cape Town, South Africa, my life was forever changed. I met friends and mentors who became family. One of the individuals who shaped my life from a global perspective was Dave Smit, who also served as my mentor. His wife, Renée, embraced me like one of their own children. This was my first time being away for so long in a different country, and Dave and the Mowbray Presbyterian Church family welcomed me with open arms. For this, I am deeply grateful. Dave’s leadership has profoundly influenced how I pastor my own congregation, and the wisdom I share with the pastors and congregations I have the honor to serve is built on the foundation of his teachings. While I mourn his death, I celebrate his immense impact and the legacy he leaves on earth. Though we are saddened by his passing, we hold on to the knowledge that he is in heaven, giving God praise and glory. Family, we understand and share your grief, and we covenant to pray for your strength. Therefore, it is in this tradition that we hold to the words of the songwriter who simply said, “When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.” May his passing be well with your soul.

Pastor Dave will surely be missed but we celebrate God for the life He has given him. Perhaps God has given him a heavenly acoustic guitar to rejoice with Him for eternity. Till we meet again. Regards Irene