Tribute to Colleen Knox
Colleen Knox was a lovely lady who I met at Lighthouse Tavern restaurant which I had purchased in 2008. Both her and her late husband Melvyn were regular visitors to my restaurant.
It was Colleen's brilliant idea to ask me to host an art exhibition for the 'Kwaskenades Ladies Art Group' in November 2014. The exhibition was a huge success with many paintings of these talented ladies been sold. Colleen's talent never went unnoticed and at every exhibition, a painting of hers was sold. She was extremely proud of her work and so too was Melvyn, he enjoyed each painting of hers and would often brag about it. After the first exhibition, it became a regular event which I thoroughly enjoyed. Colleen and Melvyn were social members at the Gansbaai Golf Club and always enjoyed the steak nights.
I lived in their downstairs flat after I sold my restaurant and we had many good times together. Colleen loved animals and often took care of my pets when I went away to participate in a race. During COVID, we had a wonderful support structure and helped each other get through it. We enjoyed celebration meals together; Mother's Day, Father's Day and birthdays - wonderful memories which I will always treasure.
It was sad to find alternate accommodation when they sold their house and moved to Trianon Retirement Village in Diep River, Cape Town. We kept in contact and on 18 November 2022 Melvyn passed away. Colleen had lost her soul mate and took strain on her own and missed him dearly. She would talk about him during our telephone conversations. My friend Michele de Jager often visited Colleen which helped. Colleen even kept recycle items for Michele and they had good conversations during those visits.
On Thursday 28 August 2025 Colleen passed away, Colleen is now with her soul mate. Rest in Peace my dear friend, until we meet again. I cherish our time together and the memories are forever.
Julia Barlow
