Rest peacefully, young Shahid
Shahid was born on Saturday, November 17, 2007, in Alberton to his parents, Shannon and Leslie.
EDEN PARK resident Shahid Steyn (11) died tragically on Thursday, December 20, and was laid to rest on December 29.
Shahid was born on Saturday, November 17, 2007, in Alberton to his parents, Shannon and Leslie. He shared his birthday with his father, Shannon, who died when Shahid was two years old.
Shahid started his school career at Opelweg Primary School, later changing schools to Eden Park Primary School. According to his aunt, Desiree Steyn, Shahid had one of his father’s best characteristics – being loyal to his friends. He was also very protective of his sisters, cousin and niece. Shahid was playful and loved to laugh and tease people.
“What he lacked academically he made up for in handiness,” said Desiree.
“He was good in drawing, fixing stuff and building stuff. From a very young age he always had a passion for cars. An example of this was how he often built go-karts, or ‘trolleys’ as we know them. Shahid, being the ‘senior engineer’, could build a trolley with mudflaps, badges and even a complete sound system (his speaker box). These trolleys were timeously tested at their own ‘wheels and smoke’ spinning display, as he and his friends called it. He was very good at building trolleys and would assist the boys in our street to either build or fix theirs. This is what everyone will remember him for – his love for this trolley.”
She added: “As young as Shahid was, he knew the importance of attending church. This was evident when he invited his close friend, Faizel (or ‘Samoosa King’, as he called him), to attend church services and music lessons. Faizel is still attending these services and his mother confirmed that he wants to be part of the New Apostolic family.”
Shahid lived with his grandmother, Moira, until the time of his death on December 20. The cause of his death has not been disclosed to the RECORD. More than 500 people attended the funeral of the well-liked and loved youngster.
The Steyn, Short and Bates families would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to their family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and members of the Eden Park community for all the sympathy, love and support they received during this time of loss.
They would also like to leave the following message for Shahid:
“The day you left and gained your wings, our hearts just broke in two. We wish you could have stayed with us, but heaven needed you.
“You left us with such beautiful memories and we love you dearly still; no matter how much time goes by, you know we always will.
“You were a very special boy with kindness in your heart and the love that we had together grows stronger, now that we are apart.
“We know we cannot bring you back, although we wish it every day; but a piece of us went with you the day you went away.
“Rest in heavenly peace, Shahid.”
*Photos provided by Shahid’s family.
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