Beloved friend and colleague- Gavin Downhams

08 September 2009

To listen to audio tributes from the memorial service please click here

01 September 2009 - Gavin Downhams' Tribute details:

Thursday afternoon 3 September 2009 -  Tribute Service(actual funeral):

Time: 14H00

Venue: His People Church Auditorium

Friday morning 4 September 2009 - Memorial Service:

Time: 10H00

Venue: His People Church Auditorium

31 August 2009 - Pastoral letter

His People Joburg Family:

News might have already reached you that our dear friend and treasured staff member Gavin Downhams recently passed away. The paramedics initially suspected that it was Swine Flu, but this morning’s conversations with the Downhams longstanding family doctor revealed that he had visited this Doctor who had picked up a serious heart condition and it is the doctor’s opinion that Gavin suffered a heart attack while preparing to make his way to the hospital to undergo further examination.

The Pastors and staff have met this morning and we are looking at creating a number of moments and opportunities, in the coming days, to both mourn and celebrate a life that was dedicated to serving our Lord and His kingdom; with extraordinary dedication and commitment. Tomorrow morning, Tuesday 1 Sep; 08h30 – 10h00, in the conference room, (in place of our regular staff Chapel service) we will be taking time to share together and pay tribute to this beloved brother; and will then set the conference room aside as a venue to pay tribute for the rest of the week. The conference room will be open throughout the week during office hours (08h00 – 18h00); with a memorial book to write tributes, as well as a basket to receive any other expressions of remembrance.

We have also set up a facebook group to honour our dear friend, and encourage all those who knew Gavin to fill this site with honouring memories and tributes. This facebook group is titled: “Tribute to Gavin Downhams.”

It is likely that the family funeral will be held in the Parktown auditorium on Thursday morning; and a His People memorial service on Friday morning (10h00-11h00). Please support and attend either or both as you are able. Confirmation of dates and times will be posted on our website and the facebook site.

“For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life”
2 Cor. 5:4

We give praise to our Lord for this extraordinary life; given to His service, and know that Gavin has entered into a glorious inheritance.

May the Lord extend much grace and comfort to Gavin’s family and friends over this time, and carry us in His strength.


Much love
The Pastors