F.M. senior writes to his son

Fred has very few letters among his memorabilia.

So this particular envelop that I have found is special, it's dated 29 January 1981, from 4 Steward Avenue in Bulawayo, the last home of Fred's parents, to Fred, when we were living in our cottage in Mountain View.

The letter, written in capitals, from Fred senior, reads like one long sentence and is the only piece of writing I have from Fred's father.

He and Fred had been discussing importing an air conditioner.  In the letter he continues with his request for Fred to buy a unit and arrange to get it to Bulawayo.

He died later this same year from lung cancer.

The air conditioner was to bring him some relief from the dry summer heat up north as he was having trouble with his breathing. Chatting to Fred on our walk this morning, he does remember smuggling an air conditioner through the Beit Bridge border, so the permit never came through.

Instructions and suggestions from F.M. senior to F.M.

A young father, F.M. (senior) with his 5 children, Henk standing, sitting L to R, Ely, Hans, Dad, Fred, Mom, Louise.

Fred's father Frits as a young boy in Holland. He is front row, second left.