It was a scene of poignant farewells in Kuils River as over a thousand mourners, including celebrated figures like Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and numerous past and present Stormers players, gathered to honor the late Chippie Solomon at his state-backed provincial funeral. The influential Stormers team manager, who passed at 64, was commemorated under a national flag-draped coffin, with a police-escorted departure and a player-formed guard of honor.
Deon Fourie, visibly shaken and emotional, delivered a heartfelt homage to Solomon, who he described as a mentor and father figure. Their bond, formed on a rugby tour in 2008, grew into a profound familial connection. Fourie shared, "In 2008, I got called up for my first Super Rugby tour in Australia and I had to share a double bed with Chippie for the whole week. That's where we bonded deeply, and you became like a second father to me."
"Chippie was a man full of wisdom. You could listen to him for hours. He was articulate, intelligent and full of wisdom,"
Fourie remarked, highlighting Solomon's impact not just in rugby but in personal lives as well.
The depth of Solomon’s care was evident in Fourie’s anecdotes. He recalled a moment when Solomon showed immense support during a family visit. “When we came to visit from France with our firstborn, Jamie, you were one of the first people I wanted to introduce him to,” Fourie shared. Solomon's compassionate nature extended beyond personal interactions, often stepping in during crises, as Fourie recalled an incident following a URC semi-final win.
The simple memories also held significant weight for Fourie, who will miss their routine interactions deeply. "I’ll miss our coffees and rusks in your office. We would talk about anything and everything – politics, sport, family, even the weather," he said, cherishing the everyday moments spent with Solomon.
In a stirring conclusion, Fourie echoed one of Solomon’s favorite sayings, transforming it into a timeless tribute:
"He used to say in meetings, 'Voices in the dark',"
Fourie noted. "Now you are that voice – not in a sad way, but in a guiding way. Your voice will echo through the union – in the change room, in the gym, at the door before we run out. That voice will never fade and it will never be forgotten."
Fourie's parting words were a tender salute to a cherished figure. "Thank you for loving your people so much. You are one of a kind,” he said, ending with, "My Chippendale ... Christopher Solomon, I love you."
2,100 posts
It was a scene of poignant farewells in Kuils River as over a thousand mourners, including celebrated figures like Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and numerous past and present Stormers players, gathered to honor the late Chippie Solomon at his state-backed provincial funeral. The influential Stormers team manager, who passed at 64, was commemorated under a national flag-draped coffin, with a police-escorted departure and a player-formed guard of honor.
Deon Fourie, visibly shaken and emotional, delivered a heartfelt homage to Solomon, who he described as a mentor and father figure. Their bond, formed on a rugby tour in 2008, grew into a profound familial connection. Fourie shared, "In 2008, I got called up for my first Super Rugby tour in Australia and I had to share a double bed with Chippie for the whole week. That's where we bonded deeply, and you became like a second father to me."
"Chippie was a man full of wisdom. You could listen to him for hours. He was articulate, intelligent and full of wisdom,"
Fourie remarked, highlighting Solomon's impact not just in rugby but in personal lives as well.The depth of Solomon’s care was evident in Fourie’s anecdotes. He recalled a moment when Solomon showed immense support during a family visit. “When we came to visit from France with our firstborn, Jamie, you were one of the first people I wanted to introduce him to,” Fourie shared. Solomon's compassionate nature extended beyond personal interactions, often stepping in during crises, as Fourie recalled an incident following a URC semi-final win.
The simple memories also held significant weight for Fourie, who will miss their routine interactions deeply. "I’ll miss our coffees and rusks in your office. We would talk about anything and everything – politics, sport, family, even the weather," he said, cherishing the everyday moments spent with Solomon.
In a stirring conclusion, Fourie echoed one of Solomon’s favorite sayings, transforming it into a timeless tribute:
"He used to say in meetings, 'Voices in the dark',"
Fourie noted. "Now you are that voice – not in a sad way, but in a guiding way. Your voice will echo through the union – in the change room, in the gym, at the door before we run out. That voice will never fade and it will never be forgotten."Fourie's parting words were a tender salute to a cherished figure. "Thank you for loving your people so much. You are one of a kind,” he said, ending with, "My Chippendale ... Christopher Solomon, I love you."