I was lucky enough to have spent some time with Digby...this was some very hard news to receive. It's been some years since I was last with him and his wife Vanessa, but you couldn't meet two better people who love and care more for the animals, people and the land they live on. I revered Digby as one of the last great explorers of Africa, he was quite inquisitive, even at his experienced age, and we spent nights pondering the mysteries of the universe...or days climbing sandstone canyons in search of artifacts, fossils or anything of curiosity. While he was an experienced hunter, an adventure with him could be about so many other amazing wonders.
Digby was more than just a PH, he was an amazing steward and advocate for the land that he lived on at Sentinel Ranch in the Mapungubwe region. He was an amazing historian, teacher and explorer. He fancied his mechanical hobbies and was always proud to show off his latest Land Rover that he had up and running. He also loved reciting quippy toasts to a small shot of Amarula over an evening campfire.
The sadness really sunk in for me when I heard the news and came to the realization that my children would not be able to meet him. He was a man that everyone should have met, and if you did, you immediately liked him. My kids were so close to this opportunity but sadly it wasn't in the stars. Digby will now live on in our memories and stories of him. Luckily, my children will get to meet his wife Vanessa (who I equally adore) in August and one of Digby's sons, who I imagine was much like Digby in his youth. Vanessa is a very strong woman, just as vibrant and capable as Digby and I imagine she and her son's will be okay and be able to carry forth Digby's legacy far into the future.
The world truly lost a good soul the day that Digby Bristow was taken from it. Peace to you Digby, rest easy my friend.
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