Tribute to Philip Chevalier, a longstanding Fish Hoek community member

Philip Chevalier, a familiar and much-loved member of the Fish Hoek community, died on Saturday, July 26, at the age of 54.

Mr Chevalier, who was born with Down Syndrome and later suffered a head injury in a pedestrian accident at the age of six, lived a life that, according to his sister Catherine Pitt, was full of love, humour, and connection.

He was well known across the Deep South for his vibrant personality and unique charm.

Ms Pitt said it was during her brother's early years at the family home on Kommetjie Road that their mother, Joyce Chevalier, recognised a broader need for support for caregivers of children with disabilities.

This led her to start a support group that later developed into the Joyce Chevalier Centre, a facility that continues to serve the community today.

“His sparkling personality and quirky mannerisms encouraged, amused, perhaps shocked and challenged those who met him,” Ms Pitt said.

She described him as someone who loved playing cricket, conducting Tchaikovsky, swimming at Fish Hoek beach, singing hymns, reading car magazines, and adoring motorbikes. At one time, he could name all the makes and models of expensive cars.

He also enjoyed eating hot chips at the Galley, wrestling in the pool with his niece and nephew, and opening Christmas presents.

He fancied himself a concert pianist, and despite never having taken formal lessons, could play the ukulele and mouth organ with surprising skill.

According to his sister, he had a keen interest in birds and could identify most common species.

Mr Chevalier had a sharp memory and gave people affectionate nicknames – calling one family friend “Two-Anne” (for Dianne), dubbing a rugby player “Boot Botha” for Naas Botha, referring to his brother as “Dollar” and naming his carers “Ninni”.

In 2020, he suffered a stroke from which he never fully recovered. Ms Pitt said this left him in persistent pain and vulnerable to recurring chest infections.

Mr Chevalier's life was deeply connected to the Joyce Chevalier Centre, which now offers daily work opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities.

The Centre focuses on developing skills and promoting inclusion.

“This NPO is a much-needed support to families from our area, both in terms of daily work, relief to parents and financial income,” Ms Pitt said.

She hopes her brother's passing can serve as a renewed call for awareness and support for families impacted by intellectual disabilities.

“The saying that it takes a village to raise a child should be true for every young person,” she said, urging the wider community to offer inclusion, opportunity, care and love wherever possible.

“My brother truly lived a life of worth,” she said, adding that the family thanks God for the years they had with him.

She extended gratitude to Camphill Hermanus, Sunfields Wellington, Peers Village and Murambi House, who cared for him at various points in his life.

A memorial service will be held for Mr Chevalier on Saturday, August 9, at the Joyce Chevalier Centre in Fish Hoek. 

The family encourages those who wish to honour his memory to support the work of the Joyce Chevalier Centre. More information is available at www.jccentre.org.za