Friends and fellow runners have paid emotional tribute to George de Rock, remembering the 47-year-old as a devoted husband and father whose kindness and encouragement touched many lives. He had set out on his birthday, intending to celebrate another year of life by taking on what was to be his longest trail run. In the days since his death, friends and fellow runners have remembered George not simply for his endurance, but for the way he made people feel. “The sudden and tragic passing of George de Rock weighs so heavily on my heart. Kloppers also remembered De Rock as a deeply involved father whose love for his family was visible to those around him.