Memories of Swaz
It's often said that those gone live on through our memories...
We'd all love to hear your memories of Swaz. Stories, humorous moments or even just general comments are all welcome.
Please share them below and feel free to comment on others shared :)
My connection with Swaz was mainly a brief few years during my years at Witz University.
I met Swaz through Maish (Eric Meyer). Maish had picked up a number of Jewish boys as friends during their compulsory one year military service in the SA Airforce. One of those boys was Swaz. I had deferred service to study so was a cohort a year younger but a number of them became my friends too including Swaz
I met Swaz through Maish as we were all doing a Bcom at Wits University. Swaz was renting a unit close by Witz and we often went to his place after lectures. Swaz was big into his music and he introduced me to Bob Dylan and Al Stewart amongst others. He was mad keen on both and my appreciation for their music came from Swaz. Swaz was also big on The Who, his favourite rock band, he just loved their music.
Not too long after Maish and Swaz moved into Freddy Apple’s house bordering Greenside High School. I have fond memories of the time at the house which was especially memorable every Friday night. Swaz had a collection of Vinyl which was exceptional but we always played Mike Oldfield’s album Tubular Bells over and over again. It was an amazing time.
Swaz first drove a Hillman Hunter and then got a Toyota Hi Ace van. He fitted it out as a camper and we travelled countless times to Swaziland where we mostly camped at Coronation Park in Mbabane. We all loved going to Swaziland as it was the antithesis to the Calvinistic restrictive apartheid rule in South Africa. We enjoyed the freedoms at the time seeing movies that were banned in SA such as Clockwork Orange and others. At night we would go to the Swazi Spa casino and lie around in the hot pools under the stars.
At the end of my 2nd year at Wits I travelled to Israel and Greece. One of the places I went to in Greece was the island of Crete. I caught a bus from the small noisy town of Heraklion on the island to Matala. Matala was famous for the caves in the hills of the bay in Matala. Young people would sleep out in the caves which was a thing to do when you were of that age. I got off the bus in Matala and I was going to stay in a pension (hostel) and as I was walking to check out options I heard someone shout Bardel! I knew instantly that it was Swaz even though he shouted from behind me as he was the only one who called me that. We embraced in this amazing encounter and Swaz invited me to stay with him in his cave. We spent the next few days there until we went our separate ways.
After my BCom I moved to Cape Town and I only had fleeting connection To Swaz through Sue.
A strong connection I have to Swaz was that we share the same birthdate though one year apart. I think of Swaz often, he was so vital in the way he lived his life and to this day I find it hard to accept he died so young.
Thank you for allowing me to share my story with Swaz, I hope there is some comfort for Sue and the family through my memories of him.
Much love to you all.
Barry Steinberg
Thank you for sharing this Barry! Love hearing stories like this. Gives us great perspective into who he was. Also, Happy birthday to you and to Swaz! Cheers
Love this story Barry ️I Remember hearing about your coincidental meeting in Greece many years ago … and always the shared birthday… Your family and home in Emmarentia was always so welcoming to me , my late sister, Louise and Peter , we have the fondest of memories… Much love to you Andrea and your boys. Happy happy birthday to you for a wonderful year 🎶🎂🎉
Barry, thank you so much for taking the time to share this. I learned so much about my dad from your post and have some research to do on these places. and wowwww Tubular Bells!!!! Happy belated birthday.
🍻
Sitting here around a fire at Rancho Valencia for ‘baby moon’ before #2 arrives. Classic rock songs are floating through the music player like a perfect lily curated playlist for this moment. Thinking of you and know you’re with us as we enter next big phase as a family <3
Lily is starting preschool tomorrow and I'm feeling so many emotions. Watching her develop has been the most beautiful, awe-inspiring blessing and it's also hard. I kind of want to freeze time right now. We had a birthday party for her today (she'll be two next week) and she had the best time. I know you would adore her.
Had an amazing weekend up in Napa with Sharon and Jackson. Thought of you a lot, dad. It was almost like you were there with us. Therefore I consider it a new memory :) Also read one of your short stories I hadn’t read before… “To float through atoms. To float through dreams” ️
Oh Ter…. I’m so grateful that I could make such a perfect shidduch between you guys and my boetie and his family. What a magnificent, sustaining friendship you’ve shared through years. It warms my heart that you and Sue remain besties; that Mitch and now Jackson are so bonded with Greg; and Russ, Jodi, and Blake and Lauren, Jason, and Lily share such a warm connection with Romy, Chris, and Benny.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful sentiments and memories. I LOVE YOU.
Agreed! <3
I’m eating breakfast, listening to the music Swaz loved and scrolling through the pictures of memories on this post. It takes me back to the the day Av introduced me to Sue and we became fast friends. I was so excited to introduce John to this wonderful family.(I am so grateful to you Av.) After John and Swaz met, we all became very close and spent many weekends taking the kids for picnics and weekend vacations.
Swaz had such a gentle nature, he was so handy and wrote beautiful poetry.
He was a great husband and dad, and my last memory of him was the day before he passed. Little Lauren was sitting in his lap and he was looking at her with so much love and adoration. Russell, Mitch and Lauren, Swaz would be so proud to see what amazing adults you have grown into. The strength of your mom and support from your grandparents definitely played a huge roll.
To the grandkids,
although you will not see your grandpa, I’m sure you will get to know what a lovely man he was through these beautiful memories
that have been created for you.
You will be forever loved and missed dear Swaz.
I have this image in my mind you mentioned of him holding Lauren... brings a tear to my eye. Although he never knew the end would be so near, I'm sure in those final days he was at peace and proud of what he created - gives a bit of solace to the tragedy of his loss. You mentioned the music he loved... So interesting how when I hear some of those songs it really does bring his memory back so strong. There's truly something special about music... He knew it. We loved those early days with you guys and still love all our get togethers! Thank you for sharing this Terry and on the day you did, Swersky fam loves you and hopes to see you soon.
How often, in a lifetime, do you meet someone & think…this is my soul brother? This is someone that will be in my life forever. Swaz and I had this and so much more. I am honored to have had a friendship with a very unique and special man.
Our children and their school brought us together and we were initially joined by the pain and uncertainty of arriving in a new country and at the same time excited about the challenge and opportunity in all that America had to offer.
Our shared love and loyalty to family and friends, our love of the outdoors, our love of sport, (you did not want to wrestle with Swaz, he could throw you to the ground before you know what was happening) our common interest in construction and his love of music further cemented our friendship.
Swaz was fit, strong, energetic, enthusiastic, capable, smart and in his humble way made everyone around him feel special. Who could ever have imagined what was to become, what a terrible and unfair blow to his devoted, beautiful wife and children, to his entire family and to his loving friends?
I lost a brother who I admired and loved. He gave me hope when I was doubtful and gave me joy and laughter when we were together. I am forever grateful for our friendship and blessed to have had the opportunity to fly on his wings. I think of him often & always will.
My final blessing is to watch and admire how Sue, Russel, Mitch and Lauren have coped with this tragedy and how they have grown and blossomed and found happiness and never losing the eternal love for Swaz, our Hero.
John Smaller
He was your soul brother indeed. I know you two traversed a lot of the newness of America together. A true blessing, and perhaps serendipitous, that we happened to live around the corner from each other after immigrating. We have great memories from those early days... Greg and I still talk about them. I know how fond he was of you too, John, and I'm sure he's smiling down knowing that the cemented friendship of our families has continued through out the years. We love you John, thanks for keeping him in your thoughts and for sharing this
John, what a beautiful, moving message. It warms my heart to hear of your special, soul-filling friendship. You navigated so much together with your parallel immigration journeys and shared so many passions and hobbies. Thank you for sharing who Swaz was and is to you. He was so lucky to have you as a soul brother and best friend, and we are so grateful for our very special family friendship. We love you John.
Oh John, what sunshine you bring to my brother’s memory , not only what you define here, but the essence of Swaz and your intimate friendship that you always share with me.
You truly connected on a deeper, core level - both men of heart, substance, courage, loyalty, empathy, integrity, intellect, athleticism, moral fiber, and unconditional LOVE.
I’m also so very blessed to call you beloved friend John. You,Trace, and all your fam are FAMILY to me and mine.
♥️♥️🎶🕊
John thank you for this most beautiful capture of the very special and deep friendship that you and Swaz had .I am brought to tears reading this as I clearly remember Swaz being so thrilled to have found a soulmate and friend with all the special qualities and values that you both shared.
We are so blessed and grateful for the wonderful friendship support and love that we have have continued to share over the years , and with our children and grandchildren now. I know Swaz is smiling on us all with love and so happy for the way our lives have evolved beginning with your bond 33 years ago…
We love you John, Tracy, your beautiful family ….and so the story continues with more little blessings on the way and more delights to share and rejoice in together
Sue 💕🎶
Steven lived with Geoff and I in Hyde Park when he started at Wits through his first year. Amanda was a little baby (she was born on October 16, 1971). We converted the dining room into a snug bedroom sanctuary for him and we enjoyed having him as part of our young family. There was often Steve’s choice of the unrivaled music and poetic expression of Bob Dylan wafting through the apartment, as well as other Steven selections of whom he regarded as the consequential musical artists of the time. I was 20 and Geoff was 26 years old. We thought we were so grown up, two young kids playing housie house. We were all seeking a new identity- Geoff and I as “responsible” parents and Steven moving away from the foundation of his boyhood in Springs and searching for a new consciousness. The “boys” played Klaberjass and we shared many existential deliberations, culinary experiments, and familial camaraderie. Halcyon days of our youth under African skies.
I'm imagining the excitement of this new identity phase... Parenthood, going off to college... the evolution of the self as we grow into something new. I remember feeling something similar when I moved away for college myself, and now becoming a parent.. Sounds like it was special times. Would love to see some pics of this time of you have them
Although I wasn't fortunate enough to meet your dad, I feel as if I know him. Your humor, incredible artistic skills, and soulful and thought-provoking writings have been passed down to you from him. He lives on through you and I know I would have loved him.
Steven would have loved you darling Sharon and his legacy, precious little Jackson.
That's such a beautiful sentiment, Sharon, and I agree with you wholeheartedly. I know he would have absolutely adored you.
Thank you my sweets. He would have loved you no doubt. I know he's proud I found you as my partner. Love you
It must`ve been the end of 1972 when Steven arrived in Johannesburg from Springs to begin his studies at Witz. Steven was looking for a place to stay and moved in with us in Emmarentia while scouting for an alternative. I remember him bringing his Akai reel-to-reel Tape deck with 3 hours of music on each of his many reels. My first introduction to “Turn the page” by Bob Seeger, which still to this day makes me think so fondly of Swaz. Actually there are so so many more .. Visions of Johanna J , Billy Cobham, Al Stewart, Al Cooper +++ I was so fascinated at the music machine and its master, …after all, our high-tech equivalent was an 8-Track car deck that my brother Leon had connected to a 12-volt Scalextric transformer. J
He then went on to found one of his many Johannesburg communes as we called them, in Freddy Apples house in Greenside. Swaz, Freddy, Eric Meyer, myself and later Sam(Eileen)from Scotland, my work colleague from Will`s Motors were the crew. Nothing was actually said, but thinking back Steven helped me find my feet after losing my folks at a young age, which I am still very grateful for. We travelled to Europe together but soon after went off along our different paths …
The attached pic is the winters day that we split up after not being able to get a ride from the outskirts of Innsbruck ..heading for Italy. It was getting dark, almost too dark to see … backtrack to the hostel in Innsbruck or wait out our luck ? Swaz crossed the road and to my surprise got a ride within minutes, I stubbornly stayed put and waited at least another 3 hours until a truck driver eventually picked me up. Sending love and thanks to his precious family for this tribute which not only honours Steven`s memory but gives us the pleasure of reflecting and sharing those special days.
What a great story! Never seen a pic like this from his travels. I'm sure you guys had a the best time exploring Europe together, and those commune days. I'm going to add some of these songs to the playlist. Thanks for the sharing these memories and what he meant to you. Love you Brian cheers
,
I love being reminded of your journeys with Steven, Brianie.
Actually Steven lived with Geoff and I in Hyde Park when he started at Wits through his first year. Amanda was a little baby (she was born on October 16, 1971). We converted the dining room into a snug bedroom sanctuary for him and we enjoyed having him as part of our young family. There was often Steve’s choice of the unrivaled music and poetic expression of Bob Dylan wafting through the apartment, as well as other selections from the artists whom he deemed consequential at the time.
I was 20 and Geoff was 26 years old. We thought we were so grown up, two young kids playing housie house. We were all seeking a new identity- Geoff and I as “responsible” parents and Steven moving away from the foundation of his boyhood in Springs and searching for a new consciousness. The “boys” played Klaberjass and we shared many existential deliberations, culinary experiments, and familial camaraderie.We were all so young and naive and Geoff, Amanda and I expressed the familiarity of home to Steven before he was ready to go out on his own.
Brian, thank you for sharing these wonderful memories. I always felt like you and my dad have a similar energy. Family, chime in here...I must admit, I need to look up some of those musicians mentioned. I wonder if we have some of those tapes. My mom has carefully preserved his extensive tape and record collection. That's pretty funny about that hitchhiking story. The photo you shared is gold. I've never seen it. Please share if you stumble along any others. Lots of love xx
It's not easy for me to write briefly here about the impact that Swaz has had on my life, all the wonderful memories I have of him, and how much I have missed him for the past 30 years. From the time I first met Swaz, when he came from Springs to live in the house in Emmarentia in Johannesburg with his first cousin, and my close friend, Brian Saitowitz; to the first communes that he set up, first in Brixton and then in Freddie Apple's house in Greenside; to him convincing me to move into the next 9-person commune in Parktown that he organised and named 'Gascat Row'; to the even bigger commune that he then set up in the house in St Patrick's Road on Houghton Ridge. Swaz was always the leader, the manager, and the creative and entertainment heart of those wonderful communes. H
e built a wooden bar in the lounge of ‘Gascat Row’ and came up with the idea of the popular Thursday Night Bar Evenings.
Swaz not only officially gave me the nickname 'Sugar', by which I have been known since then, but he also taught and showed me that it was OK to allow no impediments to how much knowledge, music and books one wanted to accumulate, listen to, and read. A serious and successful businessman by day and a happy, fun-seeking, gregarious person the rest of the time. thanks to Swaz, I even met my wife Ronx when I returned from a year living in Boston to be able to attend Swaz and Sue's wedding in Cape Town at the end of 1981. Although it became harder to keep close contact with Swaz and Sue and their family when they left to live in San Diego, his positive influence on me was well established, and in many ways has always been, for the past 30 years since his untimely passing.
For all of us who lived in those communes and who have remained very close since then, our "commune family" as we call it, it was the film 'The Big Chill' that always came closest to helping us remember and reflect upon those fantastic times in the communes that Swaz set up. And so, it is from that film that I end with one of my favourite quotes from that film, from the speech that Harold (Kevin Kline) makes at the beginning of the film, at the funeral of Alex, one of the original members of their commune from years before. For the purposes of this piece I have replaced Alex's name with Swaz, because it always seems to perfectly sum up how we all felt 30 years ago and how, I know, we all still feel now:
"I did know Swaz and I loved him. Seeing here today all those people that Swaz loved, not all of us have been able to see each other these past few years. But neither time nor distance can break the bonds that we still feel. Swaz drew us together from the beginning and now he brings us together again. I don't know why this happened, but I do know that there was always something about Swaz that was too good for this world....”
I send my fondest love and warmest thoughts to Sue and Russel and Mitchell and Lauren and Avryl and Janine and all their families, and to all of us who knew and loved him.
Sugar
Tearing up over here. That quote you ended it with... whew. Love hearing the impact he had on you and how he lead the way to set up those communes. Never knew that! Those Thursday night bar evenings sound like they were a blast. Thank you for sharing this Sugar and for keeping his memory thriving. Swersky fam loves you.
Oh Sugar. Your musings are all heart, uplifting even if I’m “balling my eyes out” reading about my brother. It touches my soul to know Steven’s short life had such a beautiful significance to you and others. Thank you for your warmth reflections of your close friendship and the intimacy you shared.
So grateful to Mitch for this magical vehicle to bring together the people who loved and cherished Swaz.
Sugar, thank you for taking the time to try to articulate the impact our dad had on your life. It's clear you had a very special friendship and shared a love of friends and passion for music and learning so hearing your stories always makes me feel close to him. It's so cool to imagine you guys together in those commune days. Sounds like a prime time of your lives that everyone seems to think back to with such fond, fun, and wild memories. I wish we could turn back the clock just briefly and that I could pop in to check out a day in the life there. I loooove hearing that he built a bar there and started night bar evenings. Sounds like so much fun. Do you have any photos from those? Would love to see them.
It's amazing to me that Swaz gave you your nickname that has stuck to this day and that he played a big role in your journey with music - a journey I have loved following and so admire.
I didn't realize you met Ronx at our parents wedding, but makes so much sense now. My dad seems to have played an important part in lots of magical meets. Pretty amazing.
I love that quote from The Big Chill. I think you've inspired a fam movie night.
Thank again for dropping these special memories for us to revisit. Sending lots of love.
What an amazing and loving tribute to your dad and so wonderful to be sharing it. One of things I remember most about Swaz was his quirky sense of humor , his love of life and I think his love also for Lynnard Skynaard's music which I never really understood. He was warm and caring and loved and delighted in you all so much , he would have been an awesome and beloved grandpa.
Lynnard Syknaard! Just remembered we forgot to add that on the playlist. Putting a few songs on now ;) Thanks for reminding us of that. He really would have embraced the grandpa role so well and with a humorous fun approach to it all, Im sure. Appreciate the share Janice. Lots of love.
Thanks so much for sharing this Janice. Its evident you had a special relationship, especially when reading that beautiful letter you wrote to your mom after he passed that's featured in the SAJAC tribute. We cherish our special family friendship.
I remember Swaz so clearly. He was like a second dad to me and I probably spent as much time at your house as I did mine. He was truly a special person and it was clear even as a child. He was one of my dads best friends and now Mitch is one of mine. I wish I had more clear specific memories of Swaz but I have so much memory of just being around your entire family and being happy and feeling welcome. Lauren, Mitch, Rus, Susie, Swaz, and extended family, I love all of you.
So well said, Greg. We spent so much time together those early years when you guys were around the corner from us. Many great memories... He loved the Smaller clan, and its greaso t how the family bond continues to thrive. Thanks for the share, love you boykie
Oh Greg. It’s so wonderful to read this!!! I remember insisting that your mom get into my car so I could go and introduce her to Sue and Steven ,
Love being reminded of your journeys with Steven, Brianie.
Actually Steven lived with Geoff and I in Hyde Park when he started at Wits through his first year. Amanda was a little baby (she was born on October 16, 1971). We converted the dining room into a snug bedroom sanctuary for him and we enjoyed having him as part of our young family. There was often Steve’s choice of the unrivaled music and poetic expression of Bob Dylan wafting through the apartment, as well as other Steven selections of whom he regarded as the consequential musical artists of the time.
I was 20 and Geoff was 26 years old. We thought we were so grown up, two young kids playing housie house. We were all seeking a new identity- Geoff and I as “responsible” parents and Steven moving away from the foundation of his boyhood in Springs and searching for a new consciousness. The “boys” played Klaberjass and we shared many existential deliberations, culinary experiments, and familial camaraderie.
Oh darling Greg, I remember how I insisted that your reluctant mom immediately get into my car so I could take her to the new immigrant Sue at that moment (she just wanted to hang out with me and connect later). I just knew in my bones that your dad and Steven were destined to share a treasured friendship and that Terry and Sue would bond in such a meaningful way. John and Swaz were cut from the same cloth, sharing interests like martial arts and so much more. The two couples were so like-minded and you and Mitch found deep friendship and belonging together. ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thanks so much for sharing this Greg. It's really meaningful to learn that you felt that way about our dad - like he was a second dad to you and that you still remember being around our family during those days. We share such a special family friendship. We love you.
I Remember Swaz growing up in Springs. He must have grown 10 inches after his Barmitzvah. He was so creative and his remodeling of homes was off to a fine start, He was so excited about the projects and possibilities and potential of design, His collection of books and music was vast. And I remember the book he was reading prior to his passing. “Necessary Losses” by Judith Viorst. Lauren’s baby naming was such a joy filled celebration. We arrived a few hours early as we had been away and never got the memo of the rescheduled later time. I can still see him finding that so amusing as he was hard at work starting to get ready. It “Stairway to Heaven” is the song that most reminds me of him. Yes, he would have been so ver y proud of his amazing kids and the beautiful mom that raised them. 🦋
Love these memories Lin.
Love this Linda. Thank you for sharing these memories! The baby naming story is great. Can imagine the laughs you guys were having. We still have his copy of the book you mentioned, may have to start reading it when the time is right. Stairway to Heaven - he loved his Led Zepplin... so fitting. Lots of love and appreciate the share
Your friendship and history with Swaz and our family is so special, Linda. Crazy to think you knew him before and after his Bar Mitzvah. I'd love to know what he was like in those teenage years. I think I'll have to check out that book too, when the time is right. It's so crazy to think you were at my baby naming!! and so many hours early. Stairway to Heaven is a goodie <3 Thank you for sharing these stories and memories.
As I was a baby when my dad passed, I can't say I have formed memories of him, but what I do remember is the feeling of his immeasurable presence, which returns during those magical connected shabbat gatherings, family celebrations, and unexpected moments in nature. I feel him everywhere - in my brothers, in my mom, my aunts, cousins, in my daughter Lily as well as Blakey and Jackson. I hear his voice in his writings and see parts of myself in his reflections and perspectives on life. He left us with so many treasures to visit when feeling that aching void or craving interospection, guidance, creative inspiration or a serious laugh. This project has sparked some really beautiful conversations about Swaz and life among us.
I love you La, my precious niece. I hope that which Janine and I have shared about our beloved brother to you, Russ, and Mitch throughout the years has helped to paint a vivid portrait for you of the bright, sweet, precocious little boy who matured into a real mensch, a true creative and Renaissance man, a devoted dad, husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend, and so much more…
Kol HaKavod and much gratitude to Mitch for creating this amazing forum as a tribute to Swaz / Steven.♥️♥️♥️🎶🕊
Agreed with all you said. He definitely is around for those big moments and left lots of great treasures for us. The art piece you made of him holding you is amazing
Thank you so much darling Mitch. What an unbelievably beautiful gift you’ve given to all of us who knew and loved your dad, and to the next generation. Steven adored his three children and his beloved wife Sue, and he would have doted on his grandchildren and all your spouses. I’m so proud and grateful for the deep, incredible neshomas that are his legacy. My brother was an original - inventive, creative, colorful, dynamic, bold, courageous, sharp, spirited, humane, and a most vibrant man who appreciated the importance of living life with spice, zest, optimism and the magic of music.
I have so many nuggets to share, sweet and poignant memories and tales of Janine and I, and the middle sibling, our
boetie, Steve/ Swaz. ♥️🔮🎶🕊
Thanks for your beautiful message and for sharing all those memories above, Av. Keep them coming! You, Janine, mom, friends and fam have definitely helped paint a colorful portrait of who my dad was. What a wonderful big sis you were to welcome him into your home as a young family and for taking him under your wing.
I have so many beautiful and wonderful memories of Swaz. I will start to collect them to share with you. I am incredibly moved and touched by this thoughtful and amazing site you have created Mitch. It is such a tribute to honoring the legacy and memory that he has left in you his 3 wonderful children whom he loved and adored and the full and fulfilled life that he lived even though it was short …
I love hearing your stories of dad and look forward to reading what you post. We're so lucky to have you as our mom and so grateful that you have lovingly kept our family and dad's spirit alive and so close. He'd be so proud of you and how you have continued to lead your life with such positivity, energy, strength, joy, love, warmth and compassion.
My earliest memories include my dad. Probably my earliest memory was of him and my mom chatting in their room in Waverly, Joburg. Once we moved to Houghton, I have a funny memory of him having a beer and me pulling his hand down to take a sip of it (which I did not enjoy the taste of). Once we moved to San Diego, I have a many more memories. One of my favorites was using left over scraps of wood that he had used to remodel our house to build a small table together. We just came up with the plan and built it together on the spot. Another memory I love was going to Target together where we bought a nerf football which we spent the afternoon throwing in the park across the street from our house. I have some other fun ones, of him playing games with Russel and I, which he always seemed to love to do.
I enjoy hearing the memories of him from friends and family because I've found some interesting coincidences between our senses of humor and our love for music. It seems I may have gotten my enjoyment of tapping into our artistic side and exploring life philosophies from him. I miss him regularly, but know he's still with us looking down proud.
Love this Mitch!!!
He would be so incredibly proud of the people that you three have become. Each unique individuals full of his spirit