Forever loved, never forgotten. A life well lived, a love well shared. Your memory lives on in us. Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Loved beyond words, missed beyond measure. We would also like to thank Sasha Drewett, Kath Straun and Cathy for setting up the Back a Buddy fund. To all our family and Ali’s friends who supported and donated to the BackaBuddy group, we are deeply and extremely grateful. Cathy, a huge thank you for your dedication and help. A big thank you as well to Terence; the last 14 months were not easy, and your support and assistance were unbelievable. To her boys, Angus, Murray, and Guy—we will always stand by you and support – James Thomson Please join us for a High tea at The Village Hall followed by a celebration of Ali’s life at Consolata Estate. n Ali s life Co li i i A CELEBRATION OF Life ALISON ELIZABETH THOMSON 28th January 1975 – 3 December 2025 ST PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 24TH JANUARY 2026 AT 11.00AM
of James, Angus, Cath, & Judy. Ali was born on 28 January 1975 at the Old Greys Hospital in Pietermaritzburg. Ali brought joy, laughter, & a spark of mischief to her family. Derek & Esma nurtured her love of life & exploration, values that she carried with her throughout her years. Although Judy & James moved overseas, distance did not diminish the bond they shared. Ali stayed connected & shared moments of joy, celebration, & hardship, always remaining the thread that wove the family together. Ali’s academic journey began at Scottsville Primary School, followed by Carter High School, where she participated in all sports but especially excelled in hockey. Ali’s love for canoeing began as a gift from Santa on her seventh Christmas—the canoe she had wished for, named “Sea Breeze”, waiting for her in the early morning mist by the swimming pool. This gift ignited a lifelong passion; she went on to complete the Duzi several times, demonstrating her grit, determination, & love of adventure. Following high school, Ali pursued her passion for agriculture at Cedara College of Agriculture, earning a diploma in agriculture. Cedara College became a place where she made lifelong friends & embraced opportunities to explore her adventurous spirit. This led her to London at age 21, where she celebrated her milestone birthday skiing with Judy in the snow-capped slopes in Andorra. Back in London, Ali celebrated a swan-themed celebration with Cathy in Barnes. Professionally, Ali’s career journey was as dynamic as her personality. Ali tried office work, but she realised that indoor office work was not her calling. She found a holiday student research role in agriculture in Cirencester & Cambridge. Here she connected with cousin Ginny. She met James in London; they returned to Tzaneen, married, & had two beautiful sons, Angus & Murray. Later in her life with Terence, she added another beautiful son, Guy. Her boys were the most important motivation in her life. Beyond her accomplishments & professional life, Ali’s legacy lies in her love, her courage, & her ability to bring people together. She was the sister, mother, & friend who made every gathering brighter, every adventure more meaningful, & every life she touched more full. Her last 15 months were her greatest challenge. For the vibrant, active and determined Ali, this was a tortuous journey where she hung on, driven for her love of her boys, Terrence, Cath, James and Judy. On 3 December 2025, she was released from this suffering. “Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.” The Prophet, Khalil Gibran Tributes Ali had our Scottish mother's no-nonsense attitude and boundless energy. She was quintessentially a "boys Mum," loving Angus, James and Guy fiercely. Though hemispheres apart, our calls were filled with laughter and family news. I remember Ali as she truly was: smart, funny, kind, and beautiful inside and out. You're so missed, darling Ali, till we meet again. – Fiona Hobday I remember Ali as a beautiful, energetic blonde toddler with a huge smile. Our adventures in Cambridge and her visits to Cayman were highlights of my life. As fellow boy Mums and cousins, we shared a bond forged over years of fun and cups of tea, our passion for dogs was a topic of conversation. Family was central to her life - an incredible daughter, devoted sister, and ultimate cool aunt. Athletic and motivated, she capably combined professional work and motherhood. Courage and being an amazing mother defined her. She will be dearly loved and truly missed forever – Ginny Hobday Dear Lord, as we hold our Ali's memory close to our hearts, we thank you for the love and wisdom she shared with us. Help us honour her legacy by living our lives with the same grace, kindness and strength she displayed. I really miss our midnight tea parties and( THAT'S NICE!!) saying. Goodnight Ali till we meet again – Melody Precious Ali, to me you were and will always be Cath’s little sister. Over the years, I watched from the sidelines, in awe and admiration, as you blossomed into this vibrant young woman, and then grew into a devoted mother, a dynamic businesswoman, and a powerhouse athlete. I will forever treasure the quiet hospital evenings we shared together before you left. While I am grateful that you are no longer struggling, it doesn't lessen the loss or the grief. Be at peace, beautiful one. - Louise Jones
Ali, I will always remember you as a devoted Mom to your three boys and a wonderful younger sister to me. I cherish our talks about business ideas and the days we spent canoeing together. You were a truly good person, and we will all miss your warmth, your spirit, and the joy you brought into our lives. You taught us to value hard work and kindness, and we will miss the light you brought into every room. - James Thomson If tears could build a stairway & memories a lane, I’d walk right up to heaven & bring you home again - Karen Thomson Ali and I shared a special bond as bridesmaids at our weddings. The memories of laughter and support are truly unforgettable. Ali, I will miss you very much – Judy Ansermino When I was eight, Ali took me on a “quick run” up Chapman’s Peak. I struggled, but her big smile and gentle encouragement stayed with me. I also remember laughing while rock-sliding at Tzaneen, and sitting together in Kruger, ticking off birds and searching for her favourite lilac-breasted roller. She filled my childhood with joy and kindness Megan Colman Ali’s energy was radiant like a butterfly. I always remember being greeted at the front door by her with the biggest smile on her face, and she gave the warmest hugs – Victoria Ansermino Dearest godmother, thank you for moving heavens to attend hockey matches, birthdays and special occasions. I'll always remember the effort you made to visit Cambridge when I was homesick, and will miss having you on the sidelines as a supporter, your thoughtful advice, insightful knowledge and unwavering love. I'll forever treasure the incredible bond we shared xxx - Micayla Colman Order of Service OPENING SENTENCES – Rev Tim WELCOME & NOTICES – Rev Tim OPENING HYMN – All Things Bright & Beautiful PRAYERS – Pam Oberholzer PSALM 23 – All EULOGY Cathy Colman (sister) Angus and Murray Loughor Clarke (sons) Ginny Hobday (cousin) Bronya Wittstock (cousin) Micayla Colman (niece) Claire Watt (friend) Sasha Drewett (friend) Terence Unterpertinger GOSPEL – John 14:1-7 MESSAGE – Rev Tim HYMN – Amazing Grace LORD’S PRAYER – All PRAYER’S FOR THE FAMILY – Rev Tim COMMENDATION & BLESSING – Rev Tim CLOSING HYMN – Make me a Channel of your Peace
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Tributes – Angus & Murray I love you very much mum. I miss you very much mum. Thank you for fighting and living for us – Angus Loughor-Clarke Words can't describe how much you mean to me. I'd give anything for one more hug, one more conversation, one more moment with you. Your love and memories will never be forgotten. Thanks for being the best mum ever. Love you lots – Murray Loughor-Clarke You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. All Things Bright & Beautiful Chorus: All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all. Each little flow'r that opens, each little bird that sings, He made their glowing colours, He made their tiny wings. [Chorus] The purple-headed mountain, the river running by, the sunset and the morning that brightens up the sky. [Chorus] Love as powerful as your mother’s for you leaves its own mark. To have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever. —J.K. ROWLING
Amazing Grace Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch; like me! I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. ’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed! Zone, I am so grateful that you were in my life and you will continue to stay in my heart for the rest of my life. We went through very good times and very bad times, this is how life works and, in the end, we had no regrets. That just proves real love. You had a major part to play in who I am today as a man. Eternally grateful for the son we share, my promise to you is that I will raise him to be a man you will be proud of. I miss you terribly, especially travelling with you and all the sports we did together. Cycling will never be the same without you. Love BS (aka T) The Lord hath promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures. When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we first begun. Make me a Channel of your Peace Make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred let me bring your love. Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord And where there's doubt, true faith in you. Make me a channel of your peace Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope Where there is darkness, only light And where there's sadness, ever joy. Oh, Master grant that I may never seek So much to be consoled as to console To be understood as to understand To be loved as to love with all my soul. Make me a channel of your peace It is in pardoning that we are pardoned In giving to all men that we receive And in dying that we're born to eternal life.
‘In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. ABRAHAM LINCOLN What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others. THUCYDIDES SWAN SONG The swan silently crossed the river No reflection, no ripple in her wake Lit by a moving sunbeam, she crossed the water, Just, for my sake I sat down aboard her back As her head turned to me And she looked into my eyes, asking, Are you really, really, ready I nodded, as tears rained, from my face To join countless others in their river The swan started swimming & slowly singing, The most beautiful music I had ever heard in my life And then the swan suddenly changed From black into a dazzling white And I stopped crying and started smiling As together we crossed over Into the most brilliant of light Michael Ashby, Sidmouth My Darling Ali SwanI love you with all my heart, fly with the angels - Cath
Fleepit Digital © 2021