05/07/2021
Anyone who has done a balloon ride knew of Bill Harrop / It was with shock and sadness that we received the news of Bill Harrop’s passing yesterday afternoon, shortly after the death of his wife Mary.
There was not a role that Bill didn’t play in SATSA over the 40 years and 17 days exactly that he was a member. From exco, to chapter, to committee member, to SATSA Treasurer, he was an integral part of the fabric of our association national and locally. A committed and most loyal member who fought for the integrity of SATSA and who participated right to end with his offer to contribute to the red list lobbying just 3 weeks ago.
A legend, an icon, a hero, an unforgettable man. Bill, your name will forever be spoken with reverence and love in the halls of the tourism industry.
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The Harrop Family shares with us this very sad message:
Bill Harrop, 81 years young, lived a full, vibrant and exciting life.
Bill and his recently passed wife Mary, were the founders of the the world renowned Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris.
Dedicated to the tourism industry, his company and staff, Bill was always willing to contribute and will be remembered fondly.
On the 4th of July 2021, after a short illness, Bill gained a new set of wings …… his “Angel wings”.
He leaves behind his two devastated children Sam and Sarah, as well as his grandchildren James, Jordan, Jennifer and Amy.
His commitment to the industry has spanned over 40 years and he truly loved every moment of simply “making peoples dreams come true”.
With a ready smile, tons of energy and always ready to celebrate and have fun, Bill will be sorely missed.
Bill left an indelible and incredible impact on each and every person he met.
He has left a void in the African Skies, he has taken his last flight, he has joined his eternal sweetheart Mary.
Bill will be remembered forever, he has left a legacy.
Details for the “Celebration of Life” for Bill and Mary Harrop
We would love to invite you to join us as we celebrate Mary & Bill Harrop’s life.
Anyone and everyone who has been touched by our beautiful warrior mom and / or our hero dad, is encouraged to join us for this special event.
Date: Saturday 10th July 2021
Time: South Africa 10h00 | UK 09h00 | Australia 18h00
Either: On Zoom
Or: Live streamed on YouTube
Our parents celebration will be held online on Zoom - please email me [email protected] so that I can send you the link as well as the program.
OR you can simply click on the link below as we will be Live Streaming the Celebration on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9fPVPiAr22c
We will be opening the live stream and Zoom room 30 minutes before the official program begins.
If you would like to share a story or memory of your time with our mom or dad, please feel free to include this in an email to me.
The tributes received before Wednesday will be included in the celebration of mom and dad’s life.
Although a heartbreaking event they both wanted to be remembered for the good things they did and the good times they shared!
Drop me an email and
Include a short tribute if you wish for it to be included on the day.
Arrive online with a drink and some nibbles.
Let's give our warriors and heroes the send-off they deserve!
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As Sarah said, Bill left an indelible and incredible impact on each and every person he met. We will miss his song and dance, but there is comfort in knowing that he is entertaining his wife and friends somewhere else.
Sarah, Sam and all Bill and Mary’s many friends and family, on behalf of the SATSA Board, Staff and Members we send our most sincere condolences.
David Frost
Mary Harrop's Celebration of Life - Sat 10th July 2021
