Dad Malan the master Innovator

I was feeling very nostalgic this Father's Day, really missing my Dad Malan and wanted to tell you a little about this very kind and super talented man.

One of my favourite photos taken with a box camera I'm told - my aunt, Dad and I in the photo; Mom was the photographer.

Many many moons ago, my very inventive Dad made some really useful utensils that I still use today, but I had to dig deep into the stores to find some that I have not used much this year due to lockdown and no potluck meals, braais (BBQ's) or parties.

This clever invention of Dad's is compact and can carry 5 tarts or plates of eats!
Some of the trays pull out so one can carry a high cake or deep bowl as well.
My Dad was a deep thinker, super considerate and believed in making life easier, so thought of everything;)

This carrier came in many sizes; this one is longer so two plates can stand on each level or one could carry long platters.
I used to do function catering on a small scale as a little sideline business for a good couple of years and these came in very handy for carting food.

I shared a little about my Dad a couple of years ago so my old followers may recognise some of these items.

I like to believe Dad is now in his own heavenly workshop, as one would always find him pottering around in his workshop at home.

He may also be part of a heavenly Big Band Blues as he played in bands from very grand ballrooms to playing what is known as Boere-musiek in local town halls.
Boeremusiek is instrumental folk music played in South Africa at dances and festive occasions. It actually originated in Europe, but changed to its own unique sound when it was brought to South Africa and Namibia. The concertina and piano accordion are the main instruments, with button harmonicas, piano, guitar, cello or bass guitar as well as harmonica used.

Ancient photo so the quality is not good at all; my Dad is third from the left playing the concertina.

My Dad was an accomplished musician, totally self-taught with an ear for music; he could play almost any instrument he laid his hands on - from the saxophone, clarinet, guitar, piano accordion, concertina and even the piano.

Dad wooed Mom with his guitar playing and caught her - hook, line and sinker as they say; and what a catch that was!

I would hope there's fishing waters up there for him as he used to love standing on the rocks with a fishing rod in hand and listening to the sound of the waves breaking, patiently hoping to hook the big one!

Dad was one of eleven children; remember there was no television in those days ;) - one sister and ten boys - must be a thing with our family as I was the only girl with four brothers!

Growing up in the depression years could not have been easy, but my very talented father's positive outlook did not allow him to wallow in self pity.

Dad would make things if he could not buy them and invent all kinds of implements, be it for baking or whatever to make everyday tasks easier.

I wonder what plans he would have been making now during this pandemic for masks and shields!

Battered old cookie pan, rolling pin and pastry cutters made in his workshop. Note a Toyo Valve handle was used in making the quirky pastry cutter:) This still is the best rolling pin ever as are the pastry cutters!

Comforting homemade meat pies and pasties.

The story of the Gem Squash Cutter started with me needing stiches in my hand after trying to split a hard gem squash with a knife that slipped and sliced my hand, not the gem squash, so Dad came up with this brilliant design.
Today one sees a similar gadget called a Biltong slicer in our speciality Biltong shops (Biltong is a cured dried meat made with the best cuts.)
I use it to cut up any kind of squash; really makes the job so much easier!

And so my story of Dad Malan, the master Innovator, comes to an end; but his memory lives on and he's still helping me with all these gadgets enthusiastically made to ease my everyday tasks!