A Resurrection Story ~ The Worth of A Man

The worth of a man is in laying down his life for his brother without expectation. Danny is the epitome of giving without requiring anything in return.

Where does one start when trying to put together words that best describes Danny Visargie AKA Danny Visargie in America where he lived for 38 years. I am writing this tribute while in Los Angeles with him. He wanted nothing more than to show me the world that has been so good to him and afforded him the opportunity to study and earn a degree in electrical engineering; specialising in water automation. He is father to Amber and Lisa Visargie and granddad to Leila. Now also stepdad to my sons and grandfather to my 3 grandsons and soon to be 4th.

You are reading this tribute because you know Danny at one level or another. It is easy to buy gifts I think he'd love but I really wanted to leave a timeless gift. As a writer I thought it apt to put my gift to paper and in addition share your thoughts about him through your comments.

Daniel Brian Petersen was born to Sarah Petersen in the informal settlement Rooi Akkers in Goodwood. Cape Town, South Africa. He Attended St Anthony's  Primary School where he won several eisteddfod awards for singing.

A young naughty teen rebelled against institutionalised education. He had very little interest in going to school. With his mother and stepfather Peter Visargie.moved to Manenberg It was during this time  a teacher told him he'd end up just like  another Manenberg skollie. He couldn't envision a successful future. He dropped out of school and worked as a messenger boy for Southern Life in Cape Town. Eventually he did a skills course in welding that armed him with ammunition for good contracts and income. 

A sports coach and youth worker Michael Davey discovered Danny could sing and enlisted him for a music group called The Transformers. He helped Danny's confidence and thus started a legendary history in music ministry that eventually led to international travels with African Sonrise under the leadership of Henry Louw.

Danny's voice was easily identified within the African Sonrise band and his deep smooth  tones a signature.

While African Sonrise toured America in the 80's Danny started desiring more for his life and embraced an opportunity to study Electrical Engineering. This he did while holding down a daily job. 

We take this time to celebrate a gifted, kindhearted and generous man. A beloved friend. A man not unfamiliar with the  pain of growing up without knowing his father but who successfully was nurtured and raised by his stepfather. 

He has his own stories of pain, mistakes and bad choices  but most importantly a story of  the forgiveness of God. The passage of mercy well trudged. The dark places were overwhelming but softened by a mother's endless belief in him. 

A mother who taught him how to give his all.

Sarah Visagie was Danny's gift of love and light.

The greatest worth of a man is observed by how he bows before the God of unmerited grace. Danny knows this passage well. 

His is a resurrection story.