Jennifer “Jenny” Duncan (Raksha) – EULOGIES
5 May 1948 – 8 December 2024
Andrew Campbell - District Commissioner – Northrand District
It is with a heavy heart that I share news of the passing of Jenny Duncan, an institution of Gauteng Scouting and an inspiration to many. Jenny was a fixture of scouting since the early 1980s and will be sorely missed.
Her service record is a testament to a lifetime of dedication to the scout movement. Though most of you will know Jenny from her work at Regional HQ during her career she was pack scouter of 1st Eastleigh, 1st Illionglen, 1st Harmelia Gardens and her beloved 1st Hellenic. She served as Assistant Area Commissioner Cub Programme for what was then the Transvaal Area and served for many years as Assistant District Commissioner for Cub Programme in the Northrand District.
Her work was not limited to cubs, she was a regular feature at Kontikis in the 1990s and early 2000s and when covert Meerkat Dens first opened up 1st Hellenic, with the help of Jenny, was one of the first groups in South Africa to have a Meerkat Den. Jenny was very proud of the fact that she penned the words to the Meerkat song, and I can think of no better tribute than to know that every Meerkat meeting around the country is opened with words penned by Jenny.
Jenny was a mentor to many and an inspiration. Despite a severe heart condition and her age she soldiered on with cubbing at 1st Hellenic and when Northrand District decided to re-open the 1st Eastleigh Cub pack (which closed during Covid) Jenny came on board, writing and running programmes for the 1st Eastleigh pack in addition to her work at 1st Hellenic. In a way it is fitting that Jenny ended up back at the pack where she first started her scouting journey in 1982.
Jenny’s cubbing name was “Raksha”, the mother wolf, and in many ways Jenny was a mother to all who met her. Her own family was of paramount importance to her and her bond with her husband, Mickey, who passed away a few months ago was unbreakable.
I think I speak for all of us as I wish Jenny a good journey into the gentle night. May the sounds of happy cubs follow you wherever you go.
Declan - Former Cub
Dear Jenny,
I know we didn’t talk much after I left cubs which is unfortunate, and I’m sorry I didnt get to tell you this in person, but you really did have a big impact on my childhood. Even though I was always a bit naughty and we had our fair share of bantering and disagreements, which oddly enough I’m going to miss, I hope that you rest in peace.
I’m sorry we didn’t spend more time together but the times that we did spend together were truly special It’s crazy to think hoe fast time flies, it feels like just yesterday I was climbing up that mulberry tree whilst you were yelling at me to get down, you were geniuinly a pure, kind hearted person.
You really meant a lot to me and I am going to miss you, but you will forever live on in my heart, Love Declan
Marina - Former Cub
Dear Jenny,
I’m sitting down to write this letter to you with a heart filled with gratitude and love. As mu cub leader, you taught me so much more than knots and camping skills, you taught me valuable life lessons, leadership skills, and the importance of teamwork. Your guidance, patience and encouragement helped shape me into the person I am today.
I’ll never forget the adventures we had, the challenges we overcame and the memories we created together. Something I’ll never forget is when you helped me with a section in my leaping wolf that had to do with the device in your heart. I thank you for the foundation you set in me for my scouting journey. You left an incredible mark on my heart, and I’ll carry your lessons and love with me always. Thank you, Jenny, for being an extraordinay cub leader, mentor and friend. I’ll miss you dearly.
With Love and Gratitude, Marina
Meghan - Former Cub
Dear Jenny,
I remember the first time I came to scouts, I had an idea of going on, but I didn’t know anyone, I was a nervous and shy kid. But, you were there, showing me how to do things. One of my fondest memories is doing badgework with you, and although my time at cubs was very short, I still treasure every moment of it – made possible by your dedication and your effort. I mean, who else would turn up every Saturday afternoon to take care of kids when you have better things to do. Even after cubs, I could always find solace in your smile or in conversation with you, taking me back to when things were simpler. Thank you for being so kind and caring.
Love, Meg
Anastasia - Former Cub
You may have left this world but your teachings and influence will never leave us.
-Anastasia
Mahi - Troop Scouter
Dear Jen,
What can I even say? for my whole life at 1st Hellenic, you have been there. From my earliest childhood Kontiki memories, to going with you to Cyprus in 2005 for Xelidonia – you have been a constant in my life, and the life and ethos of 1st Hellenic. You were the Original Honorary Greek!
To say you have left a void is an understatement, as we know no one could ever fill your enormous, incredible shoes! You had a certain way of doing things, YOUR way, your very amazing unique way that touched the lives of so many young cubs. All we can do is keep you in mind & heart and draw on your history for inspiration to continue your good work.
Rest easy now Jen, may your memory be eternal.
All my love, Mahi
CHRIS MANIAKIS – EULOGY
The community of the 1st Hellenic Scouts Group mourns the death of Christos Maniakis, who sadly passed away on 30 July 2020, 4 days after his 78th birthday.
Mr Maniakis was born on 26 July 1942 in Cairo, Egypt. He immigrated to South Africa in 1963. In 1968, Mr Maniakis, together with Michael Papadopoulos and Michael Castis, formed the 1st Hellenic Sea Rover Crew. Within a year, the Crew grew to over 30 Rovers and became the biggest Rover Crew in South Africa.
Mr Maniakis went on to become the Group Scouter of 1st and 3rd Hellenic before taking on the position of Assistant District Commissioner – Special Duties and then District Commissioner for the North Rand District, for approximately 10 years.
In his scouting venture, he earned the 60 Year Long Service Bar and became the recipient of Merit Awards from the Greek Scouts Association in Greece, as well as from the South African Scouts Association. He successfully completed the Cub Warrant Course, Scout Warrant Course and the international accolade of the prestigious Scout Wood Badge.
The abovementioned achievements made Mr Maniakis the most decorated member of the 1st Hellenic Scout Group which bears testament to his dedication and commitment to the scouting movement as a whole. Mr Maniakis’ excellent reputation preceded him, throughout his scouting venture, from being an enthusiastic and skilled boy scout to his outstanding leadership qualities. He lived in accordance with his Christian principles and touched the lives of everyone he met.
He has truly left behind a legacy in the scouting movement and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. He is survived by his devoted wife, Maria, and his loving children Barbara and Christina.