WHITE RIVER - Charlie will pipe no more.
After putting up a brave fight of almost six weeks after having been attacked with an axe, Mr Charlie Baty (70) passed away on Tuesday.
"We prayed that God would be merciful and come and take him. Our prayers were answered," his daughter, Ms Jenny Davidson said. She arrived from America shortly after the attack and had been by his bedside ever since.
"The damage to his brain was severe and his quality of life would never have been the same. It is not the kind of life we wanted for Dad," she explained.
Davidson would have arrived in South Africa a week after the attack anyway, since Baty was planning on moving to America to be with her and his other children, Ms Cathy Palm, Mr Alistair Baty and
Ms Janet Hunt. Davidson will now be returning to the US, without him.
Lowvelder interviewed her on Tuesday afternoon. Baty’s little yellow  hatchback stood parked in the driveway of his god-daughter,
Ms Gillian James’ home. He was
an active member of the Stevenson-Hamilton Pipe Band and on the back is a sticker with the wording, "On the eighth day, God created bagpipes."
Baty was attacked in his home in Magaliesberg Street on the afternoon of June 17. He had gone to the Methodist Church in White River just after 13:00. Another friend, Mr Peter du Plessis, arrived at his home at 15:55. The entrance gate and front door were open and he entered and discovered him unconscious in the passage.
A bloodied axe was found in a field behind Baty’s home. His attacker is still on the lose. This leaves Davidson concerned. "I don’t need retaliation. Nothing can bring my dad back, but I don’t want it to happen to someone else."
She said that Baty never really regained consciousness since the attack in which he suffered extensive damage to the right side of the head. "He was in a deep state of sleep due to his injuries. He never communicated, but did open his eyes at times."
He had been receiving physiotherapy and was moved to Nelspruit Medi-Clinic’s neuro-orthopaedic ward on Monday. The following morning at about 07:30, he passed away. The memorial service will be held on August 7 at Penryn College at 11:00.
Davidson said her father was torn about the decision to move to the US. "He had made a life here. He arrived in the country when he was 19  to work at a timber company called Atherstone and Brooks. Although he was a Scotsman, South African blood was strong in his veins. Yet, he was excited about the new phase in his life."
Davidson took out a holding cross which they had found in her father’s trousers on the day of the attack. Psalm 121:1 is written on it: "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help..."
Davidson and James thanked the Lowveld community for their prayers and support. "Those who thought of sending flowers, should please rather make a donation to Hospice of White River."
Mr Andy Collins, of the Stevenson-Hamilton Pipe Band said that they will be dedicating their performance at the Schoemanskloof Citrus Festival this weekend to him. "It is a tragic end to a wonderful life of service to the community.
Our sincere condolences to all his family and loved ones. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this very distressing time."