Tom Cholmondeley, much misunderstood, eulogised in heartfelt messages

To some, he was the grandson of Lord Delamere who was on two separate occasions charged with murder.

But those who interacted with him closely say Tom Cholmondeley was a gentleman with a very kind heart and always wore a broad smile on his face.

He had a dry sense of humour and never complained even when faced with challenges. He smiled through everything.

Cholmondeley loved life and lived it to the full. He was colourful. He enjoyed horse riding, travelling, walks and his bikes. He loved his books.

At the core of his heart was his love for wildlife and he worked passionately towards conserving nature.

His home at the family's expansive Soysambu farm in Naivasha was open to his friends and Cholmondeley always hosted people. He always was willing to listen, no matter who you were, and find a solution.

Following his death on Wedneasday, friends from all over mourned Cholmondeley and sent in messages via his Facebook page.

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Among those who wrote messages is conservationist Paula Kahumbu who called Cholmondeley "a very good friend".

“...unlike most of us he really loved life and lived it fully. He had many set backs but never shared his sadness. We only saw him in play, laughter and joy. I visited him in Kamiti once, he wanted books and magazines. He was hugely popular, taught classes, and rebuilt the water system. Even the warders admired him. He knew how some people viewed him, and he loved his parents, his upbringing and all the people around him. Many of us are grieving his loss, Lady and Lord Delamere have lost their only son ...” she said.

(British aristocrat Thomas Cholmondeley with his partner Sally Dudmesh at his ranch in Soysambu, Naivasha. /CAMILLA MCCONNELL)

Lisa Rolls wrote: “Why we will miss Tom Cholmondeley, by Zoe & Reid Hagelberg: His really happy smile, he made me feel happy, he was so tall he was like a gentle giant, he showed us his tree house and how to make red dye from cactus and scrubbing stone from pumice by the lake, he let us ride on his shoulders at Wilder and he was like us. Like a big kid.

"For me and Niklas, Tom was a flight of fancy but with roots deep into the earth. He lifted and grounded us all with his wit, sparkle and uber intelligence. He and Sally were like the dynamic duo, she the rock and he the roll, always seeking the biggest adventures, being present, loving generously and creating unparalleled experiences for their friends.

"They seemed unstoppable. How can we say goodbye to this man and this gorgeous couple...I know each and every one of us will struggle to do this. We love you Tom & Sal."

Zelalem Mulat said" “Heavy hearted today at the tragic news of the passing of Tom Cholmondeley. You were one of the most interesting, warm, kind and funny men I've had the pleasure of knowing. You will be remembered, and my thoughts go to Sally Dudmesh and the rest of Tom's family. Go well my friend - you will be missed."

Brendan Bowles wrote: “You can tell by all the posts today, what an amazing man Tom Cholmondeley really is; 100s of have already poured in, and 1000s more will still come. May you rest in peace our friend; a pure spirit with a true mission. So much achieved and yet so much more you had planned to give us. You are a marvel and you will be missed greatly and of course, never forgotten.

"Although your family and loved ones will feel like a huge vacuum has been left behind, it will soon be filled by the love and support through all the stories and legacies you have left with us. Our thoughts and love are with them all now. Those who have the great pleasure and fortune of knowing you will be feeling totally devastated today although at the same time thankful and blessed by our brief and rich experience with you. Death is always hard to understand but, we wont let it anger us or darken us for too long. When the shock and sadness has subsided, we will continue to celebrate you. Thank you for sharing this part of your journey with us bro and see you on the other side ...”

Others, like Panjak Shah, expressed shock int he wake of the news of Cholmondeley's passing.

Shah termed Cholmondeley as "a wonderful man who loved Kenya. Always kind, full of life and fun to be with. Rest in peace my friend".

Kristofer Zachrisson shared fond memories of time spent with Cholmondeley, saying: "I had the good fortune of being your neighbour on the farm for a year ... We'll all miss you greatly - but always with a smile and a hard-to-believe-story to tell to go with it. There was indeed no bigger Kenyan heart than yours!"

"I know that wherever you are, you are already getting things sorted & organized and already have a happening of some pretty unique kind planned, as well as finding a decent water hole in the new neighbourhood - keep a good seat for us until we join you,” Zachrisson wrote.

Another message by Annabel Elwes read: “My friend I'm heartbroken. You saved my life and stood by me in a time of terror. I will never ever forget you. All my prayers and love, warmth and friendships go out to Sally and those gorgeous boys. To the GREAT Tom Cholmondeley I salute you."

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