Diergaardt, who retired at the end of 2001, died in the Katutura Hospital on Tuesday afternoon after a short illness.

"He was a man of compassion, deep spirituality and humour.

Personally for me, he was an inspiration in the great service for the humanity.

When the colonial lords oppressed his views and when the people in his country turned against him, he stood firm," Pastor Abraham Kheibeb of ELCRN's Martin Luther congregation said yesterday.

Diergaardt was a pastor at the Martin Luther congregation, Berseba and Rehoboth, from 1961.

From 1980 to 1995 he served as General Secretary of the ELRCN and was elected Bishop in 1995.

Current Bishop Dr Zephaniah Kameeta took over from him in 1995.

"He served the purpose of being here in this world.

He served the purpose of his generation," said Reverend Kheibeb.

He described the late Diergaardt as a down-to-earth leader whose hands were always outstretched for others.

"He chose a life of downward mobility.

A praying leader whom you could trust.

I hope the family will be filled with hope, courage and confidence," Kheibeb said.

Other fellow leaders said Diergaardt never really retired as he continued to contribute to a better spiritual life of many a member of Martin Luther congregation.

Under Diergaardt's leadership, the ELCRN started its AIDS programme called ELCAP.

At the time of his death, he was Chairperson of the school board at the Michelle McLean Primary School in Otjomuise.

He is survived by his wife Lizzie, three children and seven brothers and sisters.

A memorial service will take place on Friday night at the Ephesians Congregation and another on Saturday evening at his residence.

The funeral will be at 09h00 on Sunday from the Martin Luther congregation.

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