A client and, in the latter years of his life, a personal friend and mentor, Faan van
Tonder sadly passed away on the morning of Sunday 13 October at the Sunninghill
Hospital in Johannesburg, after being in a coma for more than 12 weeks following an
AVM stroke and procedure.
Faan was an exceptional human being. This was a man who always told me: “Live
your passion.’ Faan surely did.
A generous, fair and often almost too trusting man, Faan always gave you the
benefit of the doubt. His gentle, humble and generous way was exemplary and a
rarity in society today.
Faan imparting “grey hair’’ wisdom to me will be a memory embedded in my being for
all my days. He was the “oupa groetjie’ I never had.
Faan always purchased the latest and greatest Panasonic camera as he was an avid
videographer enthusiast. It was through this that I developed a deep friendship with
him.
He loved flying and I had the privilege of sharing this passion of his on the odd
occasion. And we often shared a glass of wine and a meal at our haunt, Col Cacchio
I wish to echo Jannie van Wyk`s words: “Only farewell for now, but every time I fly I
will thank him for his gift and will be a little closer. He came, made a difference, and
left. MANY just come and go…’’ This speaks volumes about the man he was.
To a dear father, grandfather, friend, confidant and business associate – rest in
peace.
