Paying tribute to a renowned Newcastillian, who by all accounts was respected, loved, and a full of life man, placing his faith and family at the forefront of his life—with his commitment to the community motivating this larger-than-life character and friend to all. We honour Herkie Oosthuizen.
Oosthuizen tragically passed away on 1 May 2021, after being involved in a horrific collision on the R34 near Utrecht while on his way home from Vryheid following playing golf. While the details surrounding the collision are unclear, the last message he sent was to his wife, which was to let her know he was on his way home. Unfortunately, this was the last time she would hear from him, as later on that evening, she received the tragic news that he had passed on.
Speaking to his wife, Zelda Oosthuizen, and his mother, Ester Oosthuizen, The Newcastillian – Online News pays tribute to the man who touched the lives of all around him.
Zelda begins by stating, first and foremost, Herkie was utterly devoted to his family and three daughters, Charnique (17), Chante (14), and Heike (5). “He loved his daughters, and nothing would stop him from attending their’ sports events. He had a special whistle, which the girls would recognise and know that he was there, watching and supporting them.”
Discussing their long-standing relationship, she points out, “We would have been married for 17 years this coming December, but we were together for 20 years, which is more than half of my life.” Additionally, Ester declares that such was his love for his family; Herkie made it a point to visit and communicate with everyone in the family regularly. She recalls that his passion for them saw him organise a family gathering this past Christmas, ensuring everyone could be together. “It was truly one of the best Christmases we ever had as a family,” Ester explains.
Sharing a personal bond with each member of his family, she notes with some humour, “Herkie’s three sisters would often tease him, calling him a mommy’s boy, due to our close bond.” In addition to being dedicated to his family, Zelda highlights that Herkie was also a true peoples’ person who loved his friends, always reaching out to others. She smiles and says, “He was a social bug of note and could not sit still for a second.”
As a man who loved sports and his vast group of friends, Zelda states that apart from his love for golf, Herkie played rugby for the Boschpick Highlanders, Lammergeiers, and Natal Royalty.
Herkie also formed part of the Huttenpark Primary School Governing Body, was a Deacon at their church, and was determined to positively impact the community. Ester explains, “He wanted to help everyone. He was such a supportive person.” Zelda smiles and says that Herkie lived a full life. “He once said he was 44 years old with the experience of an 80-year-old.”
As his family bids farewell to him, celebrating his life, Zelda says one of the things she will remember most about Herkie was his contagious laugh. She reminisces on a fond memory where his laughter truly reflected the love he had for life. “We went to a comedy show, and he laughed so much at one joke that we missed the punchline of the next one because we were laughing at his laugh.”
Concluding, Zelda states their family has been overwhelmed by the community’s support—loving support they sincerely appreciate. She extends a heartfelt message in conclusion, “Herkie lived his life to the fullest, and I encourage others to do the same. Never end your day in anger.”
Pixelfish Marketing and the Newcastillian – Online News extends its condolences to the Oosthuizen family; Herkie will be missed.
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