Many described him as a go-getter and a person that was full of life.
Gerald Heydenrych who worked at Big Fish Company in St Helena Bay died in an accident on Saturday 27 May. The accident occurred around 17:15. According to the police a cyclist was hit by a motor vehicle.
The sudden death of Heydenrych came as a shock to many. His stepmother, Ingrid Heydenrych, said he was generally a happy-go-lucky person. “Obviously Gerald had his ups and downs as we all do. He was at his happiest when out in the ocean at Hannasbaai in a kayak with his beloved best friend, his dog named Baba.
Heydenrych said she will miss her stepson’s wit and weekly talks dearly. “He had a fine sense of humour; so many laughs are now memories I’ll carry in my heart forever.”
She also shared that Heydenrych was a master with fish, whether it be crayfish, mussels or line fish. He also enjoyed picking mussels for pickling. “When he wanted time out he would go camping with his dog. He enjoyed being in isolation and living off the sea for a few days.”
Heydenrych’s business partner, Philippe Desaever, said not only were they business partners but best friends as well. “Some people called us the terrible twins, because he was either loved or hated, no in-between,” he said. “He was a people’s person.
“Race nor religion did not matter, he told you straight. Even the youngsters who called him Uncle Jerry or Uncle G thought that he was cooler than they were.” Desaever declared there were very few people like Gerald in South Africa. Cayla Swart of the De Palm Lifestyle Centre said Heydenrych was unique and alive. “He lived every day as if it was his last. He was the most adventurous and funny person. We had coffee together as our daily routine. I will miss him every day.”
Captain Tania Helfrich, police spokesperson for the West Coast District, confirmed the circumstances surrounding the accident were still being investigated.
A memorial service will be held on Friday 9 June at Hannasbaai at 11:00.
