A heart of pure gold is how Deon Derick Fortuin’s friends describe him.
The well-known owner of Deon’s Unisex Salon in Saldanha died on Thursday 13 January aged 54 after battling laryngeal cancer.
Fortuin left the area for Johannesburg at age 18 to pursue his passion as hair stylist. He remained there for most of his adult life before returning to the West Coast after his younger brother Graham had died tragically in Johannesburg.
In Saldanha he settled with his sister and continued his trade at Salon Ben, where he was extremely popular and admired for his work ethic and passion for clients.
The stylist decided to venture out on his own, opening his own salon in Camp Street, Saldanha, which drew a wide clientele owing to the quality of service on offer.
The salon became synonymous with caring, love and compassion, forming lasting bonds many say they will treasure.
This was pretty self-evident after cancer had taken hold and he could no longer work or speak, brother-in-law Xavier Lawrence said.
“His customers continued visiting him at his home, displaying their love and concern on a daily basis. Some even lay beside him to hold him as he experienced severe side effects.”
Lawrence said the outpouring of grief and condolences from the West Coast community on hearing of Fortuin’s passing was astounding.
“Deon’s Unisex Salon will always be a memory of one of Saldanha’s silent heroes. Rest in peace my brother.”
