A local giant in the motor spares industry has died.
Bernard Pasierbek (57), known as the face and voice of Tony’s Motor Spares, took his last breath on Monday 9 January as his wife of 12 years, Jackie held his hand.
She said he started working with his father from age 12.
“By 15 he had created his own route and would drive to other towns after school to create more business opportunities. Bernard was Tony’s and Tony’s was Bernard.”
Pasierbek’s health started slowly deteriorating last winter.
“He started getting very tired. In the last three months his health got worse and he was in hospital until the end. He went peacefully; Jesus came to fetch him gently, and he was calm and ready to meet his Maker.”
Reminiscing on the man her husband was, Jackie noted: “He had a short run, but a good one. He lived life on his own terms and always dreamt big. He accomplished so much in life. While he ran at 300 km per hour the rest tried hard to keep up with him. He worked hard and had a brilliant business mind.”
He was an unfettered man and passionate about life.
“Bernard just couldn’t be bothered. As long as he had his three shorts, three tracksuit pants and his Tony’s T-shirts and a Kent Special Mild cigarette in his hand he was happy.”
According to Jackie, her husband had a big heart and a love for helping others.
“To him it didn’t matter who you were, what colour you were or where in the world you were from; if he could help, he would. He regularly called his contacts for donations of food or stationery, or Easter eggs for the less fortunate, and he would make sure the goods were delivered to them, no matter in what town. He would make time for everything and everyone; he is a legend.”
Futhermore, she explained her husband had unique relationships with everyone he encountered.
“To everyone he met and who knew him he was something else. We really need a whole week to talk about who he was.”
The pair met 14 years ago, and according to Jackie these were the most amazing years.
“He was the first man to make me laugh until the tears rolled. He gave me my laugh back. And in all these years we never even had a fight. We certainly laughed a lot through the years.”
Asked what she would miss the most about her late husband emotions took over: “I just think everyone is going to miss him. It’s just too much. Hy los een moerse gaping, daar is nie ’n ander woord nie. Everyone’s hearts are broken. He was so loved.”
A funeral service will be held at 14:00 on Saturday 14 January at Christ the King Catholic church in Porter Street.
