INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
CONTRIBUTORS
Johannes Cornelius Jacobus Coetzee : 2 October 1942 – 16 January 2023
“
God bless my Thermo Kings ”, was a saying which personified his enthusiasm and commitment to his vocation for at least 31 years of his life . Johann spent his childhood and schooling in Klerksdorp . At the age of 17 years , he matriculated at the Schoonspruit High School .
In 1960 , his career started in Johannesburg at Air Liquide , a supplier of industrial and speciality gasses and allied equipment . As marketing manager , Johann was transferred to Cape Town in 1969 and within weeks became a hearty Capetonian . One of his many clients in the Western Cape was Henred Fruehauf , a trailer manufacturer .
In 1974 , Johann joined the sales team of Henred Fruehauf . With the aim to continue his career in the transport industry and remain in contact with many clients and friends , Johann joined the Thermo King division of Grenco ( SA ) in 1984 . Johann was a people ’ s man and he forged strong bonds with many of his clients who became close friends across South Africa , Namibia and abroad . He attended many Thermo King international conferences in different countries and received awards for top sales in the international distributor network .
He excelled in socialising with his clients and friends on the golf course , at lunches and in his home . Until he developed health problems , Johann was a keen golfer . In 2007 , Johann retired as the marketing director of the Thermo King division at GEA Africa and continued in a consulting capacity and to nurture relations with clients .
On occasions , his overprotective approach towards some of his clients whose trading was not in good standing , brought disfavour from his peers , but he persevered . During many of my travels with Johann — to visit clients , some who were poor of health , or to attend product launches , industry events and sadly to memorial services for clients or friends — I witnessed the esteemed regard that our community held of him . Besides his career , Johann was passionate about restoring old cars and doing all the required repairs to his own vehicles . At times , he needed parts to be specially made or he managed to locate the spares among his international network of contacts .
His compassion and caring for animals and pets were further attributes of his gentle nature . He couldn ’ t tolerate seeing any dog , cat or bird being ill-treated or going hungry . Sadly in 2020 , Johann was diagnosed with a rare heart condition , which impacted on his entire health and yet he tried to continue with all his daily activities . He also had a bad fall , which meant hospitalisation for several weeks .
During his convalescence after his fall , he was determined to celebrate his 80 th birthday and this he did in lavish style with many friends at his home on 1 October 2022 . In the last few weeks of his life , he suffered dearly , but fulfilled his wish of passing away peacefully at home .
Our condolences to his wife Erica , whom he loved and adored dearly , to his children Amanda , Eric , Christelle , Joanne , Bianca and
By John Ackermann Sociable , caring , gentle and compassionate , were traits at the core of his character .
Supplied
Johannes Coetzee in the middle .
his grandchildren Anika , Kara and Jason . Also , to his very close buddy and friend , Pete Blanckenberg , whom he met when he moved to Cape Town .
Johann , you were more than a friend . You cared to listen when times were tough and you brought laughter , even in the darkest of times . You were a good man and your footsteps on the shoreline of our terrestrial journey will remain forever , as the tide ebbs and flows .
Rest in peace my friend . CLA
John Ackermann
COLD LINK AFRICA • March / April 2023 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za 23