One of my FaceBook friends died this past weekend – Werner Coetzee, Rest In Peace

Posted on September 2nd, 2008 by Richard Catto 3,648 views

Werner Coetzee, April 17 1971 - August 30 2008, aged 37

“The other day I decided to live forever. So far so good!” – Werner Coetzee

Werner Coetzee led a full and interesting life. He was born and grew up in the Cape, attending Parel Vallei High School in Somerset West, matriculating in 1989.

After school he joined the South African Defence Force (SADF) as a conscript and after successful completion of an officer’s training course, he attained the rank of lieutenant. He served in Kimberley and Luhatla Battle Training School.

Upon completion of his initial period of national service, Werner enrolled in Stellenbosch university to study law, but finding it did not suit him, dropped out and found work in pubs and restaurants. Enjoying it, he thought to make a career of it and enrolled in Hotel School at The Cape Technikon where he successfully completed the three year course. Upon graduation he joined the Blue Peter Hotel in Blouberg as manager.

Ever restless, Werner found managing a hotel did not suit him either and decided to accept an offer to join a software company, Electronic Costs Systems as export manager for their construction software package. ECS took him to the United Kingdom, Namibia and Zimbabwe. It was there, in Zimbabwe, that he met the woman destined to be his wife, Michelle.

The couple moved back to South Africa to get married and had two children, first a girl, Robyn, and then a boy, Nicolas.

In 1999 Werner quit his position with ECS to pursue a career as a financial advisor and qualified as a stock trader. Together with a business partner he started a company to handle mergers and acquistions. After a brief stint as Marketing and Franchising manager for his old employer, ECS, in a new company (Beget Holdings), he returned to work with his business partner in August 2003 in the company they had founded together now known as Forge. He was still with Forge until his untimely death this past weekend, aged only 37.

Werner was a devoted family man who adored his wife and children. He was also a dedicated Christian and active in childrens’ ministry. He loved sport, particularly rugby and supported the Springboks every chance he got. He was also passionate about the Internet, which he developed back in 1997 when he purchased his first modem. He looked forward to growing old, holding a notebook on his lap.

Werner’s FaceBook profile wall is decorated with tributes from friends, family and anyone who knew him. He was a popular, much admired and well respected man and he will be sorely missed by many.

Rest in peace, Werner.

Tags: obituary, Werner Coetzee
Filed under Obituaries |

9 Responses to “One of my FaceBook friends died this past weekend – Werner Coetzee, Rest In Peace”

1. Kirhat Says:
   September 2nd, 2008 at 02:52

   My condolences to his family and friends.

   Kirhats last blog post..Spread the Technorati Love

2. Natural Says:
   September 2nd, 2008 at 14:04

   sorry to read of this news.. may you and his family find comfort through your faith and friends.

   Naturals last blog post..Here’s To You…and Me

3. Dwacon Says:
   September 3rd, 2008 at 02:56

   Our condolences…

   Dwacons last blog post..Sirius Sportster… Special Deal!

4. Powerhouse Says:
   September 3rd, 2008 at 02:56

   Our prayers for his family and loved ones.

   Powerhouses last blog post..A Democracy and the Church

5. Matt Says:
   September 3rd, 2008 at 03:20

   I just wanted to send along my sincerest condolences for the loss of your friend. It is always very difficult to lose someone close to you, and Werner sounds like he was a terrific guy. Best wishes to you and to his family and friends.

6. Richard Catto Says:
   September 3rd, 2008 at 09:01

   Thanks for the kind words, everyone.

7. Lilly Web Says:
   September 3rd, 2008 at 10:05

   That is such sad news. My warm wishes to you and his family

8. Marc Chamot Says:
   September 6th, 2008 at 00:15

   Richard: It’s been a long time since a posting as this broke me down to tears. I am sorry to hear about your friend also. It’s a special moving human interest story and well written.

   My best to you and my condolences to his family.

   Marc Chamot

   Marc Chamots last blog post..John McCain’s RNC Final Night a Total Failure: Country First? John McCain has No Solutions for America’s Economic Woes; Showing Same Old Rhetoric:

9. Richard Catto Says:
   September 6th, 2008 at 01:13

   @Marc Chamot: Thanks, Marc, for your kind words.

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