Maritz dies at 82

He was born on June 22, 1931 and grew up and lived in Benoni his entire life.

Koos was the third youngest of eight children, two of whom are still alive.

He was one of the first pupils to attend Tom Newby and Benoni West in Benoni.

There is a brick with his name on it at Benoni West to commemorate him as one of the school’s first pupils.

As a child Koos use to deliver copies of the Benoni City Times to residential abodes for extra pocket money.

Koos was a builder by trade and built many houses and factories in Benoni, including the Balfour town hall.

‘‘He was a very hard working, proud and loving man who always use to put other people before himself,’’ said his brother, Manie Maritz (who died shortly after Koos, on August 29).

‘‘One of his best qualities was his sense of humour and his ability to always share a joke.

‘‘His family meant everything to him.

‘‘Koos will leave a gap in our lives which will never be filled again.’’

His daughter, Christine van Rensburg thanked her father’s doctors and the Hospice for their help in her dad’s illness.

‘‘To Debbie Joubert from Hospice, we as a family cannot thank you enough for your loving care and support you gave our dear father and us as a family,’’ said van Rensburg.

‘‘You are an angel from God who was at our sides with help and support no matter what time and day it was, no words can thank you enough for what you meant to all of us.

‘‘We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, you will be blessed for your selfless deeds.’’

Koos is survived by his wife, Ella, who knew him for 74 years of her life.

He is also survived by three children, Christine, Engela and Susan, eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Koos’s funeral service was held at the NG Kerk in Rynfield on August 29.