Tributes are pouring in after well-known businessman Allan Richard Tempest who died from natural causes at the age of 87 on April 23.
Allan, who founded Allan’s Clothiers in 1964, was highly respected for his integrity and humility.
His son Beric said his father first rented a small shop and later bought premises on the corner of Commissioner Street and Trichardts Road.
“Allan’s Clothiers remained the premier clothing destination for local and international brands for over 30 years with a customer base of over 6 000 customers,” said Beric.
For Allan and his staff, the community came first.
“Everyone was welcome and treated with respect and dignity. My dad’s shop was often the meeting place if you just felt like a coffee and chat with one of the staff. It was the destination of choice for special occasions,” Beric said.
Allan later opened a ladies clothing line, which was run by his wife, Nina.
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He married Nina in 1966 and the couple had three sons – Beric, Lance and Greg – who were all active business owners of their own in Boksburg.
Allan excelled at sports, both at school, club and regional level.
“This includes cricket, squash, badminton and target shooting. He was also a proud member of ERPM Golf Club and was instrumental in getting the Boksburg squash courts built,” said Beric.
His other interests included civic affairs, art and philately.
“On the civic front, he was asked to advise on council decisions impacting Boksburg and its residents. My dad stood against the politics of the day and the apartheid system. He was a man of the people, whatever denomination or ethnic group you represented,” Beric added.
Beric remembers his father as passionate about the community and someone who supported many charities and upliftment causes.
Derek Fox, who knew Allan for many years, said he was a wonderful human being.
“For a long time, many in our family brought clothes from his store. I thank God to have known him. Allan was a quiet man but had a huge influence.
“It is good to see that he produced sons that are businessmen and who contribute to the economy,” said Fox.
A memorial service will be held for Allan at Functions Incorporated, 43 2nd Street, Boksburg North, on May 2.
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