Beloved Van Riebeeck Park barber (49) dies (video)
According to his sister, his death came as a shock.
Well-known local barber Hermanus ‘Herman’ van Vuuren (49) died last week Thursday.
According to his sister, Joan van Vuuren (56), his death came as a shock: “He wasn’t even in hospital. He was at home with bronchitis.”
She added that the Van Vuuren family is still waiting for the autopsy report.
Herman was a talented hairdresser, known for his gents’ cuts and friendly personality. Although small, his salon had a personal touch. One red barber’s chair and the fact that he took no appointments, shows that Herman had a no-nonsense approach to business.
He started his career at the young age of 22. It was Willie Pretorius, owner of Willie’s Hairstylist in Soutpansberg Drive, who took the youngster under his wing. The two worked together for 11 years until Pretorius’ death in 2002.
As a passionate stylist, Herman continued to run the salon. This year would’ve been his 27th year in the business. It would also have marked the first year that the store was renamed to Herman’s Hairstylist.
“Assie, as he was known to family, was well-loved by all who knew him,” Joan told Express. “With him, it was what-you-see-is-what-you-get, and people liked him that way.”
She added that the family had not yet discussed what would happen to Herman’s business. Express dialled the salon’s number, which was picked up by Herman’s voice mail. With a bubbly tone of voice he said: “Hallo julle almal. Ek’s uit met ’n stukkie en in met ’n stukkie. Los jou nommer en ek kom terug na jou. Bye-bye!”
(Hello you all. I’m out briefly and will be back briefly. Leave your number and I’ll get back to you. Bye-bye!)
Herman is survived by Joan and their older brother, Fanie van Vuuren (57).
A service for Herman will be held on today (Friday) at noon at the Nuwe Apostoliese Kerk on the corner of Andries Pretorius and Terrace roads. Community members are welcome to attend.
