Community and country mourn a pioneer taken by corona
After the terrible news that author, artist and ad legend Louis Wilsenach has died of the virus which has the world in its grips, the community is mourning this remarkable man.
The community is mourning the loss of one of their own – the first person to die of Covid-19 in Gauteng, and the third in South Africa.
Louis Wilsenach, 79, died in a private hospital in Mogale City on Monday, 30 March, after being infected with the coronavirus. He was admitted to hospital with pneumonia on Friday, 27 March and his daughter, Mia Ziervogel informed friends and family on Saturday that he had indeed tested positive for the coronavirus.
Read the initial article here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/416815/breaking-first-covid-19-death-gauteng-79-year-old-man-mogale-city/
Louis, an author, is described by mainstream media as a talented ad man, marketing guru and political influencer during South Africa’s darkest time. His death is a great loss to the country, and his social media pages bear witness to the legacy he is leaving behind.
“The nightmare about this is not being able to go see my dad – or talk to him – stay safe and stay at home,” Mia said on her Facebook page.
Sadly, four days after being admitted, Louis passed away.
“Before you were taken to hospital you still, as weak as you were, made jokes with me and asked me when we [were] gonna go ride Harleys down Route 66. You were my best friend, my idol and my biggest motivation. This day was always my biggest fear in life because I didn’t ever want our time to come to an end. I love you, Opi and can’t thank you enough for the childhood and companionship you gave me. You will always be my biggest role model. A beautiful man gone too soon because of Covid-19. Please look after your family; the virus is not a joke; please, I beg everyone to take this seriously,” wrote Luca Ziervogel.
Louis spent more than 30 years in the advertising world and was also a strategic consultant to the President. He coined the phrase ‘the new South Africa’ and helped to end apartheid. He was the author of books such as Aha! Die Fenomeen! and My journal blessings.
Love and support for Louis’ family have been streaming in on Facebook, with friends sharing memories, and the community and country mourning the death of this beloved writer, artist, father and grandfather.
“My dad did many great things and now in his death he is giving us a big gift of showing us that staying home is critical,” Mia wrote on her page.
We as the News staff wish to express our deepest condolences to Mia and her family, and to Louis’ friends in this difficult time.
