Dick Hattingh: An icon has been lost

Dick died in Rob Ferreira Hospital, Mbombela on the morning of December 26, following several medical complications.

 

When Lowvelder visited his wife, Andria, she said she was touched by the flood of sympathy and tributes to her husband from people across the Lowveld.

 

Born in 1938 in Benoni, Dick worked in the motoring industry for 45 years until he retired at the age of 65. In 1983, he was appointed as director of MPS Motors Namibia and served as chairperson of the Namibian Chamber of Commerce.

 

In 1990, he joined the Imperial Group and was transferred to Mbombela.

 

 

He spent the last 26 years of his life in the city where he was the dealer principal of Imperial Toyota.

 

Dick married Andria in 1997 and gained two daughters and later five grandchildern.

 

“He was well known in the community and was always trying to help others where he could,” said Andria.

 

Dick also obtained an MBA and his doctorate in business administration, finance and marketing.

 

Andria said for most of his career in Mbombela, he held the position of chairperson of the Nelspruit Chamber of Commerce.

 

“He was such a loveable man. His grandchildren loved him and always wanted to be around their oupa. We are all going to miss him so much.”

 

Long-time friend of Dick, Cobus Tomlinson, said he was an ambitious, successful businessman who went to great lengths to contribute to the growth of not only the business sector, but also to that of his colleagues.

 

He said Dick’s spiritual life was the foundation of his day-to-day activities and he later offered counselling to fellow congregants.

 

 

“Right up to the end, despite going blind, Dick was eager to make a valuable contribution to the community,” said Tomlinson.

 

Dina Nel, his stepdaughter posted on social media, “Pa Dick, ons gaan jou baie mis en ons hartjies is seer, maar ons weet waar Pa nou is het Pa nie meer seer nie.”

 

His son, Wandré, said he was “blessed unreservedly” by having Dick as his father.

 

“My father was unbreakable and determined, and had a great sense of humour. His legacy instilled a footprint in my life, as well as the love he had for our heavenly Farther,” he said.

 

“He was a firm leader with boundless charisma and had the ability to make you laugh and cry in the same sentence. Dad, you will be missed.

 

“Your words of comfort in times of trouble and need will echo through years to come. Rest in peace, Dad. Your rewards shall be plenty. This is not goodbye, but until we meet again.”

 

A funeral service will be held on Friday January 1 at 10:00. Enquiries: Andria on 082-966-5536.