Popular couple, Bart and Madeleine Diedericks, are preparing for the big trek down south after nine memorable years up north in Dundee.
The Diedericks and their then young family of three children arrived in Dundee nine years ago to run Avbob undertakers on Boundary Road.
Their previous posting was Ermelo and Bart remembers how uncertain they were upon arriving here. That uncertainty soon evaporated as lasting friendships were formed.
“What really struck us was how everyone accepted us into the community. When you are in the undertaking business, you have to mindful of people’s sensitivities. Every family is different… you cannot dictate to people,” Bart said.
Madeleine also works at Avbob while daughter, Lize-Maré, is at the reception. Lize-Maré’s fiancé, Brenden Francis, is Bart’s assistant and he too will be leaving for the Cape. They have a son working in the same business in Harrismith and another daughter working in Glencoe.
Because of the nature of the business, Avbob prefers families working as one in branches.
Asked how they deal with death which they face every day, Bart’s simple reply is ‘on our knees’.
While in Dundee, Bart enjoyed hunting and fishing and says their family will their circle of friendship. The Diedericks are moving to the Wynberg Avbob branch in Cape Town but will live in Muizenberg. “I guess I will have to get a GPS to ensure I don’t get lost,” Bart laughed. For this family, the good memories of Dundee will remain.