Randfontein’s beloved Agostinho Bernardo Pereira of Bridge Butchery passed away peacefully at Lenmed Randfontein Private Hospital on 24 June after being in a semicoma for two weeks.

According to his daughter, Veronica Pereira, the 85-year-old died due to progressed dementia.

Gus, as he is known by his loved ones, ran a little greengrocer in Randgate with his wife before he bought Bridge Butchery in 1962. The couple saw Randfontein change and grow over the past six decades. His wife passed away five years ago and now his passing closes a chapter of two people who were loved by the Randfontein community.

“My siblings Augie, Celeste, Luis and I, as well as his grand- and great-grandchildren, family and friends deeply mourn him,” Veronica said.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, family and friends held a private funeral for him on 1 July.

Read a more in-depth story in the Herald‘s next week edition.