‘Not Covid-19,’ says pharmacy of local legend’s death
“With the radiation therapy, the pneumonia was probably too much for him. His wife was also sick at home with bronchitis.”
The colleague of a well-known pharmacist in the Moot denied rumours that he had died of Covid-19.
“He was being treated for viral pneumonia,” said Desireé Gerber of Paul Ras.
Ras, who worked at Totiusdal pharmacy in Waverley, died on Friday.
“With radiation therapy, the pneumonia was probably too much for him. His wife was also sick at home with bronchitis,” said Gerber.
Despite this, Gerber said the pharmacy has since been disinfected twice and all its employees tested for Covid-19.
Two employees, unfortunately, tested positive.
Gerber said the pharmacy mourned his loss.
“He was like a father to me and walked me down the aisle on my wedding day,” she said.
Ras would have celebrated his 77th birthday on Monday. He has been a pharmacist for 51 years.
Ras was well-known among local residents and was also a long-time member of AfriForum.
Operations manager of AfriForum’s East Moot branch, Cecily van der Berg, said they were saddened by his death.
“His sudden death sent shock waves through the community,” she said.
“He had a quiet, earnest and strong way about him until a warm smile spread across his face into his eyes and he started laughing.
“When he talked to you, he had the ability to make you feel like a long-time friend or family member.”
“But he was also a humble pillar of strength for the community he served for so many years,” she said.
She said Ras was also a man who believed in justice and was a loyal supporter of their local neighbourhood watch, Afriforum East Moot.
He participated in stream [spruit] cleaning operations, was interested in the operations and the patrolmen and women, said Van der Berg.
“The death of oom Paul is not only a sad loss for his family, friends and colleagues but for the entire community who will still feel the void at Totiusdal pharmacy for years to come,” she said.
“The Moot loses part of its history, part of a golden generation and part of their hearts.
“Our deepest sympathy goes to the family, especially his spouse, friends and other close relatives. The whole Moot is in mourning with you.”
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