Former Springbok wrestler loses battle against Covid-19

A family is in mourning after they lost their husband, father and sports hero Andries (Dries) Louw to Covid-19.

The sad news of the former wrestler’s passing was announced to members of his wrestling club and friends on Saturday.

“Dries was still fit and healthy. His passing was a big shock to us all,” said Louw’s sister Betsie Koekemoer.

“He went to the hospital for a back operation and picked up the virus there,” she said.

Koekemoer said her brother returned home after the operation, but a week later, he was back in hospital.

She said further procedures, and another operation to remove his gallbladder were done.

“He actually got much better after the operations. Last Thursday, his infection score was low and he was to be discharged on Tuesday.

“Unfortunately, Covid then took him away from us.”

Koekemoer said her brother was loved by many who knew him in the north of Pretoria, as well as in the Moot where he lived for many years.

Louw’s son Dries Jr said his father left many behind with broken hearts, not only in his family but also in the community.

“He was very involved at the former Pretoria North wrestling club and acquired his Springbok colours in 1982.”

Dries describes his father as “very humble”.

“He never bragged about his achievements to others. Only recently, after his passing, did we take out his Springbok jacket that he kept in the closet,” he said.

“My father supported us throughout school and the sports we participated in. He never put pressure on us to perform and just told us to do the best we could do. He really was a wonderful father.”

The Council of Military Veterans Organisations of SA also paid tribute to Louw on their Facebook page:

“RMVO-SA Chairman and members of the management express sympathy, share strength and blessings to the family of the late Military Veteran Dries Louw. Salute. RIP.”

Annatjie Pieterse wrote:

“Dries Louw was a wrestler at the former Pretoria North wrestling club and was coached by Oom Loggies van Loggerenberg. He represented South Africa in 1972 and toured Oregon in America where he won medals for South Africa. He also represented the Army’s wrestling team against numerous foreign teams visiting South Africa. He had wrestled in numerous tournaments in the light-heavyweight division where he also won numerous medals.”

Louw leaves behind his wife Thea, son Dries, daughters Lorraine and Rochelle, as well as five grandchildren.

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