‘G-Man Greg Nunes – was much more than our friend’
Greg's passing on Thursday 18 January 2018 came as a shock to local residents, many of whom had a close bond with him spanning many years.
POLOKWANE – “It’s a very sad day for me.”
These words by well-known businessman Mike Nunes, described how many locals felt upon hearing the news of his son, Greg’s death last week.
Greg’s passing came as a shock to local residents, many of whom had a close bond with him spanning many years.
The Nunes family relocated to Gauteng in November as Greg started a new venture in the poultry business with partners in Brits, North West.
Messages from family and friends
Mike described his son as an astute businessman and a tremendous salesman who “could sell ice to an Eskimo”.
“We started Mike’s Chicken and were in it all along. I am at a loss for words,” he said.
Dianne, Greg’s mother, said her son was a religious person who loved his family.
“He had an open heart and hand. He loved me with all his heart and was a wonderful son. He looked after everybody.”
The Nunes’ lost their other son, David, in 2006 when his car collided with a kudu.
Friends of Greg for the past 33 years, Rob and Tanya Anderson, said Greg would live on in their memories of him.
“Thirty-three years of friendship is a lifetime and we’re going to miss his goofy smile, fun-loving nature and him saying: ‘I love you my brother’. Gregory Nunes – G-Man – was much more than our friend.
“We’ve lost a brother, a giant! And much too soon. He has made an impact on more lives than most of us will in our lifetimes. He was one of the most loving, kindest, compassionate, funniest, most inspiring human beings we’ve had the honour of knowing.
“He loved with his whole heart. Huge prayers of comfort and strength goes out to Tineka and the kids, aunt Di and uncle Mike in this tremendously difficult time.”
Darrin Erskine described Greg as a go-getter.
“He was an awesome father and husband and totally in love with Jesus. He was humble, bold and gracious and believed he can do anything he sets his mind to. Even when things were tough, Greg found a way. He was a dynamic businessman and born leader. We are losing a dear friend,” Erskine said.
Another friend of Greg, Willie Booysen, described Greg as a proud person who was outgoing. “He was a loving man who had time for those around him.”
His wife, Tineka said: “I am completely devastated. To all who knew Greg Nunes, my beautiful beloved husband, the family and I would like to thank each and every one of you for all the beautiful and heartfelt messages we have received.
“It has been incredibly overwhelming to see how many lives he has touched. Thank you for all who have come to see us, the flowers, and so much more.
My husband, one of a kind – Tineka
My husband was one of a kind, and his passing has left a massive hole in our hearts.
He was extremely family orientated and made every effort to ensure that me and the children were always happy and most importantly, loved. He was a wonderful father, husband and son, and had a special bond with his mom.
He gave endlessly and would walk to the ends of the earth for anyone in need. He was an incredible man of God, a man after God’s own heart and portrayed the love of our Christ Jesus to the broken-hearted, the poor and the hopeless. He prayed and evangelised to every person he came across and always gave his time. Once he stopped a cue at PnP to pray for a lady behind a till, he took his time to pray for her shoulder.
To his friends he was an inspiration and they all admired and loved him. He was always happy and would always fill any room with laughter. He had the most amazing wit and humour and always put people at ease and made them feel comfortable.
He always made me laugh histerically. The day before he passed he made it very clear to me that he was exceptionally happy in his new home here in Hartbeespoort Dam.
We were a crazy, weird, beautiful family with the utmost love and respect for one another. His sudden passing has come as a great shock to us all. He was my best friend, my person, my heart, and I am shattered beyond. I will miss him immensely, but I will go on for him.
I love you Greg, my Zonke, my Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.
Love from Your incredible Spoonsy
“There are just too many names to mention right now, but please know we appreciate all the love each and every one of you have shown. We would like to request that no one wears black to the funeral. We would like to invite all to come as casual as possible. My husband hated black and always refused to wear black to a funeral.”
He is survived by his parents, Mike and Dianne, his wife, Tineka, son Jordan, and daughter Kelly, as well as his stepchildren Tiffany and Leyla.
A memorial service will be held tomorrow (Friday) at 11:00 at the Dutch Reformed Church, Moreleta Park, 1353 De Villebois Mareuil Drive, in Pretoria.
