Former car dealer from Trichardt dies after heart surgery

TRICHARDT – Mr Carl Grobler, a retired businessman from Trichardt, died at the age of 73 on Thursday, 19 March due to complications after heart surgery.

Mr Grobler was a former pillar of the Trichardt community for several decades before relocating to Hermanus 13 years ago.

Mr Grobler was the founder of Tri-Sec Autohaus in Trichardt.

He grew up in the Leandra district where his father owned the Ford dealership. He attended Michael House School in Natal, where he excelled on the sportsfield, achieving provincial colours in rugby and cricket.

After he completed school, Mr Grobler’s father sent him to America for an apprenticeship at Ford.

This was a huge stepping stone for his career in the vehicle industry.

Mr Grobler and his lifelong friend, Mr Ockie Els, partnered in his first vehicle dealership.

“We began with a used car dealership that later went on to be the first BMW garage in the area,” said Mr Els.

Mr Grobler eventually moved over to the Volkswagen and Audi dealership in the 80’s.

Back in the day, Mr Grobler also served as mayor of the then Trichardt Municipality, and he also served on the local business chamber.

He was also known as an avid golfer.

According to children, Mr Grobler was still very active up to the day of his death.

Mr Grobler underwent surgery to replace a heart valve on Wednesday, 18 March.

He gave his wife, Poppie, a wave while recovering in the ICU on Thursday morning.

However, Mr Grobler passed on later that night due to complications from the surgery.

The Groblers were married for more than 45 years.

They have two sons from Poppie’s former marriage, Org and Hein, their own two daughters, Ilze and Tanya and five grandchildren.

His children described their father as humble and caring person.

He was always positive and optimistic.

“He adored his grandchildren and they him,” they said.

The family is having an intimate memorial service in Hermanus this week and hope to organiser a larger service in December.