Jim van Tonder School’s deputy principal dies
Mr Pretorius was diagnosed with candida auris after a back operation and it really took a toll on his health. He walked with severe pain for months. He also contracted Covid-19 while in hospital.
Mr Hardus Pretorius, deputy principal of Jim van Tonder School in Bethal, died late on Thursday evening, 6 August, a mere five days after his 61st birthday.
He passed away on his wife, Lulu’s 60th birthday.
Mr Pretorius was in the Wilgers Hospital at the time fighting off a fungal infection that plagued him for almost a year.
“Hardus was diagnosed with candida auris after a back operation and it really took a toll on his health. He walked with severe pain for months. He also contracted Covid-19 while in hospital,” she explained.
“Everything was just too much for his body to take.”
Ms Pretorius is thankful that her husband was able to meet his first grandchild, Lisané, before his death.
“Hardus was a caring and giving person. He loved the Lord and he loved others. He was very good to our children and I,” Ms Pretorius said.
She described him as a “big bear with a soft heart”.
Mr Pretorius was part of the school and the Bethal community for nearly 38 years.
The school issued a statement which read that he was a father figure for many learners and he will be missed by all.
His memorial service will be held tomorrow (Wednesday, 12 August) at 10am and will be live streamed on Facebook.
To watch the service live on Facebook, follow the AGS Entheos Bethal Facebook page.
