‘A tribute to our dad and husband’

Nobody should ever have to say the words “my dad/ husband was murdered”. No one should ever have to endure the devastating, heart-ripping and life-altering experience.

Yet on 3 August 2020 this became the awful reality for the family of Lewis Pereira, 83, that now forms part of their history.

Intruders entered their home in Little Falls and brutally attacked the unsuspecting Lewis and his wife Rose, 80.

These two innocent, kind, young at heart and very independent people were manipulated by a man who played on their sympathy.

According to their daughter, Sonja Kairuz, he had worked for them three times prior to the attack, and took advantage of their kindness.

“He said that he had no money, no job and no food, and that the job they gave him was the only thing sustaining him and his family whilst the Covid-19 drama was playing out.

“They generously agreed to him coming to work even when they didn’t really need him in order to assist him during this difficult time,” said Sonja.

“People have reacted with disbelief saying ‘there are no words’, but there are words, many words to describe the man who was so suddenly and viciously ripped from our lives.

“He was a graceful, beautiful soul and our world is a lot less bright without him in it. He was a gentleman and a gentle man,” said Sonja.

Lewis was known to be a hardworking panel beater who suffered a heart attack at the young age of 32.

Determined to provide for his family he left for work before sunrise every day and returned after dark.

He was an exceptional tradesman who went on to open two successful panel beating businesses – Easy Beat panel beaters in Germiston, and then Exclamation in Robertville.

“He employed numerous staff and was liked and respected by his workers. So often while strolling through Clearwater Mall he would say, ‘Rosie, that’s so and so who worked with me’. He would greet the person and usually they’d respond with ‘hello Mr Louis, you are looking so well…’, and he would chat to them for ages,” said Rose.

Lewis was passionate about vintage cars, and successfully restored one recently after he retired. Buttercup, as his little yellow Fiat was fondly named, could be seen on rare occasions transporting him to some or other event or merely going for a joy ride.

The father of four children, grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of three was known in the community to be a generous man with a beautiful smile and a kind heart.

“Small in stature but a giant of a human being, this man wouldn’t harm a fly; he was a unique individual who knew just how to make his family laugh.

“He was someone you could count on, he was consistent and kind, and has left a huge void in our lives.

“His influence and energy are inextricably linked to ours, and our lives are forever enriched by simply having been part of his,” said Sonja.

He valued his family above all else, and they have lost someone whose value cannot be measured by his wealth, possessions or power, but by the love he had for his family.