A tribute to Andrew Johns

August 07, 2007

{4 comments}

Andrew Johns. Husband, Father, Kiter, Windsurfer, Surfer and a super nice guy. Born 2 July 1976 and passed away on 5 August 2007 when he slipped on a mountain in Ceres and fell 150m down a Gorge.

I will remember Andrew as a humble, polite and funny guy who was always a pleasure to be around with. He was incredibly funny and didn't have a bad or aggressive bone in his body. He never said anything bad about anyone.

While doing an article on him and his company I was busy taking pictures of him. He interrupted me and said - "please take some pictures of the other workers in the factory, they are just as important as I am." When he moved down from Jeffreys Bay to Cape Town to establish Xelerator Kiteboarding in Cape Town (with nearly no money in his pocket) he brought down Richard - a poor black man who was previously unemployed. Andrew paid for his housing and gave him a car. He always put others before him.

I remember Andrew as someone with a good heart. Always friendly, humble and considerate towards those around him. He was incredibly funny too. He left an impression on me as I am sure he has left on the lives of many others.

He was an incredible waterman and a genius at the craft of making boards, but he was a far greater person.

May you rest in peace, we will always remember you.

Winter is a hard time for board manufacturers and Jessica is now facing life without Andrew and a deep financial mess. Andrew was a fun loving care-free young man with his life ahead of him and didn't plan to move on so soon. There is a large void left by Andrew and his family needs financial help whilst finding their feet. If you are in a position to help, albeit a small amount, please take some time to do so.

You can donate money in two ways :

1) Via our online shopping cart. Monies will be transfered to Jessica's bank account. If you like you can SMS Jessica with the amount once you donated the money online at +27 82 699 1006

Click here to make a donation now via our secure online shopping cart

2) Make a direct deposit into Jessica's bank account.

Her banking details are:

ABSA BANK
MONTAGUE GARDENS BRANCH
JESSICA ANNE RAUCH
Account Number 9117167954


4 Comments
Add your own comment to 'A tribute to Andrew Johns'

1 Jen 8/10/2007 9:46:29 AM

Sorry to see you go so soon Little Andrew x

2 bobby smith 8/11/2007 9:55:05 AM

as an ex omunder,i wish to express my sympathy to andrews wife and family,please take good care,my thoughts are with you all

3 Brian and Shirley 8/13/2007 7:43:49 AM


Our love and best wishes go to those who now have a gap in their lives. We will always remember his infectious laughter as a youngster!

4 Ollie Reid 8/16/2007 11:42:12 AM

Our love and prayers are with you our old Oranjemund friends during this sad time,.May your grieving be short and your memories long.
Ollie, Graeme & Barry Reid

Leave a Comment