Edenvale’s most loved baker, Mr Wilhelmus Antonius Maria Verhoogt, fondly known as Wim to his community, died on Friday, June 5.
As the owner of the popular De Backery on Van Riebeeck Avenue, he welcomed the community as his own.
Wim originally hails from Holland, where his dad was also the owner of a bakery.
At the age of 18, Wim decided to make the move to South Africa. He then worked in many different bakeries until he opened De Backery in July, 1963.
“Dad bought the building in 1990, but shortly afterwards he expanded De Bakery and established the windmill. He also used the Dutch format and gave it a homey feel,” said Mr Mark Verhoogt, Wim’s son.
In addition, Wim was known for his presence in the Edenvale community.
He participated in local old age home and church programmes to give back to the community.
He also ensured that any food items bought at his bakery tasted as good as it looked.
“He would hand out sausage rolls to the children who visited the bakery on Saturday mornings and always made sure the quality was up to standard,” said Mark.
The employees at De Backery will be forever grateful for what they achieved as employees.
Many have left De Backery and are now established bakers.
“He was a family man. He truly felt obligated to change Edenvale and aimed to restore it to its former glory,” said Mark.
“Above all, I am grateful that my dad encouraged me to do my training oversees years ago. I will continue the legacy my dad has started. In doing so, I will do my best to maintain what he built for my family and I,” Mark told the NEWS.
“My dad’s vision was to grow Edenvale and keep it decent. He wanted to be involved and interaction was the key,” said Mark.
