Denis Hurley Centre announces memorial-service date for Street Lit bookseller
Last week Thursday, the Denis Hurley Centre released a statement announcing the unfortunate passing of Street Lit bookseller David van der Westhuizen. A memorial service will be held this week for the well-known bookseller at KZNSA Art Gallery, where he sold books for the past four years.
LAST month Berea Mail reported that one of the Denis Hurley Centre’s Street Lit book vendors, David van der Westhuizen, was been selected to chair a selection committee for eThekwini’s Library Department. After building a new life for himself with the help of the Denis Hurley Centre, after having lived on the streets for several years, Van der Westhuizen became one of Street Lit’s success stories. However, the popular bookseller, who has sold books at the KZNSA Gallery on Bulwer Road for the past four years, has sadly passed away.
The Denis Hurley Centre released a statement on their Facebook page paying their condolences to Van der Westhuizen’s family. “The Street Lit family is absolutely devastated to hear of the untimely passing of one of its most loved vendors, 43-year-old David van der Westhuizen, who sold books outside the KZNSA Gallery in Glenwood. David, who had complex health issues, passed away in hospital on Mandela Day, 18 July. He was probably one of the city’s most voracious readers, never to be seen without a well-thumbed novel in his hand – indiscriminately reading four or five books a week. Fiercely loyal, extremely hardworking, unwaveringly honest, incredibly supportive and eternally optimistic, he was hugely popular among his fellow vendors, clients, associates and friends – in fact, everyone whose life he touched. We are deeply, deeply saddened by his loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends – especially his mum, his sister and brother-in-law, at this difficult time.”
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The Denis Hurley Centre has released a statement announcing the details of the beloved Durban bookseller’s memorial service. “A memorial service is being held at KZNSA Gallery this Thursday, July 27 at 08:30, and all are welcome to pay tribute to David and also to show solidarity with our other booksellers,” said the Denis Hurley Centre director Raymond Perrier.
Perrier said that a collection will be taken for his family. “Please bring a book with you to hold as an act of remembrance,” he concluded.
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