Hugo family pays tribute to their beloved Gerrie
The late Gerrie Hugo who lost his battle with cancer was laid to rest, with his funeral attended by his closest family and friends.
Heartfelt tributes have poured in following the news of 47-year-old Gerrie Hugo’s untimely passing after a lengthy battle with stage 4 melanoma cancer on October 6.
His wife, Marlize, announced his passing with a special message posted to his Facebook timeline, which read: “Dis nie hoe dit moes wees nie—ons moes nog saam oud word… Jy los n groot leemte in my en die kinders se lewe, ons hart is in duisende stukkies gebreek en dit gaan moeilik wees sonder jou maar weet jy sal altyd in ons harte wees en ons sal lief vir jou. Jy het ons altyd eerste gestel en altyd tyd gemaak vir ons. Jy was ‘n wonderlike pa, man, seun en vriend. Rus sag my Beertjie- tot ons mekaar weer sien.”
News spread like wildfire, and his timeline was soon flooded with messages of condolences to the Hugo family; a testament to the kind of person Gerrie was and how well liked and loved he was within his community.
Gerrie was officially diagnosed with cancer in October 2021 after his wife realised ‘something was the matter’.
Later that month, the Hugo family was given the devastating news that the marks appearing on his back were in fact melanoma cancer, which is considered the most serious type of skin cancer.
He underwent two major surgeries, including two 30cm insertions to his right rear shoulder and the removal of lymph nodes under his right arm. He was then placed on special medication to help his fight.
However, in April, he was told that new cancer cells had developed in his back, under his right arm, shoulder, and chest, which required yet another round of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Despite being dealt a heavy blow in life, Gerrie remained positive and fought his battle with everything he had in him, right to the very end.
Who was Gerrie Hugo?
Gerrie was a born-and-bred Newcastillian. He worked as a service manager at MMG Ford for 25 years.
He was described as a ‘strong and optimistic’ guy who always tried his best to encourage and help others whenever he was able to.
Gerrie met and married the love of his life, Marlize, 18 years ago, and together the couple welcomed the births of their son (16) and daughter (13).
“He was a loving father and husband, and he cared about others and always tried to help wherever he could. He was stern at work and at home but was always an honest and diligent. Gerrie believed hard work always paid off because nothing was ever handed to you on a silver platter. He was a friend to many and, in his own right, a true legend. He loved fishing, camping, and just spending quality time with his family and loved ones,” said a sad but proud Marlize.
She also described her husband as being a rather popular guy at work – a true go-getter and ‘Mr Fix-it’ who always had a plan up his sleeve.
“He always stood by his workers and supported them no matter what.”
A sad good-bye:
“We will miss him—our best friend, our rock, and the most humble person we have ever known. He made our lives complete and taught our kids so many valuable life lessons. You were and will forever be our legend.”
“Thank you to the community for all your support during his sickness and after hearing of his passing. It is still so unreal when I sit and think of the support we received. We honestly appreciate it all. He was a true fighter for the past three years, even up to taking his last breath,” she concluded.
A message to others:
Marlize wished to leave others with a heartfelt message: “Don’t wait for tomorrow because it is not a given. Spend time with your loved ones, and make sure that the people in your life know that you love and appreciate them always. At the end of the day, the only things you have left are memories and photos, so make every second count!”
The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550).
