Death of Richard O’Brien

Richard O’Brien, affectionately known to his friends as Dick, died on Wednesday, 6 August at the age of 78, after a short illness.

Richard was appointed as park manager of Southgate Business Park early in 2001 and held that position until his death.

“During the earlier years when the park was in the development phase, Richard had his hands full with all types of situations that he had to manage and resolve to the satisfaction of the owners, the trustees and the municipality,” said assistant park manager, Frans van der Merwe.

“Working closely with the trustees of the owners association, Richard was instrumental in formulating and implementing park rules that have resulted in the park becoming a much sought-after area from an investment point of view, and where many local residents have either established or moved their businesses to.”

Many local residents are also employed in the park.

“People generally feel safe in the park and this can be attributed to the efforts of Richard, who always set high standards and then ensured that those standards were maintained.”

He had a very strong personality and he left no stone unturned to achieve what he wanted for the residents and visitors in the park, whom he viewed as his extended family.

Richard is survived by his wife Hester, to whom he was married to for 57 years, two sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“Richard will be sorely missed by the trustees, owners and tenants of Southgate Business Park, many of whom became his personal friends, to whom he was fiercely loyal.”