Johan Hofmeyer 1946 - 2021

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jolas
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Johan Hofmeyer 1946 - 2021

Post by jolas »

Johan Hendrik Hofmeyer - Smithof Engineering - Western Cape

Johan passed away in his wife's arms in the early hours, 6th January 2021. He had been suffering with cancer. In typical "Smithof" style, he tackled it bravely and head on - and got on with his VW aircooled engine rebuilding and his life until earlier this month.

He completed his NTS1, 2 and 3 in his younger years in Westlake, and spent the duration of his apprenticeship re-building aircooled motors.

He was amazingly fit for his age, and refused to have any assistance in his workshop, it was quite amazing to see what he could achieve. Based in Joostenberg Vlakte, it was always a treat to pop in for a visit and see what he was working on, and to check what was parked in the yard awaiting his attention. He had clients sending him motors from all over South Africa and Namibia. Indeed, even "Jackson" my Westy still has its "Smithof" motor, which drove me to Durban twice, Mpumulanga, Pretoria, etc, and more the recently the Sani Pass, which resulted in some serious damages, but it still got us back to Cape Town safely, where Johan sorted it out again.

A man of many talents - musician, electrician, plumber, carpenter, farmer, he would tackle anything with zest. He had old school values, and he did'nt suffer fools gladly, and those who tried their luck would get a proper tongue lashing!

Johan's passing is a great loss to the aircooled community, and his clients and friends will miss him dearly.

Sincere condolences to his wife Rhona, married for 34 years. May his soul rest in peace.

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by fig » Mar 26, 2018
Sambas in South Africa are good for only 2 things: showing off and sunburn.
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Eugene
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Re: Johan Hofmeyer 1946 - 2021

Post by Eugene »

RIP sir, I'm sure you will be missed :-(
You can never have enough Garages :-(
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Re: Johan Hofmeyer 1946 - 2021

Post by sean »

Sad, another long standing aircooled VW mechanic that has passed on. RIP
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Re: Johan Hofmeyer 1946 - 2021

Post by Donovan D »

Very sad news indeed.
Smithof rebuilt my engine in 2011 and its still going strong.
---------- 67 Panelvan -----------
---------- 56 Oval ----------
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