"Your Leadership Will Never Be Forgotten": Community Stands Together in Final Respects for Johnathan Fourie
- Karen Scheepers
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The Potchefstroom community came together on Monday, 8 December, to pay their final respects and celebrate the life of Johnathan Robert Fourie (5/6/1973–10/11/2025). The moving Celebration of Life service, held at Duet Gemeente in Van der Hoff Park, was attended by a large crowd of family, friends, colleagues, and community members, all mourning the tragic loss of one of "Potch’s favourite sons".
A Service Reflecting Integrity and Love
The service, led by the dynamic Pastor Henry, was a powerful testament to the impactful life Johnathan Fourie led as a respected leader in the community and a beloved family man. The event was also live-streamed on the Fourie’s Poultry Farms (Chubby Chick) Facebook page, allowing the wider community to join the remembrance online.
Johnathan's wife, Nadine, and children, Robby and Debbie, bravely shared their heartfelt memories and moments. Their tributes painted a picture of a husband and father who was:
Highly respected, honest, and fair.
A man of integrity with incredible values.
A caring, loving person who approached responsibility with leadership and humility.
A man who had the unique gift of making ordinary life extraordinary.
Attendees heard that Johnathan always had time for everyone, gave generously from his heart, but never asked for anything in return. The service honoured his enduring legacy of compassion and community impact, with the final sentiment being "MHDSRIP" (May His Dear Soul Rest in Peace).
Facebook Video link: https://www.facebook.com/reel/835141889385323
Youtube link of the service: https://www.youtube.com/live/uV8SDY_F_Rk
Deon Fourie’s Recovery Shows Encouraging Progress
While the community said a difficult goodbye to Johnathan, hope remains focused on the recovery of Deon Fourie, who was critically injured during the same tragic incident in November.
The Fourie family confirmed that Deon is responding to the treatment provided and is gaining strength through much-needed rest. An encouraging note was the announcement that Deon was scheduled to undergo another medical procedure on Tuesday, 9 December, as part of his ongoing recovery.
The family has extended their profound gratitude, thanking "each and everyone of you for keeping Deon in your thoughts and prayers at this time, it is much appreciated".
Potchefstroom’s Unwavering Support
The attendance at the memorial and the continuous updates from the Fourie family, shared by groups like the Potch Old Boys, underscore the solidarity and unity demonstrated by the community since the tragedy occurred. Johnathan Fourie, affectionately remembered as "Mr. Chubby Chick", may be gone, but his spirit and contribution to Potchefstroom will never be forgotten.
🕊️🕯️💛🏙️💐
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