Urban Ruins saddened by the passing of ‘Oom Duys’
The two friends died after being struck by a taxi in Isando while cycling on November 30.
Messages of condolences have been pouring in on social media since news surfaced about the sad passing of Janine Hopkins and Frans Duys.
Hopkins was the deputy principal at Boksburg High School and Duys was a well-known cyclist who used to own a cycling store on the corner of Atlas and Atlasville roads.
Duys who lived in Benoni has been hailed as a legend, a contributor, giver, helper and mentor by the Urban Active Cycling Club, based in Boksburg.
Leigh Ingle, Urban Ruins founding member, said they were extremely saddened by the death of Duys.
“Oom Duys was an integral part of the Urban Ruins Cycling project. He encouraged us from the start to get children cycling.
“When our cycling club was up and running he would support us with donations of cycling kit, bicycles and bicycle parts.
“He was willing to train and educate our cycling coaches in cycle maintenance and bicycle upkeep. He always had a kind and encouraging word and helped us wherever he could. We are no longer the same,” Ingle said.
Annelize van Zyl from Team Lifecycle said it is a sad week for the cycling fraternity as they have lost one of their own.
Boksburg High School also shared that Hopkins made a positive difference in the lives of all she encountered and will be greatly missed.
Some of the messages shared on the Boksburg Advertiser’s Facebook page:
- Janice Carter: “When one sees the mourning of someone … we realise the impact they made on their community. Fly high with the angels Ms Hopkins.”
- Nicky de Jesus: “Awfully sad news. What a wonderful teacher, mentor, coach and inspiration she was to the learners.”
- Andrea Mendes: “This is so tragic and sad. Sending condolences to their families.”
- Sanet Bates: “Very sad. Condolences to loved ones. I have no words for this unforeseen tragedy.”
- Heather Carmody: “So heartbroken.”
READ ALSO : Boksburg High School deputy principal dies in cycling accident
