MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A well-known, longtime resident of Mossel Bay and a successful businessman, Michael Furness (77), passed away early on Tuesday, 23 March, at Life Bay View Private Hospital from a sudden heart attack.
Michael was the owner of the family business, Bardin's Jewellers, of which there are two branches in town.
He was the father of Mossel Bay town councillor Mark Edgar Furness.
Michael, who was adept at finances and accounting, had been the treasurer of the Mossel Bay Methodist Church.
He was born in Mossel Bay on 23 December 1943. He attended Paarl Boys' High School and then Point High School. When he left school, Michael worked at his father Edgar's firm, W Harries and Company, a shipping agent which was located at Searle's Manor in Bland Street, Mossel Bay.
Michael went on to work for Grindrod Ltd before he joined Bardin's Jewellers, the business of his wife Sue's family, in 1983.
He had married Sue Bonthuys in 1980 and they had one child, Mark Edgar, born in 1983. Sue was also working at Bardin's.
Michael was an avid badminton player in his heyday and he was also active in politics, in the Progressive Federal Party.
He was highly involved in charity work in and around Mossel Bay. In his younger days he was an active member of Rotary and served as president of Mossel Bay Rotary for a period.
Michael leaves his son, Mark Edgar, Mark's wife Giovanna and their two children, Michael Edgar and Olivia Elizabeth. Michael also leaves his sister-in-law, Marie Francis.
Mark says: "My dad had a major stroke in 2015, which affected him badly. Also, his health deteriorated after the passing of my mother in 2019."
On behalf of the family, Mark thanks everyone who is rallying around the family, giving support and showing care in this time of sadness. The family is deeply grateful for the condolences offered.
Owing to Covid-19 restrictions and space constraints, a private family memorial service will take place at the Methodist Church in town.
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