Condolence messages for Charles Everitt, founder of the Chas Everitt group, have been pouring in after the property “giant” passed away on Saturday, just six days after his 87th birthday.
The Chas Everitt International property group honoured the real estate icon and said: “A giant has fallen.”
“It is with great sadness that we relay the passing of Charles Everitt, the much-loved and admired co-founder of the Chas Everitt International group, following a short illness.
“An icon of the South African real estate industry, Charles was also a man of deep and abiding faith who lived his beliefs and kept his word – and inspired everyone who knew him to try to do the same.
“Indeed, the old-world values of trust, respect for all and integrity that were at the heart of the Johannesburg estate agency he founded with his wife Tilla are still the cornerstones of the Chas Everitt International group...
“Charles maintained a lively interest in the growth and direction of the company even after his retirement in 1998, and was rightly proud of the doors it has opened and opportunities it has created for hundreds of men and women around the country to achieve success, build solid futures for their families, and become leaders in their own communities.
“He and Tilla especially loved to attend our award ceremonies and help to celebrate the milestones reached by Chas Everitt agents with words of praise and encouragement.
“An enthusiastic storyteller, Charles also loved nothing more than to spend time with his own family and close friends, and frequently shared how grateful he was for them and how his life had turned out.”
Everitt, the group says, was born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1935, and came to South Africa after his father retired to follow his dream of farming in Ermelo.
“It was there that he met Tilla, who was the daughter of the neighbouring farmer. After pursuing a successful career with an international pharmaceutical group, Charles left the corporate world and together with Tilla opened the original Chas Everitt Estates in 1980.
“Often described as a giant among men, and one of the last great gentlemen, Charles touched many lives in many walks of life with humility and grace and will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by an enormous number of people.
“He is survived by Tilla, his sons Berry and Paul, and their families.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
The Rebosa Board of directors also sent out a statement on his passing.
“It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Charles Everitt. The Rebosa Board of Directors extends their sincere and deepest condolences to Tilla and Berry, their immediate family, and by extension the Chas Everitt International Property Group, family, and friends.
“Charles was a leading figure in real estate and his vision helped shape the industry and transformed the lives of many. His passion for the industry led to a number of pioneering initiatives and we can all speak with one voice of his generous spirit, kindness and warmth, for which he was so well known and loved.
“We knew Charles not only as a colleague but also as a friend. He was a mentor and a teacher and has left an indelible mark on the industry. He will be fondly remembered by all of us.”
Nafeesa Vallie Luxury Real Estate shared their “sincere and deepest” condolences to the family.
“Charles Everitt was a leading figure in real estate and his vision helped shape the industry and transformed the lives of many. His passion for the industry led to a number of pioneering initiatives and we can all speak with one voice of his generous spirit, kindness, and warmth, for which he was so well known and loved.
On its Facebook page, Mampeule Foundation wrote: “As the foundation, we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the Everitt family. We would like to thank Chas (Charles) Everitt for all the contributions he made to the real estate industry in our country.
“Without a shadow of a doubt, Charles played an instrumental role in the real estate industry.”
Another message was posted by Amanda Philip, area specialist for Northcliff and Berario.
“Rest in Peace Mr E...A man dedicated to God and his family, he had a wonderful caring heart. Mr Everitt was a pioneer of the real estate industry, his influence and inspiration will remain with us always. My sorrowful condolences to all the Everitt family.”
Jared Lee Watney wrote: “I will always remember, always respect and love you forever Charles. Thank you for your stories, thank you for your advice, and for your unbelievably valuable lessons.
“You have left an everlasting impression.”
ISiKolo School of Learning SSeta 9972 said: “We are sad to see that the industry has lost a giant. Our sincere condolences to Charles [Chas] Everitt's family and the Chas Everitt Group.”
His memorial service will stream live today at 12:30pm.
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