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12 April 2024
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Rosenbauer South Africa’s Michael von der Heyde passes on
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Director of Rosenbauer South Africa, Michael von der Heyde, passed on on Wednesday, 28 February 2024. Originally from Cologne in Germany, Michael was well known in the South African firefighting fraternity. A tribute to Michael was held at Rosenbauer South Africa in Midrand on 12 March 2024. The event was attended by Michael’s wife, Liza, Michael’s son, Luke and his wife Vicci, Klaus Hörschläger, regional vice president: Sales at Rosenbauer International AG in Austria, as well as staff members, clients, suppliers and distributors.
We share some of the messages from his family, clients and friends in his honour.
Luke von der Heyde, son
“My dad was a very special person and I know he meant a lot to the people here. So I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of you for the part you played in giving my dad something (I won’t call it a job – he enjoyed it far too much!) that he was so passionate about and proud to be a part of. He loved working for Rosenbauer and in particular loved the people he worked with. Not everyone is lucky enough to wake up every day with the type of passion and purpose my dad had for his work and I am so grateful to all you for the part you played in giving that to him right up till the end.”
“I remember the first time I started getting to know Rosenbauer around 2011. I was living in Durban at the time and my dad had just started his new adventure. We met for dinner one evening and as I arrived there was a huge calendar waiting on the table as gift for me. He took me through each one of the pictures and the different vehicles and explained, very convincingly, why these were the best fire engines ever designed and built. By the end of the evening I would have ordered five if I could have afforded it. But I remember to this day how excited he was that evening and it has bought me and my sister a huge amount of happiness watching that excitement and passion grow with every year; and every successful tender, which there have been quite a few. From his cuff links and his watches to his number plate, you couldn’t find a prouder ambassador of the brand and the amazing team behind it. Even his German family had to accept this growing Austrian affiliation as a fundamental part of who he was.”
“As I’m sure all of you can imagine, Michael was a seriously fun dad! Every day was a something new and exciting, always in a good mood and ready for the next adventure – and of course, ALWAYS, dressed for the occasion!! Believe it or not, one of the first toys my sister and I remember was a big, red, plastic fire engine, which my dad helped us steer around the sand pit….. it has been amazing to watch him go from playing with toy fire engines with his kids to playing with real ones with all of you. Judging by some of the conversations I’ve had so far, it certainly seems that the people he worked with got to experience the best of the dad we knew and loved. He had an amazing ability to make people feel special and welcome and I am so glad to know that the people he worked with got to feel the type of warmth and happiness I know he could bring. I want to thank all of you - on behalf of his other family - for bringing him so much joy and fulfilment over the last 12 years and for embracing him for the very special and unique person that he was.”
Liza Reynolds, wife
“Michael was eccentric and definitely his own person. He liked everyone and never said a negative or bad word about anyone and was always happy. He was a very remarkable person who never complained or argued and loved beautiful jackets, ties, silk scarves, cigars and loved photography! He loved his son Luke and his daughter Stephanie very much and was extremely proud of their achievements. Michael was extremely passionate about Rosenbauer South Africa and worked long hours, travelled many roads to promote and sell the Rosenbauer range of products in a very difficult market and was referred to as Michael Rosenbauer which, of course, made him so happy. Michael’s death has been extremely difficult to come to terms with and it often feels so surreal. A larger than life personality who loved life!”
Alex Neumann, director, Rosenbauer South Africa and commercial director Area Middle East and Africa, Rosenbauer International AG
“I just had the chance to work together with Michael von der Heyde for the last 1,5 years. In this time, I got to know him as an enthusiast for Rosenbauer who was really living his work. Beside work, I remember him as a great gentleman with an open personality, which allowed him to share his life experience with me. He will always be kept in good memory for the great work he did and the private person he was.”
Klaus Hörschläger, Rosenbauer International AG
“I met Michael the first time 2009 and we did corporate during this days when I was permanently staying in South Africa. Over the years we became friends and finally in 2011, we employed him in Rosenbauer ZA as a sales manager and later as a director. Over the 13 years we sold almost 60 fire engines into the South African market as well as several bakkies and equipment. He was managing the local setup very well so we decided in 2018 to start a small local production of major pumpers in order to fulfil the local content; this was driven by his enthusiastic approach to grow Rosenbauer in South Africa. Personally I could learn from him many things, especially his client-oriented valuable approach. We had so many evenings together discussing business but also lots of private things. Finally, I would like to thank him for his friendship. RIP, Klaus.”
Clive Naidoo, Saudi Arabia
“I’m here if there’s anything I can do and always will be in touch. He was my go to person for specialist fire fighting vehicle and equipment. He was a master in his field. I will greatly miss him.”
Trevor Teegler, Lanseria International Airport
“Michael was a true gentleman, friend and an asset to Rosenbauer in all of our dealings. He will be sorely missed and leaves a legacy and very big shoes to fill. His passion and commitment to all of his clients, especially us here at LIA was true testament of the person that Michael was.”
Fortunate Ntini, domestic worker and Brite (son)
“It is with a heavy heart that I write this message having to give testimony about a kind soul, which is no longer with us. A few years ago I met Mr M (that's what i used to call him) when they were tying a knot with Liza, he exuded warmth and had a heart of gold. I knew then that he would be a wonderful husband to my dear Liza and great husband he was! When my son started tertiary studies at the University of Johannesburg in 2014, I was worried because he had no family there. Mr M and Liza became the family for him, they supported him and helped him settle in. I will forever be indebted to them for their generosity. I also got to live with them in Kyalami and this allowed me to be closer to my son. I could visit him on weekends and Mr M wouldn't mind dropping me off. His love was expressed through very little words but a lot of action! He would cook delicious meals for Liza and I. I was so looking forward to seeing them this coming Easter Holidays when they visit Durban, unfortunately it will now be Liza as Mr M has embarked on another journey...but I know he'll be with us in spirit. As the proverb goes, a man's heart plans his course but The Lord determines his steps...so APPRECIATE your loved ones today, tell them you love them today. Embrace them today because tomorrow is not for us to decide but we have today!”
Joann, Freedom Farm, Cape Town
“Today my heart is filled with sadness that is unexplainable I met Tannie Liza six years ago and she introduced me to her late husband Mr Michael , for the smallest time spending with someone so loveable and caring it felt like I had a father and my kids had a grandad. Mr Michael really brought love into our hearts. He sometimes used to play hide and seek with my kids and it was an amazing experience to be watching them while having such precious moments. You thank God for the wonderful people he has sent my way even if it was only for a little while I had spent time with him. I appreciate it now. God has chosen he's flower because he's garden is indeed of it ... I humbly thank every single person who supports Tannie Liza and would like to ask for a special prayer; pray for Tannie Liza I can imagine how hard it must be for her losing a husband, best friend and an all in one partner with whom she was spending a lifetime with. I please ask to check up on her now and then, send an sms, so she mustn’t be feeling alone. I believe God has sent us friends, family, as gifts for each other. I have so much beautiful things to say about Mr Michael but time won't allow me, indeed we shall remember the great good gifted heart and the smiley face of Mr Michael.”
Our deepest condolences to all of Michael’s family, friends, colleagues and clients, from all of us at Fire and Rescue International. Rest in Peace Michael.
We share some of the messages from his family, clients and friends in his honour.
Luke von der Heyde, son
“My dad was a very special person and I know he meant a lot to the people here. So I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of you for the part you played in giving my dad something (I won’t call it a job – he enjoyed it far too much!) that he was so passionate about and proud to be a part of. He loved working for Rosenbauer and in particular loved the people he worked with. Not everyone is lucky enough to wake up every day with the type of passion and purpose my dad had for his work and I am so grateful to all you for the part you played in giving that to him right up till the end.”
“I remember the first time I started getting to know Rosenbauer around 2011. I was living in Durban at the time and my dad had just started his new adventure. We met for dinner one evening and as I arrived there was a huge calendar waiting on the table as gift for me. He took me through each one of the pictures and the different vehicles and explained, very convincingly, why these were the best fire engines ever designed and built. By the end of the evening I would have ordered five if I could have afforded it. But I remember to this day how excited he was that evening and it has bought me and my sister a huge amount of happiness watching that excitement and passion grow with every year; and every successful tender, which there have been quite a few. From his cuff links and his watches to his number plate, you couldn’t find a prouder ambassador of the brand and the amazing team behind it. Even his German family had to accept this growing Austrian affiliation as a fundamental part of who he was.”
“As I’m sure all of you can imagine, Michael was a seriously fun dad! Every day was a something new and exciting, always in a good mood and ready for the next adventure – and of course, ALWAYS, dressed for the occasion!! Believe it or not, one of the first toys my sister and I remember was a big, red, plastic fire engine, which my dad helped us steer around the sand pit….. it has been amazing to watch him go from playing with toy fire engines with his kids to playing with real ones with all of you. Judging by some of the conversations I’ve had so far, it certainly seems that the people he worked with got to experience the best of the dad we knew and loved. He had an amazing ability to make people feel special and welcome and I am so glad to know that the people he worked with got to feel the type of warmth and happiness I know he could bring. I want to thank all of you - on behalf of his other family - for bringing him so much joy and fulfilment over the last 12 years and for embracing him for the very special and unique person that he was.”
Liza Reynolds, wife
“Michael was eccentric and definitely his own person. He liked everyone and never said a negative or bad word about anyone and was always happy. He was a very remarkable person who never complained or argued and loved beautiful jackets, ties, silk scarves, cigars and loved photography! He loved his son Luke and his daughter Stephanie very much and was extremely proud of their achievements. Michael was extremely passionate about Rosenbauer South Africa and worked long hours, travelled many roads to promote and sell the Rosenbauer range of products in a very difficult market and was referred to as Michael Rosenbauer which, of course, made him so happy. Michael’s death has been extremely difficult to come to terms with and it often feels so surreal. A larger than life personality who loved life!”
Alex Neumann, director, Rosenbauer South Africa and commercial director Area Middle East and Africa, Rosenbauer International AG
“I just had the chance to work together with Michael von der Heyde for the last 1,5 years. In this time, I got to know him as an enthusiast for Rosenbauer who was really living his work. Beside work, I remember him as a great gentleman with an open personality, which allowed him to share his life experience with me. He will always be kept in good memory for the great work he did and the private person he was.”
Klaus Hörschläger, Rosenbauer International AG
“I met Michael the first time 2009 and we did corporate during this days when I was permanently staying in South Africa. Over the years we became friends and finally in 2011, we employed him in Rosenbauer ZA as a sales manager and later as a director. Over the 13 years we sold almost 60 fire engines into the South African market as well as several bakkies and equipment. He was managing the local setup very well so we decided in 2018 to start a small local production of major pumpers in order to fulfil the local content; this was driven by his enthusiastic approach to grow Rosenbauer in South Africa. Personally I could learn from him many things, especially his client-oriented valuable approach. We had so many evenings together discussing business but also lots of private things. Finally, I would like to thank him for his friendship. RIP, Klaus.”
Clive Naidoo, Saudi Arabia
“I’m here if there’s anything I can do and always will be in touch. He was my go to person for specialist fire fighting vehicle and equipment. He was a master in his field. I will greatly miss him.”
Trevor Teegler, Lanseria International Airport
“Michael was a true gentleman, friend and an asset to Rosenbauer in all of our dealings. He will be sorely missed and leaves a legacy and very big shoes to fill. His passion and commitment to all of his clients, especially us here at LIA was true testament of the person that Michael was.”
Fortunate Ntini, domestic worker and Brite (son)
“It is with a heavy heart that I write this message having to give testimony about a kind soul, which is no longer with us. A few years ago I met Mr M (that's what i used to call him) when they were tying a knot with Liza, he exuded warmth and had a heart of gold. I knew then that he would be a wonderful husband to my dear Liza and great husband he was! When my son started tertiary studies at the University of Johannesburg in 2014, I was worried because he had no family there. Mr M and Liza became the family for him, they supported him and helped him settle in. I will forever be indebted to them for their generosity. I also got to live with them in Kyalami and this allowed me to be closer to my son. I could visit him on weekends and Mr M wouldn't mind dropping me off. His love was expressed through very little words but a lot of action! He would cook delicious meals for Liza and I. I was so looking forward to seeing them this coming Easter Holidays when they visit Durban, unfortunately it will now be Liza as Mr M has embarked on another journey...but I know he'll be with us in spirit. As the proverb goes, a man's heart plans his course but The Lord determines his steps...so APPRECIATE your loved ones today, tell them you love them today. Embrace them today because tomorrow is not for us to decide but we have today!”
Joann, Freedom Farm, Cape Town
“Today my heart is filled with sadness that is unexplainable I met Tannie Liza six years ago and she introduced me to her late husband Mr Michael , for the smallest time spending with someone so loveable and caring it felt like I had a father and my kids had a grandad. Mr Michael really brought love into our hearts. He sometimes used to play hide and seek with my kids and it was an amazing experience to be watching them while having such precious moments. You thank God for the wonderful people he has sent my way even if it was only for a little while I had spent time with him. I appreciate it now. God has chosen he's flower because he's garden is indeed of it ... I humbly thank every single person who supports Tannie Liza and would like to ask for a special prayer; pray for Tannie Liza I can imagine how hard it must be for her losing a husband, best friend and an all in one partner with whom she was spending a lifetime with. I please ask to check up on her now and then, send an sms, so she mustn’t be feeling alone. I believe God has sent us friends, family, as gifts for each other. I have so much beautiful things to say about Mr Michael but time won't allow me, indeed we shall remember the great good gifted heart and the smiley face of Mr Michael.”
Our deepest condolences to all of Michael’s family, friends, colleagues and clients, from all of us at Fire and Rescue International. Rest in Peace Michael.
