Businessman and Pick n Pay supermarket founder Raymond Ackerman has been remembered as a devoted family man and an extraordinary husband.
This was shared by many speakers who took turns on the podium at his memorial service held at Clovelly Country Club in Cape Town on Monday.
Following on his father’s footsteps, Gus Ackerman, who owned clothing retail shop Ackermans, Raymond and his wife Wendy bought four stores in Cape Town in 1967 with the aim of providing goods to the people at lower prices.
Speaking at the memorial service his son, Gareth Ackerman, described his father as an exceptional retailer.
“He was caring, interested, and made special time and space for each of us. His time was all the more precious because of the many other demands on his attention,” said Gareth.
“He was never afraid to challenge government or to display leadership when his industry, city or country needed it.”
Gareth added that his father believed in hope and in leading people to achieve that hope for an outcome.
“Because of my father, Pick n Pay is more than just a company, it represents a way of living and a commitment to what is right and just.
“His legacy will live on through the values he imparted. As we look to the future, we will continue to be guided by him.”
Non-executive director of Pick n Pay Holdings Audrey Mothupi thanked the public for the support since Ackerman’s departure.
“Raymond was ahead of his time because he was the best retailer, an innovator and a champion for consumers and the employees,” said Mothupi.
“I know for certain that each board member present here today cannot imagine our next meeting without you.”
She assured the Ackerman family that every Pick n Pay member will hold their hand through the family’s period of grief.
“All of us at Pick n Pay promise to multiply the goodness that you left with us.”
Ackerman died on Thursday last week at the age of 92.
He is survived by his wife Wendy, children Gareth, Kathy, Suzanne, and Jonathan, 12 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
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