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Celebrating the life of

Etienne du Toit

November 03, 1969 - July 31, 2024

Etienne du Toit

Strong, robust, fun-loving, generous, sensitive, kind, thoughtful, incredibly funny, talented, hard working, family oriented, God fearing, life of the party.  Etienne du Toit was a Gentle Giant.  He was a big man with a big heart.  Always smiling – from the day he was born until the last.

He was raised in Durbanville, South Africa. The youngest of five boys.  Etienne was an adventurous sailor who arrived in America by chance in the mid-90s.  He fell in love with Savannah and made it his home. His passion for sailing continued with competitive racing on Honey and Longbow for many years.  He also met his wife Kendall through the sailing community during Charleston Race Week 2011.

Etienne possessed legendary cooking skills, and enjoyed spending an entire day around the braai with his favorite people.  He relished every opportunity to fellowship with his friends. Etienne was a dedicated and loyal friend who surrounded himself with the highest quality people.

He was a master of introduction - He touched so many lives with his kindness and ability to start a conversation. Etienne never met a stranger and fostered connections between people that would not otherwise have crossed paths. His genuine love for people created lifelong friends around the globe.  It was always important for him to keep in touch – he even called his mother every morning.  That was Etienne. 

He is survived by his loving mother Frina and three brothers - Danie, Alwyn and Francois, and their families.  Etienne joins his father Alwyn and oldest brother Jannie.

A  visitation will be at Fox & Weeks Hodgson Chapel, Monday, August 5th, from 5:00 until 7:00.

 

Ek wens ons almal liefde, vrede, vertroosting en krag toe in die komende dae

(wishing us all love, peace, comfort and strength in the coming days)

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you Philippians 1:3

A memorial service will be held on August 17, 2024 at Etienne’s home church

Móresonlaan in Durbanville, South Africa

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

The world is a lot less bright without Etienne. Such a tragic loss. Love to his family and friends, and my sweet friend Kendall!

- Kathryn McCamy, Columbus, GA

I truly enjoyed working with Etienne. He always made us laugh and enjoy any conversation that was being had. He really knew how to make a room lighten up. I'm really going to miss his presence around the office. I remember taking a trip with him to Nashville and getting to explore the city and grab some BBQ before the conference started. We had some lovely conversation over food. The memory that really sticks out is the Elvis Presley glasses he found and dancing to the silent disco. We're really going to miss him come sausage party this year. I hope we can try to recreate his recipe he brought every year.

- Ricky McCombs, savannah , ga

Walking into Great Dane will NEVER be the same. Etienne's smile and laughter was contagious. He never spoke one unkind word about anyone. You will never be forgotten my friend...missed but not forgotten. Prayers to the family

- Gloria Williams , Savannah , Ga

Etienne loved sailing with us and we enjoyed being with him. It is a huge loss to all who knew him and his wonderful smile and personality. Sending prayers to Kendall, family and all his friends.

- Elizabeth M Fitzgerald, Savannah, GA

A candle has been lit!

So sad, I'm going miss this big guy coming down the dock to go sailing. God speed E.

- DT, Savannah , GA

This is such sad news. Etienne was one of the sweetest and most laid back person I ever knew. My time knowing him will always be a spot of sunshine in my memories. My deepest condolences to his family. His time on this Earth was too short.

- Kerri Hicks Salvatore, Austin, TX

I’m SO sorry to hear this! I met Etienne when he first arrived in Savannah and worked with him and his crew before he moved here permanently. He was such a sweet soul! I’m fortunate to have spent an evening with him and Kendall this past Christmas after many years of not seeing one another. Fair winds and followings seas my friend, you will be dearly missed☹️

- Cheshire McIntosh, Savannah, Georgia

Condolences to our Dearest Frina and family.❤

- Jenny B, Durbanville , Cape Town

My sincere condolences to Etienne's family and friends. My heart goes out to his mother Frina, and to Engela, Emma and Jan who always spoke highly of him. Big hugs. Xxxx

- Retha Alberts , Worcester, South Africa , Western Cape

My sincere condolences to Etienne's family and friends. My heart goes out to his mother Frina, and to Engela, Emma and Jan who always spoke highly of him. Big hugs. Xxxx

- Retha Alberts , Worcester, South Africa , Western Cape

My dearest "Buurman" (Neighbour) - what a privilege to share growing up together; sixteen was easier because of you. What a privilege to have shared regular, meaningful full sentences into our fifties. We will look after our dearest Tannie Frina. And Kendall, we are here for you. With love, your "Buurvrou" (Neighbour). xxx

- Mari Lategan, Durbanville, South Africa

Our condolences to Kendall and family. A life lost too soon. Will always remember his smile.

- Linda Mackay , Savannah , Georgia

Terrie and I are so sorry for this tremendous loss. Our prayers are with you.

- Don McKelvey , Jefferson , GA

I met Ettienne when we were only five year old and ever since been best friends. I am going to miss his love for good food, wine and his company.

- Frans, Stellenbosch , WC

You will be missed my friend. You were one of the first South-Africans I met when I arrived in the US 20+years ago and we became immediate friends. You agreed to be our son’s Godfather when he was born on your birthday. Rest in peace my friend.

- Van Der Watt Family, Greenwood, AR

My heart is heavy for you. This is so shocking. I just saw him yesterday, or was it the day before? I see him most days, but no more. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you peace.

- Rhondda Netherton, Savannah, Ga

I knew Etienne through our work at Great Dane. He was the nicest man and always willing to help. He will be greatly missed; the void he leaves behind may never be completely filled. I wish his family and friends peace and strength as they navigate life without him.

- Carrie Pride , Nokomis, FL

While I am gutted at what we have lost, Etienne gifted so much during his life. He was a warm and gregarious friend, always an attentive conversationalist, and a legendary cook. As shattering as his departure was, his life has had greater impact still. Kendall, my deepest and most sincere condolences. Totsiens Etienne.

- Martin Joubert, Savannah, GA

So sad to realize this smiling man is gone. The happy times and conversations. Laughing so hard you cried. Sailing along with lots of stories shared. Quality time with a quality guy. Kendall, you are loved.

- Ruthie, Thunderbolt , Georgia

Nice guy. So sorry.

- David D'Arcy , Savannah, GA

It is easy to find pictures of you smiling, Etienne. It was wonderful to reconnect in Dallas after our families knew each other so well when we were young. How special to meet Kendall too. We think of you every time we visit the Nasher Sculpture Garden. You will be in our thoughts Kendall and T Frina, Danie, Alwyn and Francois and families.

- Isabelle Venter (Prinsloo), Dallas, Texas

My hart gaan uit na elkeen van julle. Ek hou julle met liefde vas in my gedagtes. Erika

- Erika Theron, Pretoria, South Africa

I am deeply saddened to learn of Etienne’s passing. He was a wonderful person. Always smiling, full of joy and laughter. My deepest condolences to the family. Rest in peace my friend.

- Kirsten Campion, Clearwater , Fl

Such a shock to hear this ! He was just like described very friendly and supportive during my hard time . He will surely be missed !

- Mack, Tybee, Ga

Such a shock to hear this ! He was just like described very friendly and supportive during my hard time . He will surely be missed !

- Mack, Tybee, Ga

Etienne was one of the kindest people I've ever known. He always had a kind word and a hug to share. We got caught sailing in a terrible lightning storm once, and I was terrified. He kept me laughing until we reached dry land. He had such a kind and gentle presence. I am so thankful to have known him. Keeping his family and friends in my prayers. Love you, Etienne!

- Margaret Jenkins Sapp, Watkinsville, GA

I only got the pleasure of knowing Etienne for a couple years, but he and his memory will remain an important part of my life as a mentor, boss, friend, neighbor, and teammate at Great Dane. Still doesn’t feel real. Condolences to Etienne’s family and friends. I will keep my SolidWorksWorld cowboy hat forever so we stay matching. <3

- B. Jarrett, Statesboro, GA

We grew up together, Etienne’s older brother was friends with my brother so it was natural progression that we end up being friends. He was an amazing person and will be missed. Condolences to your family.

- Tom Terblanche, Crawley , United Kingdom

A candle has been lit!

We love you, ET. Always.

- Anker Jensen Lisa anderson, Greenfield, Nh

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Etienne. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you and his family. Etienne was not only a remarkable problem solver in the workplace but also a source of positive energy for everyone around him. It’s hard to imagine anyone having a negative word about him. I firmly believe that he is now in a place of peace and will continue to smile down upon us. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Farewell, my dear friend. Sincere. SD Jung

- Soondong Jung, Savannah, Georgia

This one really hits hard. Etienne will be missed daily. This picture sums him up perfectly. Always had a smile and always made us smile.

- Travis Andrews, Savannah, GA

Thinking of the family at this difficult time. May the Lord comfort all of you,

- Monica McGoldrick , Savannah, Georgia

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Big Hug XO

- Emily L Trust, Savannah, GA

What sad news. May the peace that passes all understanding find its way to your hearts.

- Westley, Peter, Savannah , Georgia

Etienne made a positive memorable connection with everyone he met. My sister in Nashville and Velyana’s mother in Bulgaria are saddened by the news. We miss you very much.

- Family Nuernberger, Savannah, GA

A candle has been lit!

Sending love and prayers to you Kendall.... Know that you are much loved in our community and in our thoughts!

- Brad Moody, Savannah, GA

Always enjoyed spending time with Etienne, sailboat racing from Charleston to Savannah, hanging out with friends or just running into each other at Home Depot. You will be miss my friend. Thoughts and prayers for you Kendall.

- Troy Lamb, Savannah, Ga

There are no words to describe what you’re feeling right now. The loss of a partner or family member is one of the worst experiences in life. I’m so sorry for your loss Kendall. Please have faith in getting through this difficult time and please ask if you need any help or assistance. Etienne was one of a kind and will be truly missed.

- Ackermann Stephen, Pooler, GA

May Peace be with you Kendall. I’m so very sorry.

- Tina Gann, Tybee Island, GA

I am sending my deepest sympathies to you,Kendal, from Merida. Neil relayed this sad news the other day.My thoughts are with you and I send you my love.

- Claudia Joslyn, Merida, Yucatan,MX

When Kendal first brought Etienne to Vegas to meet the family, he stole our hearts by just being Etienne.... gentle spirit, easy going, fun loving .... and that smile and laugh! As we got to know him over the years, our affection and love multiplied!

- Linda McClellan, Las Vegas, NV

I feel blessed to have met Etienne through his wife Kendall. He was so kind and funny. I was mesmerized watching him cook. We all will miss him very much.

- Janet Miller, Aiken , SC

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200