KNYSNA NEWS - After an incredible 53 years of service, Koos Andrews has hung up his apron and retired from the bottle store business. He is 62 years old.
Starting the working journey
Andrews started working at the then Brenton Hotel off-sales at the tender age of nine, doing odd jobs around the store.
"My father was already working there, and he is the one that got me the job," said Andrews.
"I first started cleaning the fridges, mopping the floors and the outside premises. As I grew older, I started off-loading stock and arranging the shelves. Over the years I have established myself as an all-rounder in the store."
When asked about what he enjoyed most about working there he didn't need to think twice.
"The affection I received from the customers and my employees," he said.
"Besides the really good tips that I got from regulars, which sometimes was even as much as R400, the customers genuinely loved me, and I them.
"My bosses were great and there were seldom stressful times because of work-related stuff. The only reason why I'm retiring is because of my health, otherwise I would've worked for another 10 even 20 years," he quipped.
Though the store changed hands and names a number of times, Andrews stayed at his post, always there, always dependable and always serving with a smile.
Long service and dedication
Carol Snyman, the owner of Liquor City Knysna, the current name of the liquor store where Andrews worked, had only praise for him.
"He recently retired from Liquor City after 53 years working in the same place, which had just switched owners," she said.
"He has been with the company's numerous different owners until Eric and I bought the business in 2004. We bought Imperial Liquors 20 years ago and changed the name to Liquor City in 2010.
"We then moved away from the mall development to Nelson Street where we opened Liquor City. Koos was always willing to assist all the time, with a friendly smile, and the customers loved him.
"There is a tin box on the counter at Liquor City, for anyone wanting to add a few rands to make his fishing days more enjoyable. He was a friendly, hard-working colleague. "Andrews remained a constant presence, always ready to meet new owners and staff members.
His dedication has earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues, customers, and the community.
Staff will miss Andrews
The staff will miss his sense of humour, as will the customers. The father of three grown children never missed a day at work, despite suffering from arthritis. His colleagues said he was always happy to help ensure that work goes smoothly.
"It's been an honour for me to work with Andrews for the past 21 years," said Elaine Ruiters, a colleague. "He was hardworking and dedicated to what he did.
"The customers will undoubtedly miss him too, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he's touched over the years."
Family man
According to his wife, Prithenella Hurter, Andrews loves fishing in his spare time. Throughout his long service, he has always been proud of his work.
"He is a very nice family man, smiling and very quiet. When he's not out fishing, he's at home with us. Although he is already 62 years old, the main reason for him to retire was because of health complications."
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