Bradley Jones, Retreat
Arthur Geduld Jones was known by many names in the heart of Retreat Main Road – Boeta Attie, Mr Martinus, Ou Salie, Mr Jones. However, to his family, my grandfather was simply Detta, and he sadly died on Thursday May 9.
Born on June 9 1929, he sold groceries from his early teen years and developed a love for fruit and veg. He started selling by horse and cart in the Plumstead and Constantia areas. He’d tell the stories of how he had been kicked by a horse and even dragged by one. He even bragged about how they would sleep in the vineyards of Constantia and Wynberg to start picking the grapes before the sun came up.
It was in Plumstead that he met Kathleen Sasman, who would later become his wife. They raised four sons and four daughters and settled in Cafda Village in the late 1950s where my grandfather stayed until his death on May 9. At the time of his death, he had lost three of his children and three grandchildren. He survived stomach cancer nearly 25 years ago, and he even survived Covid-19.
In the late 1980s, together with his cousin, GG Jones, who was also well-known in the Retreat/Steenberg area for having a fleet of taxis, he started Jones Fruiterers in the Ling’s Building between 3rd and 4th Avenue in Retreat Main Road.
He later became the sole owner of the business, which he managed with pride and dignity. People were his driving force, and he lived for his customers, ready and willing to serve at all times.
He’d leave for the Epping Market very early in the morning to always get the freshest fruit and veg directly from the farmers, and by 8am he was ready to open. He was well respected among the buyers and farmers at Epping Market.
He officially closed his shop on October 31 2021 although he had slowed things down several months earlier. But the shop remained a hub where his friends would gather for good old-fashioned chats. He’d always be cooking up something on his little gas stove, whether it be fish or eggs.
On November 11 2021, his right leg was amputated due to poor blood circulation, and in early 2023, he underwent another operation after cancer cells were detected in his bladder. In the last few weeks, his condition deteriorated quite rapidly and he lost his battle with cancer one month before his 95th birthday.
The messages of condolences and support from ward councillors and current and previous business owners from Retreat have been overwhelming. The Steenberg/Retreat Facebook page has been abuzz with community members sharing stories of him. The family appreciates these kind words and memories of what a kind-hearted person he was. He will be sorely missed. Rest in perfect peace, Mr Jones.
The funeral will be at the Uniting Reformed Church, on the corner of 6th Avenue and Boundary Road, Retreat, on Saturday May 18. Viewing from 8.30am, service at 9am, then to Klip Road cemetery.
