02 Jun Peter Roy Martin Heinrich

18 August 1949 – 21 June 2021

Peter Heinrich was born 18 August 1949 in Johannesburg, the second son to a German
father and a Polish mother. He finished his schooling at Pretoria Boys High and did nine
months military service in Bloemfontein. He then studied Optometry at the Witwatersrand
Technicon qualifying in 1971. He worked at practices in Sasolburg, Benoni and in
Johannesburg as well as doing part-time lecturing and supervising at the Technicon of
Witwatersrand.

In September 1973 he opened his first practice in Lyttelton, Centurion, the first practice
South of Pretoria! He built a very successful business and in 2000 Lesley Vink went into
partnership with him. He was dedicated to his profession and helped on the SAOA board
several times over the years.

Peter was not just a businessman / optometrist. He enjoyed clay pigeon shooting, achieving
Northern Transvaal colours.

He was also a bird watcher, lover of classical music and ballet.
Peter was an avid reader giving him an incredible general knowledge. You could have a
conversation with him about any topic, and he always would bring you a book the next day
on the subject.

Peter had a great sense of humour, often very dry, but never lost his professionality. Always
a gentleman and soft spoken he would do anything for his fellow man. He always called a
spade a spade in a very diplomatic way. Peter was a caring person and did a lot of charity
work in all spheres not just optometry.

Peter was well loved by his staff who remained in his employ often for 10 to 20 years. He
was a fair boss, and his death will leave an empty space in all their hearts.
He was a dedicated family man and is survived by his devoted wife Margie, his 3 daughters
and 6 grandchildren.

He survived non-Hodgkin’s lymphatic cancer 3 times but unfortunately, he succumbed to
COVID-19.

Peter always believed when you die, you live on. I hope that is true!