Garnet Kruger sadly passed away on 23rd October 2011. Garnet was from SA and started his VW obsession around 1954 when the family took on a VW dearlership at Magill. Garnet will be greatly missed by the VW community and his presence will be a loss to all he knew and loved him. Our thoughts are will his family and his Son Jon. Garnet was 78 years old and still engine building up to a year ago. He was a very amazing man with a huge passion for his VW's. P.s Rachel O'Connor
That is very sad news.I have many fond memories from the late 60's and early 70's hanging around the Workshop Saturday afternoons watching Garnet,Alwyn,Richard,Keith,Ron Vis and Little Willie building hot cars and motors.One Saturday Garnet asked me if I could pick him up from delivering a customers Beetle-he gave me the keys to the workshop Beetle- a dark blue car with a big motor and Kruger Motors signs each side.It was my first experience in a VW rocket-awesome.It was so good to catch up with him at a couple of the VW Drags after not seeing him for so many years.My thoughts go out to Jon and family.
I remember the Blue Beetle is was very cool, mostly driven by Dave his Father, he often was like the RAA for our family when Alwyn's wife (Aunt Helen) would get a flat tyre when we were all out and about, Dave Kruger would turn up make the repairs and then leave. Rachel O'C.
The picture above is his son Jon's tribute car to a sort of copy of his dad's first Beetle, a car that most people remember and were in awe of in 1964 when Garnet first finished it. Hopefully Jon will be able when he gets a chance to put up some more great photos. There would be many that will blow people away of the things Garnet and his brother Alwyn were doing in Adelaide in the 1960 etc.
sounds like a great man who left some great memories for a lot of people......
This is a copy of an email from Club President advising the members, it's a good tribute, I thought is might give a bit more insight into Garnet.
Good Morning Everyone
I’ve spoken to as many of you as I could this morning, to advise that VEC Life Member Garnet Kruger passed away last night. I think everyone knows what a key role he played in the Volkswagen scene in South Australia and beyond, at professional, hobby and personal levels. Garnet was a big supporter of the Volks Enthusiasts Club of SA and he will be fondly remembered by many members. He’s been battling illness for some time now and we knew that his attendance at those club meetings and events he’s joined us for this year have been an effort. We are all better off for Garnet having been amongst us and I know we all offer the deepest condolences to his son Jon and the entire Kruger family at this time.
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered “come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. Irish funeral prayer
Vale Garnet Kruger
Yours, Tony Thornton
My thoughts to the whole Kruger family. Garnet was always willing to listen, advise and help whenever he could. He was a great asset for the SA VW Community.
T54
C'mon kids gather round,
there's a new sensation hitting town,
It's moving straight, low to the ground,
it'll pick you up when your feeling down.
I first met Garnet 4 1/2 years ago when I walked into my first VEC club meeting here in SA and I am very glad I met him and in turn his son Jon.
Garnet was a lovely man and a great bloke who was always happy to advise and offer his great knowledge of all things air cooled to those who would ask him. His true passion for VW's was apparent and never diminishing, and his spirit and good nature embodied what I believe the VW seen is all about. Good for a yarn, quick with a laugh, amazingly knowledgeable, able and kind enough to help those in need.
He is known and respected by many and will be missed by all, I know for as long as I am into VW's my life will be richer for having known him.
I only wish I could have known him for longer.
To Jon and all of the Kruger family, my heart filled condolences go to you all at this time.
Finn Dunleavy
One of my favorite photos of the man
Aerodynamics are for people who cant build engines - Enzo Ferrari
You buy a Ferrari when you want to be somebody, you buy a Lamborghini when you are somebody - Frank Sinatra
A great loss to the SA Community even the Australian Community - RIP Garnet.
The memories of the cars he built and service he provided is coming out which is great for young members like myself who only have just meet him.
To all the Kruger family I send my deepest regards.
All phaeton Approved
http://automuseum.volkswagen.de/home.html
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phaeton's VW News Blog
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For Aussie Watercoolers
Very sorry to hear of Garnet's passing. A wonderful man who will be sadly missed by many. I think Finn summed up Garnet's nature perfectly.
deepest sympathies to Jon and the Kruger family.
Most people seem normal, till you get to know them.
