Andrew Charnaud was a great doyen of the PPE&C industry and extremely well respected by all who knew him.
His passing is a great loss to his wife Fiona, his daughter Nicky, son Robin, their partners and three beautiful grandchildren.
The industry, his colleagues, suppliers and his friends have lost a true icon.
Andrew passed away at age 68, from COVID-19 related complications on 24 January 2021.
He will be sorely missed by all, as his larger-than-life personality and phenomenal sense of humour touched all of those who knew him.
His technical knowledge and his innovative ability were highly respected all over the world, and he always had a wealth of knowledge to share.
Andrew and Fiona began manufacturing Protective wear 01 April 1975 in Durban.
The company expanded rapidly, and in 1985 they set up a training factory in Ezakheni Ladysmith. The following year they moved the industrial workwear and coating plant to Ezakheni from their Pinetown premises.
The business continued to grow from strength to strength and is now recognised as a leading international supplier of high performance PPE&C exporting to over 57 countries around the world, as well as being a prominent local supplier.
Andrew’s passing will leave a beacon of light for all in the community as well as the industry, and this can be seen in the touching and heartfelt messages the family have received from around the world:
Hugh Hoagland
“His company led the area in innovation. Thank you, sir, for the service and the lives you helped protect while you were here.”
Paul Castelli
“This is a deep loss for the industry, family and friends.”
Jeff Morris
“Andrew’s passion and entrepreneurial spirit will be missed. A true leader in the global PPE space.”
Kailash Rathod
“Thanks for your contributions towards safety.”
Hugh Hoagland
“His company led the area in innovation. Thank you, sir, for the service and the lives you helped protect while you were here.”
Paul Castelli
“This is a deep loss for the industry, family and friends.”
Jeff Morris
“Andrew’s passion and entrepreneurial spirit will be missed. A true leader in the global PPE space.”
Kailash Rathod
“Thanks for your contributions towards safety.”
Ajen Maharaj Country Leader: South Africa
DuPont Performance Specialty Products (Pty) Ltd
‘On behalf of DuPont, I wanted to convey our deepest condolences on the news of the passing on ofAndrew! We competed in the market place, and I had the utmost respect for the passion and drive of Andrew. He was an icon in our industry and will be remembered as such.’
Tom Andrews
‘Mr Charnaud was a true gentleman of our industry and his knowledge of PPE was unmatched.
He brought so much knowledge to the safety industry and helped educate so many people to protect their workers.
Mr Charnaud helped make the world a better place, and he has ensured many people return home safe to their families everyday.
AJ Charnaud is a world famous company that you have all built and represents a lifetime of achievement.’
Paul J. Olson – Managing Director East Hemisphere
Red Wing Shoe Company
‘Please accept my condolences on behalf of the Red Wing. Andrew was a man who held great passion for the safety industry and his expertise was unrivaled. He was the consummate professional and made our industry better due to his ethics, innovation, and his steadfast stance on upholding standards in everything he represented. He built AJ Charnaud into a global respected safety company. Our industry has lost a great contributor and a first-class individual!’