MAIN IMAGE: Chas Everitt, Co-founder of Chas Everitt International Property Group.
Over the weekend from Berry Everitt, CEO of Chas Everitt International Property Group shared sad news with friends, “A giant tree has fallen in the forest. My dear Dad has passed away this past Saturday, the 26th of November after falling off a ladder on Sunday, the 13th of November, breaking his femur and hip. He had surgery, and the operation was a success; however, he contracted pneumonia while in the ward and was transferred to ICU as a high-risk patient. He ran a good race and finished strong. You may ask why he was on a ladder? He was on the ladder because he always did what he wanted to do. We will miss him. He taught me well.”
Building from the ground up
Born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1935, Charles came to South Africa after his father retired and decided to follow his dream of farming in Ermelo. It was there that he met Tilla, who was the daughter of the neighbouring farmer. After pursuing a successful career with an international pharmaceutical group, Charles left the corporate world and together with Tilla opened the original Chas Everitt Estates in 1980.
Charles maintained a lively interest in the growth and direction of the company even after his retirement in 1998 and was rightly proud of the doors it has opened and opportunities it has created for hundreds of men and women around the country to achieve success, build solid futures for their families and become leaders in their own communities.
The industry remembers Chas
“I remember Chas as the epitome of a family man, loyal, caring, dedicated, soft-spoken yet steel willed. He always seemed to know exactly what he wanted and how to get there, from being the only English speaker in a very rural, very Afrikaans primary school to meeting the love of his life, Tilla, and marrying her. He established Chas Everitt as a brand leaving it in the capable hands of Berry. He was always supportive of initiatives for the common good. Chas left an indelible footprint on SA real estate.” – Jan le Roux, CE Rebosa.
“I’d like to remember Chas as one of the “Gentlemen” of the real estate industry. Whenever you’d meet with him, you’d be struck by his warm and sincere smile and his willingness to engage and communicate. He was a leader with vision who built up a strong business characterised by strong family values. We wish Tilla, Berry and the Chas Everitt group our sincerest condolences and strength during this sad time.” – Samuel Seeff, Chairman of Seeff Property Group
“The industry is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of pioneer and titan, Mr Chas Everitt, founder of the Chas Everitt International Property Group. Mr Everitt started Chas Everitt over 30 years ago as a family business and under his careful stewardship, it grew to become one of the most recognisable brands in the real estate industry. The NPPC extends our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and loved ones during this difficult time.” – Vuyiswa Ramkogopa, Chairperson NPPC
“When I think of Chas Everitt I think of an honourable, good person. ‘Nothing deters a good man from doing what is honorable’ said Seneca the Younger.” – Denese Zaslansky, CEO Firzt
‘’The South African real estate industry has lost a great pioneer who was widely respected and admired. My enduring memory of Chas will be his warmth, kindness and friendliness. On behalf of the Pam Golding Property Group, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the entire Everitt family at this sad time. ‘’ – Dr Andrew Golding, Chief Executive Pam Golding Properties
“Our sincere condolences to Berry and the whole Everitt family. Charles Everitt made many meaningful contributions to the real estate industry during his lifetime and his legacy will no doubt live on through the brand he founded. He will be sorely missed” – Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
“Mr Chas is one of the people that I met when I joined the property industry and led Narea (National Association of Real Estate Association). He has contributed and shaped me into who I am today. We kept in touch, even after I joined Property Charter as CEO, and he and Berry invited me to some of his strat sessions. I will remember him for his always calm, gentle nature, his smile and his most importantly he was genuine, at least to me. He was a true leader for our industry.” – Portia Tau-Sekati, Property Charter.
