With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Adrian “Johann” Oosthuizen, a beloved father, husband, and friend whose extraordinary journey touched countless lives across continents.
Born in the quiet town of Calitzdorp, South Africa, Johann’s early years were marked by a love of sport and close family bonds. The oldest of four siblings, he grew up amidst the rugged beauty of the South African countryside, where cricket and rugby fostered a lifelong appreciation for sports and competition. His academic pursuits led him to Pretoria, where he completed his education and laid the foundation for a remarkable professional life.
In 1961, Johann married Antoinette. Together, in South Africa, they raised four children—Mark, Adele, Dione, and Lael—nurturing a home filled with encouragement. His professional talents blossomed at NCR, a company based in Dayton, Ohio, where Johann quickly established himself as a rising star. His dedication and vision propelled him through the ranks, expanding his leadership to NCR Canada where, as president, he turned around a fledgling operation and propelled the company to new heights. Johann’s influence and responsibilities grew as he took on various executive roles at NCR’s corporate headquarters, eventually bringing his family to Dayton Ohio. Always leading with passion, vision and conviction, Johann inspired those around him.
After a distinguished corporate career, Johann’s entrepreneurial spirit found new expression in the field of data management and archiving where he left his mark. He retired for the last time in 1998.
In 1999, Johann married Donna Cangelosi, and together they lovingly raised Brandon Arner as his son.
A lifelong sportsman, Johann’s dedication and skill shone brightest on the tennis court and the golf course. His passion for competition was matched only by his sportsmanship, often earning him the title of club champion at the many golf clubs to which he belonged.
Johann will be remembered for his dry sense of humor, his zest for life, his staunch loyalty to the Ohio State “Buckeyes” and his unwavering commitment to those he loved. His legacy lives on in the stories and memories shared by family, friends, and colleagues around the world. As we celebrate his life, we find comfort in knowing that his spirit endures “just now” through those he touched.
He is survived by his beloved wife Donna, his children, Mark, Adele, Dione, Lael, and Brandon; his 3 son-in- laws; 7 grandchildren, Cole, Gabrielle, Griffin, Grant, Toni, Christian and Chase; his great grandson, Brock; and his loving family in South Africa including his two younger brothers, Piet and Jani, his loving niece, Melissa, and nephews, Ilan, Kern and their children. His indelible memory will forever live in our hearts.
A private service with the date to be announced will be held to honor Johann’s life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, Donna asks that donations be made in Johann’s name to “buildOn”, an organization that builds schools in 3rd world countries in Africa. https://www.buildon.org/?form=donate Johann’s legacy will fund building three K-12 schools bearing his name in Malawi – demonstrating his passionate love for his beloved continent of Africa.
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