ZA members: Death of Wim "Mr Valve" Bouwman

[Steerpike]

I have just heard that Wim Bouwman - the man behind Mr Valve - was shot dead in the driveway of his home last night.
What a sad day, for everyone who knew him, and all vintage audio enthusiasts who bought valves (tubes) and other components from him, and his family.

I can hardly think of anything to say or write.

(Horrific as this kind of thing might seem to international readers, it's nothing unusual or rare in South Africa these days).

[Jozua]

Steerpike

Thanks for your posting.

It is also very sad news for the ZA audio hobby industry as the specialist audio suppliers simply shrinking in South Africa.

Overseas DIY audio guys do not realise how easy they have it when it comes to finding parts.

Jozua

[analog_sa]

This is really sad. I will certainly miss him greatly. And his amusing, not entirely PC newsletter.

Another hint that time is running out for the rest of us.

[analog_sa]

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_i...2252557C741202

[AKSA]

This is very sad, my heart goes out to his family.

I am shocked to hear this sort of crime is now a commonplace in SA. I complain about the rule of law in my country, but I guess when public safety is threatened we should be grateful.

Hugh

[Nordic]

I am still busy assemblimg somthing I got parts from him for, a month or so ago.

It will be a while before I can work on it again, my heart gets too heavy looking at them now.

Such a wonderfull personality and so helpfull... Once he even sent valves to me through his daughter who lives in the same town as me, to save me on paying for shipping as I am a pensioner.

It is going to leave a big void...