It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of our fellow community member, Jaco de Jongh. Many of you knew him for his deep knowledge, his willingness to help anyone who asked, and his calm, thoughtful presence in our discussions. He was a truly skilled electrician and solar installer, and his contributions here and elsewhere in the community were invaluable.
I also knew Jaco personally. We met in an unusual way years ago, when he had a bad fall from a ladder on a work site. For reasons I still don’t know, he called me from the hospital even though we barely knew each other at the time. That call marked the start of a friendship that grew steadily over the years. Although we lived in different cities, we spoke often, and I always admired his dedication to his craft and his desire to do things properly.
In recent years, life grew heavier for him. He struggled with his mental health. He had to give up smoking and alcohol, and at the same time his business was under pressure. As many of us know, trying to provide for one’s family while dealing with internal battles can be overwhelming. Sadly, the weight of it all became too much, and Jaco passed away earlier this week.
This is a devastating loss. For those who knew him, whether personally or through this forum, please take a moment to remember the kindness, expertise, and generosity he brought into the world. If you are struggling yourself, please reach out to someone you trust or to a mental-health professional. No one should have to carry such burdens alone.
I had a sit down with him and his wife G about 2 months ago, trying to remind him of what a brilliant human he is and this is only but a temporary struggle and test.
I am very sad, I feel like I lost a family member.
Jaco was one of the good ones, always going the extra mile, often at great personal cost. My thoughts are with his family. As @plonkster says, check in on your friends, and reach out early if you need it.
I was in disbelief when I heard the news, as I knew Jaco for many years.
Since the initial solar install he did for me in 2020, right before lockdown, we did a lot of other projects together, and he also assisted my daughter with her initial install and later upgrades.
His knowledge on solar, electrical and also reptiles will be missed. We always chatted about his great love for nature, and especially arachnids, which he used to keep.
What a loss, Jaco and his wife did all my solar installations, Jaco was a great help when we first wanted an installation, A few days ago, I wanted an upgrade and without hesitation went back to them, it was commissioned last week and again, perfect.
I have never had a second’s issue with the installation. Jaco always was a great person to deal with, helpful, knowledgeable and sincere.
I am deeply saddened by what happened.
Rest in peace, Jaco, and he will, however, those he left behind has my thoughts now. Can’t imagine the loss and grief. Be strong Glodina and the children. Keep the business going.
This is very sad news I also did not know Jaco personally, but noticed his informative posts, comments and installs and enjoyed looking through his showcase.
Aside from a small PV panel installation I also didn’t know Jaco. But credit must be given to him for wanting to provide unbiased support for the RE industry. For those who don’t know how this forum was initiated it was because a previous platform that he was involved in turned out to be fickle: They were steering discussions to promote their own products.
Jaco started this forum to provide accurate (honest) information about this complex topic. I’m extremely grateful to him for this. Thanks Jaco!
It was quite a shock, when I opened Energy Talk this morning. I met Jaco before Covid when he did my pv install and helped set up my EasySolar and then then dealt with him on and off over the years.
Good bye friend, may your soul rest in peace eternally.
It was a massive shock when I received the message from his wife the other night.
I didn’t know Jaco well, only saw him 3 or 4 times over the years, the last time when he installed a heat pump for me earlier this year, but we talked quite often and when we talked, we just clicked.
A few years ago, even before this forum existed, I called out on another forum to borrow a MK3 USB cable from a kind soul to program the Multi which came with my new caravan.
Jaco responded and by chance he was busy with a solar installation just a block from my house, next thing I knew he was in front of the gate and before I could say much, he had his laptop out and plugged in to my Multi. Programming the Multi took 5 minutes, but we spent at least a hour talking.
Earlier this year when I saw him for the last time, we also sat talking for quite a while, he told me about his challenges, but things were looking up and after years he saw light again.
Though I only knew Jaco through a number of helpful telephone calls, his impact was immediate. When I needed help, he was always ready to share his exceptional knowledge and valuable experience - he truly excelled at what he did. Rest in peace, Jaco. My deepest condolences to his wife, children, and the entire family. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Shew that is quite a shock. He reached out to me to help with my install when I did it myself especially the setting , was so helpful. I didn’t even have to ask. RIP
Ah this is so terribly sad to hear, I had quite a few dealings with Jaco over the years, he was exceptionally good at what he did and always keen to offer advise and assistance, he’ll be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
Very sad news. We chatted on and off about many things and I still struggle to believe he is not with us anymore. A real gentleman with a huge heart! Thoughts with Glodina and his family. Very sad news!!
This news hit me hard this morning and is very sad.
I also had the pleasure of having Jaco at my home twice and during those 2 occasions I quickly realized what a jewel of a man he was. This is a huge loss to all that knew him.
I even went as far to add him to a list of contact persons should my family be in need of honest advice and assistance in the event that I draw the short straw untimely.
Thank you so much for kindness and willingness to assist all and sunder in need. Your absence is a tremendous loss!
I am in a similar boat to @Deon_in_ZA . He installed my system in March 2020 - just before the lockdown. I had done a couple of quotes by then and had a somewhat unique requirement: I wanted somebody who could confirm that I could integrate a PV system with my Home Automation system.
Jaco was the only guy who even understood what I was talking about
He did my system and I was impressed with this contractor who was present, fussy about details and knowledgable - and flexible. I asked for one or two changes and it just wasn’t a problem. I subsequently recommended him to no fewer than 6 colleagues, all who got their systems installed by him over the years.
After the initial install he did an upgrade for me later on, as well as an AirCon installation. During these in-person visits we spoke plenty of times (I would book leave so that I could spend time with Jaco, because I knew I couldn’t keep working). The Home Automation thing bit him a bit too and we would exchange long voice notes during covid, share tips etc. And as such, I got to know him as a honerable and good guy, who cared about his family, his customers and his business.
WE always said we would spend more time together, but he was a busy man! Feels like a missed opportunity now
My deepest condolences to his wife, children, and the entire family. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
