Celebration of Gerhard Engelbrecht

LEGEND

When wandering down to Canggu beach, and you would see the silhouette of a strong man with barefeet, playfully disheveled blonde hair, a scraggly beard, magic eyes, a warm smile, a camera set up in front of him, and a Bintang in one hand, you knew it was a LEGEND…it was our Gerhard, GDAWG.  On magic Bali sunsets I believe his silhouette will still be there…because his heart and soul have become a part of this place.

Gerhard passed away tragically from a motorcycle accident in the early hours of Friday Feb 12 here in Canggu.  We lost a huge heart of our community here, and the absence of his gentle soul is going to leave a huge hole in the spirit of this village for a long time, both to the foreigners and locals who knew and loved him.  Gerhard touched the lives of so many through living his passion as a photographer and creating his art.  He was an open friend and giving mentor to so many.  His work took him into the intimate crevices of so many people’s lives and he captured precious moments for so many of us with an unfaltering generosity.  Whether it be epic surf waves or intimate family gatherings, Gerhard was always there with his camera, his huge overflowing heart, and his goofy smile and laughter, and open arms ready for hugs.  

Gerhard always spread joy wherever he went, and his facebook page is overflowing with stories of people from around the world who felt this.  

“I know Gerhard has touched so many lives so deeply whether it was a day in passing or years of friendship. He never had anything bad to say about anyone, even when he himself was hurting. He is an inspiration of how to show friends, strangers and community kindness and love. He was always there.”

“One of those amazing souls you meet and feel instantly at home, welcomed and loved in ones such presence. Had some awesome surfs with you and evenings at Canggu watching the sun go down talking story made it all that much more special.” 

“Gerhard who always had time for all people around him and always positive vibe and would go out his way to help others. You were also very sharing in your knowledge in mentoring me in the early days of my photography and I will never forget that Bru!”

“The world lost a great man, Gerhard Engelbrecht you were one of the kindest men I've ever met. You always wore a smile and brightened those around you. You always had a kind word and spoke about nothing but love. “

Even when Gerhard was struggling inside and his heart was hurting and feeling dark, he always had a twinkle in his eye and a playful smile to share outwardly…contagious like tickles.  Gerhard had a lighthearted way about him, and so many of the pictures being shared reflect this childlike nature that was part of his true heart.  Sometimes conversations were light about surf, photography, and Bali life or travelling.  When he was in synch with spirit and one with the flow, through his conversations he also shared the wisdom he knew about the true meaning of life, which touched and inspired many.  He showed us a glimpse deep into his heart and he knew the secrets  to how to live life in the moment, to its fullest, and not take things too seriously.  

We lost a LEGEND with the passing of Gerhard.  I know he would want us to celebrate his life and take some inspiration away from how fully and how peacefully he lived his.  We started this GoFund me to raise money to have a proper ceremony to send off Gerhard’s spirit to the other side and support his family with other expenses they will incur travelling from South Africa to Bali (travel, accomodations, medical expeneses) and throw him a proper Bon Voyage party.  Let’s show Gerhard and his family the same generosity he showed us his entire life. 

In love and gratitude, friends of Gerhard