18/11/2025
In memory of Josh
Being faced with the sudden and brutal loss of a young life, we needed time to reflect on Josh's life and death.
Our connection with Josh started in 2008 when Dylin v H and he asked coach Andrew if they could train with him.
This was the start of Josh's journey into the Strength and Conditioning world and soon becoming a force to be reckoned with in SA powerlifting - the student challenging the teacher, as it should be.
It was also the start of a lasting and special friendship between Josh and Darryn, Andrew's son.
After moving on from his initial forming grounds, the connection became more long distance, but his presence was always felt. He was someone to watch and learn from - the teacher learning from the student, as it should be.
But then to suddenly have this perfect cycle of life destroyed; a young life gone before they had a chance to complete the dance of life - as it should NOT be - it forces one to stop and think about how one is spending one's own very short and vulnerable life here on Earth.
And it is not so much about what one is doing, but how. And here again one can learn from Josh, doing what mattered to him with passion, devotion to excellence, awareness and thoughtfulness.
To Josh's loved ones, we pray that one day you will find peace and comfort in the way your son, brother, husband, father impacted the lives of so many in such a short time. And having spent many hours talking to Josh, besides training, coach Andrew and he would often talk about our Lord Jesus and we believe that Josh has gone on to be with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Thank you Josh for living your life as an example to others. We will remember you. Always.
Andrew, Antoinette and The Bar family.
*the video is of Josh in the early days training with coach Andrew at the Wits Education Campus. The deadlift later became some of his athletes' best lifts in powerlifting.
