Jacques was the third generation in charge of this family business founded by his grandfather, the late Barnie Human in 1950 as Human & Kie, which later on became Human Auto Motors Bloemfontein and grew to Human Auto, the Ford bastion in the Free State and Northern Cape, with dealerships in Bloemfontein, Welkom, Kimberley and Ficksburg.

In recent years, other brands like Chery and Foton were also added to the group’s portfolio.

Says Pine: “Under Jacques’ leadership Human Auto won the Dealer Group of the Year title at the Ford Dealer of the Year awards for four consecutive years as well as numerous other awards. Jacques had a unique leadership style, making sure that he got the strongest possible management team.

“He chose to spend most of his time on his farm with his family and was a leading figure in Saddlebred horse circles where he was at his happiest,” Pine says.

Jacques created the Be Human Middelwater Plaas with a conference and wedding facility and get-together venue, for the public, with concerts, flee markets and other social events being held there. It is also a place where his dealers and staff could engage with customers.

• Be Human Middelwater Plaas will also be his last resting place with a ceremony celebrating his life on Sunday, 16 February at 11:00.