Rudi joined the Caxton Magazine stable in 2004 and quickly established himself not only as a highly talented art director but also as someone who brought humour, fun and warmth into our lives. His creative talents were recognised at the annual Caxton Magazine Excellence Awards where he was a regular winner. Both as a colleague and friend Rudi will be sadly missed by all of us in the Caxton family and our thoughts are with his family at this time.
Anton Botes, general manager
A man with a sweetie stash
Working with Rudi was like being caught in a tornado – he threw out numerous creative ideas, produced fantastic designs and quickly sorted out the post-project chaos. Rudi was always kind, always playful and generous (his sweetie stash eased many a difficult deadline). His deep love for his family and caring nature for everyone around him will be missed. Personally, I will never forget Rudi’s kindness and generous nature.
Angela Richardson, Seed Creative
Flamboyant and outspoken
Rudi was by far the most flamboyant, loud and outspoken person I have ever met. He had an uncanny knack of being able to insult you, speak his mind, get his point across and get his own way, in a way that made you laugh and enjoy it.
I always admired his energy and ability to churn out creative ideas at a breakneck speed. Although he may have muttered a lot under his breath, he accommodated our changing minds with good humour. Ultimately the work he put out was always to the best of his ability and he helped us to secure a lot of business.
He was always passionate and involved and had a devious sense of humour and fun, and that’s why we loved him and how we will remember him.
Our advertising sales division will be hugely poorer without him, in every way.
Debbie McIntyre, advertising director
Loud, bold, out and proud
Loud, bold, out and proud – Rudi made an impact on you the moment you met him. Whether he threw work he had skilfully created with a joking comment like, “Here you go Satan,” or hearing you say you have a headache and telling the rest of the office that he thinks the poison is working, Rudi had an ability to throw in the sharpest comment and lighten any mood. He was immensely talented, creative and a valuable part of the Caxton creative studio. I will miss his sharp wit, his massive energy and his incredible creativity. He has left a huge void in the studio that I’m not sure we’ll ever get over. He will always be fondly remembered and missed. RIP Rudi.
Clive Vanderwagen, creative strategy director
Like no other
Rudi was like no other – full of fun and light and always brought laughter into the office. Caxton magazines will not be the same without him.
This creative, talented, young man was one of a kind. He was always joking and full of fun, making us laugh all the time. The last laugh we all had in our office with Rudi was when we were jokingly planning his wedding. We were shooting our wedding guide that day and the office was full of gorgeous bridal gowns. Everyone was choosing their favourite gown, and I told him that I was going to be his flower girl at his wedding. Of course, we were all just kidding around, but that silly day will stay with me forever. It was just a week ago… such a happy memory. Who knew I wouldn’t see him again.
Every new day is a chance to change your life… if you are not happy, you’re the only one who can make changes. You never know when your last day will come, so live each day as if it is your last.
Until we see you again Rudi, you will so be missed. Our Caxton family will just not be the same without you. To his family, we send our sincere condolences. Our thoughts are with you.
Andrea Caknis, editor People magazine
A deep sense of loss
The Cape Town office sends their condolences to Rudi’s family, friends and colleagues. The passing of Rudi has left us stunned and with a deep sense of loss. Our office has worked with Rudi from the time he joined Caxton Magazines and our memories and affection will stay with us as we remember Rudi for his charm, wit, humour, creative talent and affection.
He always had a smile, always willing to help us with a client’s request. Our Rudi, our one of a kind – we’ll miss you dearly.
Rest peacefully friend.
Caxton Magazines sales division, Cape Town
So much sadness
I met Rudi Höll in early 2000 and something. The department I was in was undergoing changes and Rudi was found as a replacement designer for the outgoing one.
Our friendship only developed later on, after about a year or so of working side by side on certain campaigns. With the march of time one year became several, and thus, with his departure there is much sadness, a little anger, and I cannot recall all the moments that it takes to build up a friendship.
I shall miss him, his presence at work oftentimes lightened the immense pressure, and joking about the countless client reverts associated with advertising made many days all the more bearable, most certainly when facing deadlines.
My dear Rudi, next round is on me.
Satori Heyne, art director, Caxton Creative Studio
Charm, wit and humour
Our memories and affection for Rudi will stay with us forever. We remember Rudi for his charm, wit, humour and creative talent. He was always ready with a smile, always willing to help with a creative concept and creative solution. Rudi’s premature death has left us in shock and in deep sorrow. We mourn his passing and wish him peace. We extend our condolences to Rudi’s family, friends and colleagues. We’re thinking of you during this time.
Caxton, Cape Town office
You helped us laugh at ourselves
The other day I picked up the phone to bounce off ideas for work, I started to dial the numbers and felt excited about the giggle we were going to have, I even prepared myself for having to force you to drop everything for me! After dialling the third digit I realised you wouldn’t be there. How sad that is… the constant and most reliable person I know, always willing to help, always willing to listen and always looking at the funny side of life, is gone.
Rudi, you have managed to make us all laugh at ourselves, accept our little problems, shrug our shoulders and just carry on. I miss you.
Daniela Nothnagel, Media Sales
Rest in peace, Rudi
Your cheerful phone calls and your edgy creative will be missed in Cape Town. Rest in peace Rudi.
Ingrid Maneveld, advertising sales
