A kind gentle giant with a heart of gold. This is how Shaughn Adams will be remembered by his friends, family and clients.
Adams was a hair stylist, make-up artist and choreographer who owned HAIR by SHAUGHN, an Observatory-based salon he opened more than 27 years ago.
The 62-year-old died of a heart-attack on Tuesday 3 June.
Adams also had a passion for dancing and went to the UCT Ballet school.
He competed in many competitions both nationally and internationally.
After returning from living in Spain for 10 years he opened his beloved salon in 1998 which he poured his soul into turning it into a well-loved facility in the suburb today.
His passion led him to connecting with some of South Africa’s top personalities including former Miss SA Jo-Anne Strauss among others. He also made an appearance on the lifestyle entertainment show Expresso Show.
Bridgette Schrickker, said her brother was the eldest of six siblings. She still has fond memories of how her brother designed her wedding dress years ago.
“He was living in Johannesburg at the time and when he heard that Iwas getting married he asked my mom to fly me down and then he designed my wedding gown. He beaded it by himself.”
She explains that the salon will remain open to clients.
Schrickker expressed her gratitude to clients and friends for the “outpour of love”.
“The support from everyone has been amazing. We as a family appreciate it. May God bless them all.”
Friend and former dance partner Telishia Daniels-Barber said she lost a “dear friend”.
“We met and studied together at UCT Ballet school in 1980. Shaughn was a lovely guy, always fun. He was a loyal friend. After ballet school we danced together in Napac Dance School from 1983 to 1985.
“He then went to Spain for a few years and returned in 1995.”
Long-time friend Patric Solomons said he met Adams over 30 years ago.
“He was a skilled, creative, and professional hair stylist and businessperson. He opened his salon HAIR by SHAUGHN, and for more than 30 years washed, coloured, treated, cut and styled people’s hair. Like myself, the community of observatory, and those who used his services, are shocked.”
Solomons describes his passing as a loss to the community.
“We can’t believe it. We spoke to him and saw him over the last few days and he was his usual sparkling self. Many residents have been calling since I released the news of his sudden passing on my social pages. Shaughn will be dearly missed.”
Friends and clients held a sidewalk gathering for Adams on Thursday 5 June outside the salon and placed flowers and messages in his memory.
Adams will be laid to rest during a private ceremony.
