IN MEMORIAM | ROLF LOSKEN
A distinguished member of Intercoiffure Mondial and a pillar of our professional community.
It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Rolf Losken, a distinguished member of Intercoiffure Mondial, a respected leader in our profession, and a dear friend whose legacy will remain deeply rooted in the international hairdressing community.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Rolf dedicated his life to the art and advancement of hairdressing. His exceptional passion, professional excellence and unwavering commitment earned him numerous awards and honours throughout his distinguished career. Beyond his achievements, his influence was reflected in the many lives he touched and the opportunities he helped create for others.
Rolf was the backbone of Education For Life South Africa, standing steadfastly behind this movement from its inception 12 years ago. His belief in education, skills development and the transformative power of opportunity was instrumental in shaping the initiative and advancing its mission. His contribution to our community and our global projects will remain an enduring part of his legacy.
Just three weeks ago, I had the profound privilege of presenting Rolf with the Circle of Special Honours — the highest distinction, awarded in recognition of exceptional commitment and performance.
This honour recognises the changemakers within our community whose dedication and contribution are vital to our mission and global projects. Rolf embodied these values. He was not simply a supporter of the movement; he was one of its pillars, a man whose commitment helped sustain its purpose and strengthen its impact.
The many accolades displayed in his room and office stood as a testament to a lifetime of achievement and to his deep and abiding connection with Intercoiffure Mondial. To have recognised his extraordinary contribution in person, just weeks before his passing, is a privilege I will always treasure.
Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with his beloved wife, Marijke, his two sons and his daughter, who were lovingly by his side during his final moments. May they find comfort in the knowledge that Rolf’s life was one of purpose, generosity and lasting influence.
We honour a man whose contribution extended far beyond his professional achievements. We celebrate a legacy of commitment, leadership and service — and a friend whose impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Rest in peace, dear Rolf. Your legacy lives on in Intercoiffure Mondial, in Education For Life, and in the countless lives you helped shape.
You will be remembered with profound respect, gratitude and affection.
Intercoiffure South Africa
Thank you for a great tribute to an amazing soul.
My friend Rolf had a huge impact on my life and he always encouraged me to do more than what I thought was possible. He was always the power behind the throne and I fondly remember his Sunday night phone calls to follow up on what was happening at Intercoiffure Gauteng. He was completely committed to Intercoiffure and Education for Life. For many years I knew that he was not available on Friday mornings because he would be at Valkenberg Hospital cutting the patients hair to cheer them up. This is a good example of the kind of person he was.
The two times that Rolf invited me to climb ‘his’ Table Mountain with him was a wonderful experience and will remain in my memory bank forever.
Deepest condolences to his beautiful wife Marijke, daughter, two sons and many friends and colleagues.
Rolf Losken you have left a legacy of making a huge difference in many lives and encouraging others to reach their full potential.
We will all miss you.
Maria Ambrose Gough
Having worked with Rolf for many years was a honor. His commitment to the industry was unsurpassed and he will be sorely missed both in South Africa and Internationally. RIP rolf.
Chris Scott
RIP, dear Rolphie.
You were a true role model to me and so many others in our industry. Your kindness, compassion, and unwavering sense of fairness touched countless lives.
You were the heartbeat of Intercoiffure South Africa, and your legacy will live on in all of us.
You will never be forgotten.
Johan Nortje
Mr Rolf was a real legend and he unselfishly shared all he knew. It was a privilege to have known and worked with him. He was so passionate of our profession and now our Industry has lost a legend. My sincerest condolences to Mrs Losken and his children. Rest in peace now Sir, it was an honor to have known you.
Theresa Gouws
It is with profound shock and deep sadness that we share the painful news of the passing of Rolf Losken - a truly exceptional human being, an outstanding personality, and a companion deeply cherished by us all.
Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Rolf and working alongside him experienced a person of extraordinary kindness, warmth, and reliability. His unwavering optimism, his drive, and his special gift for always looking forward with confidence defined everything he did. We will never forget his characteristic response whenever a challenge arose: "We'll make a plan." This phrase embodied his zest for life, his determination, and his unique ability to inspire others and bring people along with him.
For his outstanding social engagement and lifelong commitment, Rolf Losken received numerous prestigious honours. Among them were the HOPE Award for his tireless humanitarian dedication, as well as the rare Black Pin from Education for Life - distinctions that bear witness to his extraordinary life's work and his deep compassion for his fellow human beings.
Throughout his career, Rolf was also honoured with every distinction of the Intercoiffure Mondial Chevalerie in recognition of his tremendous contribution to our organisation: from the rank of Knight to that of Commander, as well as Personality of the Year and the Life- Achievement Award, culminating in the highest distinction of all, the Grand Cross, which was presented to him in 2023 in his home country of South Africa.
Rolf leaves behind an immense void - not only professionally and socially, but above all on a deeply personal and human level. He was a man of true character - honest, sincere, warm- hearted, and profoundly good. His loss weighs heavily on us all. Over the years, he became far more to us than a valued colleague and companion: he was an extraordinary, loyal friend with a heart of gold, someone we could count on in every situation in life.
Rolf Losken left his footprints behind - footprints of courage, humanity, and affection that will endure and that we will honour forever.
Our deepest condolences and heartfelt thoughts are with his beloved wife, Marijke, and his daughter, Lisa, as well as with the entire family during these incredibly difficult times.
We mourn his passing in silence and with deep gratitude for the time we were privileged to share with him.
Rest in peace, dear Rolf. You will be missed more than words can say.
Education for Life Mondial
The Hairnews team was saddened to hear of the passing of Rolf Losken.
The hair industry is built on people, meaningful connections and shared passions, and Rolf’s passing reminds us of the lasting impact individuals can have on the community around them.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Rolf’s family, friends, colleagues and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. May the memories they shared bring comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Rolf. Our thoughts are with all those mourning your loss.
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