Jennifer and family, I'm so sorry for your sudden loss. Gideon was obviously an interesting, talented, and generous man who will be missed. I hope you treasure memories of all the wonderful times spent together.
Love,
Barb Viskochil
In Loving Memory
Gideon Jozua Malherbe
1955•2026
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Obituary
Gideon Jozua Malherbe, 71, devoted husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, en route home from a fishing trip in Alaska. A self-proclaimed pragmatist, Gideon loved life, people, and solving complex puzzles. He enjoyed skiing, fishing, golf, and art. He was a life-long learner, with an inquisitive and endlessly curious mind.
He was born June 19, 1955 in Kuruman, South Africa and earned degrees in Philosophy and Psychology from the University of Cape Town and an MBA from the University of Witwatersrand.
In the 1990s, he co-founded Virtual Consulting International (VCI), a global consulting firm specializing in Organization Strategy and Design. Known as a true visionary, Gideon spent nearly four decades orchestrating some of the largest global transformation projects in the mining and energy industries, the results of which have become enduring models worldwide. He led over 300 speaking engagements with Vistage CEO and executive peer groups. Gideon built meaningful and lasting client relationships. He was a global citizen who collaborated to build a network of colleagues with unique expertise, all of whom have remained close throughout the decades and across the continents.
Gideon is survived by his wife, Jennifer Hunt Malherbe, and his five children: Jozua (Rolanda) Malherbe, Vanessa (Chris) Kriek, Daniel (Liezel) Malherbe, Olivia Hansen Malherbe, and Gideon Francois Malherbe; as well as six grandchildren, siblings Neill and Ina, sister-in-law Sabrina Malherbe, and many nieces and nephews. Gideon and Jennifer recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.
Gideon is preceded in death by his parents, Gideon Jozua Malherbe and Yvonne Myrtle DeVilliers, and his beloved brother, Jacques Francois Malherbe.
Services will be held Wednesday, August 19, 2026 as follows: Visitation 12:30-2:00 at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E South Temple, SLC, UT; Lord’s Prayer Graveside 2:30 at Salt Lake City Cemetery; and Celebration of Life 4:00-6:00 at Town Club, SLC, UT.
Tributes
Just two weeks ago a client of mine channeled some of his Gideon's wisdom from several years ago. Gideon's impact ranged far and wide and I will miss him. While we never found the right engagement to work together on, he was a friend and I respected his extremely unique perspective. I have little doubt that wherever he is now, Gideon is already finding nuance that those before him have overlooked. Safe travels, Gideon.
One measure of a life is how many people can site specific ways they were changed by that person. Gideon shared his brilliance with my Vistage Group members on several occasions over many years, most recently in 2025. His ability to understand and explain complex relationships was unique and had lasting impact. Sincere condolences.
My prayers and thoughts are with the extended Malherbe family.
Gideon inspired me and so many of my Vistage members with his presentations. I am truly greatful for spending time with him.
He will be missed.
Brain the size of a car park and heart the size of a continent. A lovely and generous man. I am honoured to have known you and work with you.
Big love from The Jacksons
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