Lakefield general practioner Dr Willem Andries “Dries” Botha lost the battle against Covid-19 on January 22.
Botha went into private practice with Dr John Field 30 years ago and together they grew the practice very successfully, first opening consulting rooms in Bedford Avenue and later moving to the current practice in Shongweni Street, Lakefield.
According to Field and other colleagues, Dr Dries was born in Rustenburg on September 22, 1961.
He attended Hugenote High School in Springs and qualified in medicine at the University of Pretoria.
The well-loved GP enjoyed the outdoors, taking part in golf, fishing and hunting excursions, although never actually firing a rifle. Instead, Botha always opted to be the camp chef, as he had a passion for cooking.
As attested to in the many comments posted on the City Times Facebook page since the news of his death, Botha was always cheerful and smiling.
“He was a charismatic person with an indescribable presence, a dear friend and beloved colleague, doctor, husband, father and grandfather,” Field said.
“Dries was an ‘old school’ doctor who will be greatly missed in the community.”
Colleagues took the opportunity to reiterate to the community that it is of the greatest importance to be diligent with protection against Covid-19, the enemy we cannot see.
The family was to hold a private memorial in his honour.
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