‘He’ll be missed dearly’ – patient about the late Dr Paul

The medical field has lost a giant after Dr Paul van Zyl passed away last month due to severe cardiac arrest.

Dr Paul was an accomplished man, intelligent, educated and skilled but other traits that stood out even more were his kindness and dedication. Paul was born in Krugersdorp on May 29, 1946. He had a very difficult upbringing as his father passed away when he was just four years old. This meant that his mother had to take care of him as well as his two older brothers all on her own and also had to work two jobs. It was this type of upbringing that led to Paul developing a strong work ethic and as he got older, it enabled him to achieve many accolades not just in sports, but in academics.

According to his life partner, Denice Keyter, Paul was a bright student and excelled academically. In 1967 he graduated from Stellenbosch University with a distinction in Bachelor of Forestry Science. In the same year after graduating, was he offered a professional contract to play rugby for Western Province, however, he declined the opportunity in favour of a scholarship to Yale University in the United States of America. There he gained a Master’s Degree in Forestry Science in 1969.

When he came back to South Africa in 1970, he served as what many may know as a Parabat in the Parachute Battalion of the then-South African Army for two years. He would then pursue the medical field in 1972 and obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) degree from Wits University in 1977 where he found his true passion.
Paul would work at Krugersdorp Hospital (now Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital) for 15 years where he was loved and adored by many patients, fellow nurses, and doctors.

He was very popular and everyone had something good to say about him,” said Denice.

She said Paul was also praised for going the extra mile for his patients and making them feel at ease.

“He was good at building trust,” she added.

Paul would eventually have his own private general practice office in Krugersdorp. Two of his patients and former colleagues are heartbroken by the sad news of his passing.

Jeff Sack who knew Paul for 15 years is sad to hear of his passing. “He was like a brother to me, I say that with the heaviest heart, he will be dearly missed.”

I’m still trying to grasp that Paul is no longer here. I’m in disbelief,” said Yolandi Smuts, a patient of Paul for 10 years.

Phillip Kleynhans, another patient of five years added, “He will be missed dearly.”

Paul had three children, two sons (Paul Jr and Brandt) and a daughter (Liani van Zyl).

Paul Jr who is the oldest is a civil engineer is saddened by the death of his father and said he is grateful for his father instilling a strong work ethic in him.

Paul will be laid to rest in June. He passed away on April 12 at the age of 71.