Pretoria lung specialist loses battle with Covid-19
A pulmonologist at the Wilgers hospital Dr Justus Kilian (68) lost his battle with Covid- pneumonia a few days after his birthday.
A well-known Pretoria lung specialist at the Life Wilgers hospital has died.
Dr Justus Kilian (68), a pulmonologist, lost his battle with Covid-pneumonia on Sunday a week after he was admitted to hospital.
Speaking to Rekord, Kilian’s wife of 16 years, Nerine, said she received a phone call on Sunday informing her that her husband’s condition was deteriorating.
“I didn’t expect it at all. After he was intubated the doctor called me telling me he was such a strong and healthy man.
“He just suddenly deteriorated on Saturday. I was at his bedside when he passed on.
“It’s still very unreal.”
Kilian, who celebrated his birthday in hospital, turned 68 on July 21, a day the family found hard to celebrate.
Nerine described her husband as a very committed person who always took his work with him wherever he went.
“He was a people’s person. He was extremely committed. I don’t think there is anyone like him,” she said.
“He was always there for his patients. Even on the day he was admitted to hospital, he asked patients who phoned if he could help them.
“When we went on holiday we always had to pick areas that had signal so he could keep in contact with his patients.”
Kilian completed his qualifications at the University of Pretoria and has worked in the medical field for nearly 47 years.
“He loved nature, we both did. Every weekend we were on our little farm in Dinokeng,” said Nerine.
“He loved trees and just being surrounded by nature. That was his life.”
Kilian is survived by his wife, six children, seven grandchildren and another on the way.
“We will always love him and his legacy will continue,” Nerine said.
Some colleagues have paid homage to the late doctor on social media with some describing him as a “legend”.
In a Facbook post, another well-known pulmonologist, Dr Emmanuel Taban, said Kilian was a gentleman and perfectionist in the art of pulmonology.
“Dr Kilian you will be missed by your colleagues and patients at large,” he wrote.
“You left a void that we will struggle to fill.”
*Please note the article has been amended.
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