Heartfelt condolences as renowned Pretoria surgeon dies

The death of pioneering Pretoria vascular surgeon Professor Cobus van Marle has left many bereft and saddened as condolences poured in.

Netcare Unitas hospital confirmed the renowned surgeon died on Saturday around 12:25.

The cause of his death has not been made known.

Managing director of Netcare’s hospital division Jacques du Plessis, commenting on the passing of Van Marle, said: “As a close-knit community we are deeply saddened by the loss of our valued colleague.

“Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones to whom we offer our unconditional support at this very difficult time.”

Du Plessis asked for “privacy and understanding” for the family and loved ones as well as the colleagues of Van Marle during this difficult time.

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“We will issue an obituary in the next few days,” said Du Plessis.

Meanwhile, tributes and condolences for Van Marle poured in on social media, with some saying they were thankful to have worked alongside him.

Dr Dirk le Roux, friend, student and president of the Vascular Society of Southern Africa, said it was with “great sadness to announce the passing of one of the giants in the South African vascular surgical fraternity”.

“One cannot in a few words pay tribute or even try to list all of his accomplishments.”

He said Van Marle was born on 6 September 1953, and finished his secondary schooling at Grey College in Bloemfontein in1971.

“He attended the medical school of the University of Pretoria from 1973 to 1978 after which he ran a successful general practice in the Northern Cape for three years. He then gained his MMed in surgery, cum laude, also at the University of Pretoria in 1987.

“He was professor and head of the vascular unit until 2010, and maintained a close relationship with the university while training students, registrars and vascular fellows.”

Le Roux said Van Marle was elected as the 7th president of the Vascular Society in 2001, and has been an active member of the society.

“I had the privilege of training under Prof Van Marle as his vascular fellow in 2003 and 2004. He was a pioneer of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair in this country.

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“During his tenure as head of the vascular unit he trained five South African fellows and one international fellow, all of whom passed their fellowship exams the first time around, a feat that has not yet been achieved by any other unit in the country,” said Le Roux, adding that the late expert was a man of integrity who stood by his convictions and never faltered.

“A dedicated family man who would do anything for his family and patients. He was truly a ‘Mufasa’ and I will miss your wise words, advice and campfire stories on our hunting trips.

“You leave a huge void in all our lives my friend, my mentor and professor. You will be missed as a family man, friend, farmer, top vascular surgeon and mentor by everyone who loved you and respected you.”

Delia Lombard Breytenbach wrote her condolences on Facebook: “How does one say goodbye? A life without Cobus van Merle is unimaginable…It was an honour and a privilege my prof…Rest in peace…”A cedar has fallen”…Until we meet again.”

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