Unitas professor described as a leader in his field
“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.”
A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 for family and close friends only for Professor Cobus van Marle, who passed away on Saturday due to Covid.
He was described as a pioneer of the endovascular aortic aneurysm repair in SA, and was known as a strong, yet caring man – a leader in his field, loved by his patients for whom he cared deeply.
Van Marle, who would have turned 68 on Monday, passed away due to Covid-related complications over the weekend.
“He was admitted to hospital with Covid-19 on July 25,” said his son, Paul.
“My father was a strong man, with a strong personality. He was a leader in his field and cared about his patients.
“He was part of the furniture at Unitas hospital where he had worked for many years. His nickname was ‘Mufasa’.”
Paul said his father had always been happy among his cattle at his farm in Dullstroom.
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“But family was most important to him. He loved us dearly and family gatherings were important to him.
“He was also a believer and loved the Lord,” Paul said.
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 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.”
He added that the late expert was a man of integrity who stood by his convictions and never faltered.
“He was a dedicated family man who would do anything for his family and patients. He was truly a ‘Mufasa’ and I will miss his wise words, advice and campfire stories on our hunting trips.”
Cobus leaves behind his wife, Haia, and other children, Nine, Anneke and Jaco.
“We’re all married, and he also had seven grandchildren.”
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