IN MEMORIAM

Piet Nel

Dr Piet Nel passed away on 6 January 2012. He was the ultimate general practitioner.

Over the approximately 40 years in which he practised in his home town of Worcester he became well known for his expertise in clinical patient care.

His main attribute transcended clinical involvement and could be found in a real concern for the well-being of his fellow men. He truly cared for patient and family and was involved in many welfare projects toward the upliftment of the community in which he was working. In this he was ably assisted by his wife Mareta.

When asked to become involved in part-time teaching of medical students at UCT's Faculty of Medicine he enthusiastically accepted the challenge. Our students were exposed to a superb experience of Family Medicine in the rural setting of Worcester and surrounds. This endeavour expanded and ultimately resulted in Piet accepting a full-time post as lecturer in Family Medicine in the then Department of Community Medicine - a post which he filled with distinction until his retirement.

After retirement he settled at Onrus River and remained active in community and church affairs until he became incapacitated due to parkinsonism.

Our sympathy is extended to Mareta and their children - they have lost a husband and father and we have lost a fine colleague and friend.

We salute the memory of Piet Nel - the gentle Christian and quintessential general practitioner.

He will be missed.

George Watermeyer
Steyn van Riet