OBITUARY

Yvonne Pyne-James 13 April 1934 - 10 April 2017

It was with great sadness that the office bearers and administrative staff of the Association, and the surgical community in general, heard of the sudden death of Yvonne Pyne-James.

Yvonne served the Association of Surgeons of South Africa (ASSA) and the surgeons of South Africa faithfully and reliably for more than 15 years. During that period, she organised more than 25 surgical congresses with great professionalism and expertise.

The interests and education of surgeons throughout the country were enhanced by her efforts. She carried out this role in a quiet, selfless manner, always promoting the interests of ASSA and surgery in South Africa. She was on the Secretariat of the ASSA and Surgicom for a lengthy period and was always available to guide and assist surgeons.

Yvonne's outstanding contribution was recognised when she was awarded the Association's Distinguished Service Award at the Association's plenary session in Cape Town at the 2011 ASSA Congress. This award is bestowed on individuals in the surgical fraternity who have provided exceptional service to surgical patients and to the community over a long period with particular emphasis on the aspect of selfless contribution. She is the only non-surgeon to have been bestowed this award.

Yvonne is survived by her partner Peter Ferrett, her sons Gareth and Bryn, and their respective spouses Susan and Corinne, five grandchildren, one great-grandchild and her longstanding business partner, Amanda.

She will be remembered and sadly missed by the South African Surgical Community.

Dr Paul Cooke