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Obituary - Peter Wranz

Peter Anthony Bernhard Wranz was born in Johannesburg on 28 December 1938 to Austrian immigrant parents. He matriculated at Christian Brothers' College in Boksburg in 1955. Peter studied at three South African universities, obtaining his MB BCh at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1962, his MMed (O&G) at the University of Pretoria in 1976, and his MMed (Anat Path) at Stellenbosch University in 1985.

In 1976 he became a fellow of the South African College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, receiving the South African Gold Medal for the latter examination. In 1981 he attained membership of the International Academy of Cytology, and in 1991 a fellowship of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Peter specialised in obstetrics and gynaecology after working as a general practitioner in Pretoria, and thereafter devoted his career to academic medicine. Following his specialisation in anatomical pathology, he excelled and became Professor and Head of the Department of Anatomical Pathology at Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, a position he held from September 1995 to February 2000. During his tenure, he contributed significantly to the development of cytopathology and the correlation of cytological findings with histological diagnoses, a relatively new concept at that time. He was highly regarded and much loved as a lecturer, receiving the Rector's Award for Outstanding Teaching in 1994. Undergraduate and postgraduate students never missed an opportunity to attend his teaching sessions - even if they were held at 07h00 in the morning.

He was a mentor to senior staff, and his door was always open to those seeking advice on how to manage recalcitrant colleagues and challenging students. His opinion was always invaluable, as he was wise, kind, and, while unfailingly fair, always knew how to find a diplomatic way to deal with a problem. Just being in his presence somehow induced a sense of calm and wellbeing.

After retiring as Head of Department in 2000, Peter took up a part-time sessional appointment in the Department of Anatomical Pathology, devoting his efforts to the teaching and training of registrars.

Peter faced many health challenges courageously and did not allow them to dampen his enthusiasm for life. Shortly before his death, he was diagnosed with a large aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. Since open surgery was regarded as too risky, he decided on a non-invasive procedure. Technically, inserting an aortic stent went well, but Peter developed multiorgan failure. On 18 December 2021, he passed away peacefully in the presence of his family. As usual, he faced this great challenge with dignity and courage.

Peter was a real gentleman and a sincere, even-tempered, softly spoken, friendly, modest and loyal person of integrity. He valued friends and colleagues and enjoyed close contact with students as head of the Private Students' Organisation at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University. A devoted family man, he dearly loved, supported and encouraged his children and grandchildren in their endeavours and set an example of how to live a meaningful life of compassion. Accompanied by his wife Elsefie and their children, he continued visiting his family and friends in Austria and Germany following his retirement.

To the very end, Peter was a fanatical Formula 1 enthusiast; he was a Lewis Hamilton fan. He supported Western Province Rugby and admired the All Blacks' professionalism. Music played an important role in his life, from Austrian Bauernmusik to light jazz and pop. However, classical music such as Beethoven's Emperor and Triple concertos, the great violin concertos, Mozart's compositions, and Elisabeth Schwarzkopf singing Strauss's 'Vier letzte Lieder' provided many hours of listening pleasure.

We extend our condolences to his family: his wife Elsefie (Naudé), three children (Liesel, Heidi and Anton), and three grandchildren (Nicole, 21, Luca, 14, and Mea, 10).

Hein Odendaal, Bert Schaetzing

Emeritus Professors, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa nachtuil@mweb.co.za

Colleen Wright

Associate Pathologist, Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa; Extraordinary Professor, Division of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Honorary Professor, Division of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Johann Schneider

Professor and Head, Division of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and National Health Laboratory Service, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa