“We bid farewell to a remarkable clinician with amazing surgical skills. As a colleague, I will miss the interaction, and also as patient who allowed me the privilege to treat him … he will always be remembered.”

These were the words of Dr Azim Ayob, following the news of the death of Soutpansberg legend Dok Lappies Labuschagne. Dok Lappies passed away at the age of 71 during the evening of Saturday, 20 February, while attending a medical conference at Kopanong Conference Centre in Johannesburg. He was supposed to attend a seminar, but when he failed to turn up at class on Sunday morning, colleagues went to his room to check up on him. When they arrived at his room, they found that he had passed away during the night.

Hugely influential, sometimes controversial and eccentric but definitively respected, admired and loved was the man Dok Lappies. “Humble and brave, he walked where angels feared to tread, a man of many facets, many talents and a reservoir of knowledge,” said daughter Annette Kennealy.

Dok Lappies will be remembered as a highly successful, intuitive and practical doctor who extended his care selflessly and showed huge compassion to every patient who ever turned to him for help. “He saved hundreds of lives, often putting his own career on the line to do so. A medical practitioner who earned respect from the specialists who could never fault his diagnoses; so much so that several specialists made the effort to drive to Louis Trichardt and come and meet the doctor who never made an error in diagnosis,” said Annette.

Dok Lappies was one of the founder members and a director of the Zoutpansberg Private Hospital. But his talents spread much wider and further than medicine. He founded the local archery club and initiated the world bow-hunting championships here in Louis Trichardt. He also founded the clay pigeon club in Louis Trichardt. In addition, he was also a game farmer, coffee grower, conservationist, fisherman, big game hunter, motorbike enthusiast, geologist and an antiques collector.

Many will remember Dok Lappies as someone who never turned anyone away who came to him for help, whether it was for advice, financial aid, sympathy or charity. “… a true philanthropist. There were very few topics that he had not read about and he could talk confidently about any subject. He could talk to professors, historians, mathematicians, mechanics, technicians or cleaners without prejudice and made everyone feel equally special and comfortable. He even made the effort to learn to speak TshiVenda at the age of 44 and mastered it fluently,” said Annette.

Dok Lappies’s passing has left an enormous void in the lives of his beloved family, his patients and his dear friends. “This is truly an end of an era that will be remembered in legendary fashion. Vha tshimbile zwa vhudi Mukalaha (go well old man),” said Annette.

The late Dok Lappies is survived by his wife Kim, daughters Annette and Kim (with son-in-law Freddy Harris), Shane, grandchildren Meghan, Astrid, Elardus and Karla. A memorial service to celebrate the life and times of Dok Lappies will be held on 1 March at 11:00 in the Dutch Reformed Church Louis Trichardt (Haantjiekerk).

“As family we were overwhelmed by the condolences and messages of support and love we received from the community. We would like to thank you all for everything you mean to us and meant to our husband, father and grandfather,” said Annette. In the meantime, residents are welcome to go and make an entry in the book of remembrance at the Zoutpansberg Private Hospital. “All are welcome to come and express their condolences and memories of Dok Lappies,” invited Anneke Stroebel of the hospital. The book will be kept at reception from 25 February until 2 March.