Vetnews | Augustus 2024 28 « BACK TO CONTENTS Dr Fritz Zollner: 1949 - 2024 Fritz Zollner was born on 21 Sept 1949 in Lydenburg, shortly after his missionary parents arrived in South Africa by boat from Germany. Over the next 19 years this big family, with a total of nine siblings, also lived in Bloemfontein and Swakopmund before returning to Germany in 1968. Fritz, however, returned to South Africa the next year and started his working career as a medical technologist in Bloemfontein. He earned two international diplomas in Chemical and Clinical Pathology, but his love for all creatures, great and small eventually got the better of him and 10 years later he started to pursue his real calling when he went to Onderstepoort and qualified as a Veterinary Surgeon in 1986. Fritz spent the first 18 years of his veterinary career in Bloemfontein at the VETOVS Animal clinic mainly working with horses, cattle, small animals and assisting at the zoo. He also completed numerous locum tenens in mixed and horse practices in the UK, Germany and Austria until the early 1990s. In April 2004 he moved to the Cape where he worked in Somerset West at Country Animal Clinic and Altena Animal Clinic in Strand, before he moved to Malmesbury in April 2006. For the next 12 years, he worked at the Malmesbury Animal Hospital and since April 2018 he has been part of the Groenkloof Animal Clinic, until his sad departure at age 75 on 13 May 2024. Fritz was a member of the SAEVA (equine) group of SAVA. Lize Venter, a private vet in Swellendam remembers: “I was a 16-year-old girl when I first met Dr Fritz Zollner, tending to a sick horse at the yard where I was riding. His enthusiasm for his work and willingness to explain to a young girl what he was doing immediately made a lasting impression on me. 18 years later, qualified as a veterinarian myself, we met again in Gordon’s Bay. I sensed the same enthusiastic spark for life and the love for people even stronger.Dr Fritz, without knowing it, became one of my favourite veterinary mentors. When I was at my wits end with a case, I could call on him to give me (often very creative) advice. But it was more than advice that he gave, he gave his precious time and made you feel important while giving it. Over Christmas and Easter, he would send messages reminding me of what really mattered. We shared the same passion for our Creator and His creation. Dr Fritz, I salute you. Your place in our veterinary community will be empty now, but may we continue with your legacy by helping and cheering each other on as you have done.” NJ Heyns, owner of Groenkloof Animal Clinic: “It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of our beloved veterinarian, Dr Fritz Zollner, who has been an integral part of the Groenkloof family for the past six years. Fritz was more than just a vet; he was a cherished friend to both pets and their owners, known for his unwavering dedication and compassionate care. Dr Fritz was well-known and deeply respected in the horse community, where his expertise and gentle touch made a significant impact. He had a special fondness for treating exotic animals, including birds and small primates, bringing his unique skills and enthusiasm to every case. His love for these special creatures was evident in the meticulous care he provided. One of the many endearing qualities of Dr Fritz was his infectious joy and positive energy. He was always ready with a little dance to celebrate even the smallest victories, bringing smiles to everyone around him. His coffee was legendary among us – the strongest known to mankind, a testament to his vibrant personality and zest for life. Dr Fritz was deeply loved by the entire Groenkloof team. He arrived at work each day with a smile, always asking everyone how they were, and genuinely caring about their well-being. His presence brightened our days and his absence will be profoundly felt. We will forever remember Dr Fritz not only for his professional excellence but for the warmth and kindness he brought into our lives.” Sewellyn Davey, state vet in Malmesbury for many years remembered with fondness the story of Fritz’s raptor patient who demonstrated its successful recovery and rehabilitation by almost swiping an unsuspecting Chihuahua that walked into the practice with its owner. It was with great agility that Fritz prevented a looming tragedy and rescued the little doggy just in time to become lunch. Annelie Cloete, state vet at Elsenburg: It was a privilege for me to work with Fritz for the past 6 years as a facility veterinarian for multiple security service providers using dogs for safeguarding. We spent many hours on the phone working out how to feasibly implement the legal requirements of the 2016 amendment of the Performing Animal Protection Act for his many clients. Fritz was absolutely amazing in fulfilling this essential role and he walked the extra mile many times over, visiting facilities across the province. I never met Fritz in person, but that did not prevent him from sharing his wit and joy abundantly. Rest in peace, Fritz. You will be greatly missed, but your legacy of love and care will live on in the hearts of all who knew you. Fritz leaves behind his wife and best friend of the past 18 years, Carina, his children Alexandra and Nicolas, several siblings and his Mother, aged 105, in Germany. v Annelie Cloete BY THE VETERINARY HISTORY SOCIETY Gertruida Hermanna Gerdes (‘Truuske’) 1939 - 2022 Truuske, as she was universally known, was born in Cape Town to Jan Frederik Gerdes and Henderika Everdina Cato Mulder, both immigrants from the Netherlands. Her father was a radio technician and he also established a general dealer shop in Wynberg, Cape Town. She had a younger brother Willem Adriaan Gerdes. Schooling was at Plumstead Primary and Wynberg Girls High. Truuske started her studies at the University of Cape Town followed by
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