Table View doctor succumbs to Covid-19
The Table View community is mourning the death of a popular GP who had been practising in the area for more than 20 years.
Dr Pierre Rossouw, 58, died of Covid-19 at Mediclinic Milnerton on Thursday January 28.
Dr Avron Heyman, one of his colleagues at Medicross Table View, where Dr Rossouw practised, said he would be sorely missed by staff and patients.
“On Thursday January 28, the Table View community was devastated to wake to the tragic news about the passing of one of its dearest doctors. Another victim of Covid-19.
“Dr Rossouw had been practising in the Table View area for over 20 years and he was one of the most respected and popular GPs in the area, with a large loyal following of patients who had entrusted their care and the care of their families in his most capable hands.
“He will be most sorely missed by all the staff and doctors of Table View Medicross who have noticed his absence most acutely these past few weeks,” he said.
Angela Gray, from the Milnerton Aquatic Club, said Dr Rossouw was an ex-member of the club who had served as a board member for a long time.
“It is sadly noted that Dr Pierre Rossouw passed away recently. Many will remember him from his days at Milnerton High School and for some, he was your general practitioner at Medicross Table View. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time,” she said.
Local swimming club, Blouberg Marlins wrote on Facebook: “It's with a heavy heart that we have to say farewell to a great member of our Blouberg Marlins family. He was an outstanding doctor, father and husband with a sense of humour that will be greatly missed. The Rossouw family will stay in our prayers during this tough time.”
Table View resident Laura Bester said Dr Rossouw had been her family’s doctor for 22 years.
“He always brought a smile to his patients’ faces. Always had a spring in his step and genuinely cared for his patients. This is why the community is so hurt by this. He will be missed by all of us. I was lucky to have met him and got the chance to interact with him,” she said.
Other residents also paid their respects on social media by posting some of their fond memories, highlighting his “gentle touch and sense of humour”.
Xoliswa Hewu wrote: “It is so sad and painful to hear of Dr Pierre Rossouw's passing. Our family doctor of more than 20 years. He had ubuntu in its true sense. A doctor who knew by name every single family member from our parents to our domestic worker. Medicross will never be the same without you. RIP Dr Rossouw!!”
Candice Arbuckle said: “Dear Pierre, you were my family GP for over 22 years. You saved my mom’s, my gran’s and my grandfather's life. My heart is very sore hearing this news. Your shoes will be very hard to fill. You were a hero. I will miss you.”
Dr Heyman added that Dr Rossouw’s booming laugh and his presence in the corridors would be missed.
“Pierre, I just wanted to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you for your example and your inspiration. It has been an honour to know you.
“I feel blessed to have had my office a few doors away from yours. I was able to observe the interaction you had with your patients. You taught me that family medicine is relationship medicine.
“I marvelled in the personal interactions that you had with your patients. I feel privileged to have had you as a mentor. I am the doctor that I am today because of you. I imagine that you will be teeing up on those heavenly courses, with an angel as your caddy enjoying a well-deserved rest,” he said.
Tabletalk was unable to make contact with Dr Rossouw’s family by the time this story was published.