Number 69: Harold (“Hackey”) Edelstein was born 12/01/1931 and passed away 8/05/2013.

He became an Obs/Gynae as a direct result of his Mom dying unnecessarily from a gynaecological procedure when he was just 11. He was the only Jew and one of few English speaking students at his Prieska school.

An extremely dedicated “old school” doctor, he always cared for his patients’ psychological in addition to their medical needs. Dinner, weekends and holidays were regularly disturbed by patients requesting advice. He became the ‘unofficial  doctor’ of  the extended family and liaison between us and the medical fraternity.

When we were little, a highlight of the year was taking chocolate box gifts to nursing staff and to see the new-born Christmas day babies.

Hackey was always late! In 2019 a woman approached me as: “you look like your Mom!”, saying she was Dad’s patient all the years and never experienced a doctor as dedicated or where she had to wait as long!

My father was the one to always cry – be it a happy or sad occasion!

He loved art and was a perfectionist. He used to beautifully decorate our birthday cakes that Mom baked – often only completed in time to blow out the candles at the parties.

My parents stayed in touch with Dad’s group of 5 friends from Medical School, and their partners, their whole lives enjoying each other’s company and joys of each other’s family. My father introduced them at our wedding in order of height!  He was very involved in leadership roles of various Jewish Communal Committees and affairs.

He loved the world of science always keen to buy the latest in gadgets. He was also the one to help arrange Medical School Reunions and lectures for Medical Staff at the hospital.

Hackey had many health issues, for over 40 years, but continued life as if they didn’t exist – despite much daily medication, numerous hospitalisations and operations. He was always positive and minimized his personal difficulties. He was courageous, kind, compassionate, an inspiration to others in how he conducted his life. I miss him very much.