Dr Gerald “Gerry” Rosendorff, a distinguished general practitioner from Stellenbosch, died at the age of 94 on Thursday 13 June.
Born in Bloemfontein on 8 August 1929, he was the only child of Hermann and Clara Rosendorff. His early education culminated in matriculation at age 16 from St Andrews School in Bloemfontein, where he later earned an honorary life membership.
Rosendorff’s academic journey continued at Rhodes University, where he earned a BSc degree by age 19. He then moved to the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he was active in sports, playing for the first-league squash team.
In 1954, he graduated with an MB ChB degree and married Bernice Friedman, a fellow student. The couple moved to Stellenbosch after Rosendorff completed his medical internship at Somerset Hospital, Cape Town.
In Stellenbosch he established a private practice that he maintained throughout his career, operating out of a historic house in Dorp Street. He also ran a branch surgery in Pniël, bravely navigating the challenging Helshoogte Pass to reach his patients under any conditions. His dedication was recognised when he retired, with the Pniël community honouring him for his unwavering service.
Beyond his medical practice, Rosendorff was deeply involved in community service. He served on the Stellenbosch Hospital Committee, including a term as chairman, and dedicated over 30 years to supporting the local Jewish community in various roles such as honorary secretary, treasurer, vice-chairman, and shamas. His contributions extended to delivering talks at the synagogue and engaging with groups like the Stellenbosch Heemkring and museum tours.
His commitment to community service was further evidenced by his active membership in the Stellenbosch Masonic Lodge for more than 50 years, where he served as master multiple times. The Stellenbosch community recognised his lifelong dedication with an honorary award from the Mayor in 2013.
Additionally, the Stellenbosch/Van der Stel Bowling Club, where he was a member for more than three decades, granted him honorary life membership.
Rosendorff’s enjoyed nearly 62 years of marriage to Bernice, who died in August 2016. He is survived by their three sons, Steven, Martin and Graham, who have carried on his legacy in education and medicine, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren.
His family, spread across the globe, continues to honour his memory and contributions. “A true mensch in our time, Gerry will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all those whose lives he touched,” his son Steven said.
