Dr Rajesh Maharaj writes:
"True healing transcends the body; it touches the heart and spirit."
It is with profound sorrow, yet deep gratitude, that I write this tribute to Dr Evert van der Horst, who passed away recently. Throughout the years, Van der Horst embodied the rare blend of efficiency and effectiveness with the rare quality of empathy with sensitivity in his medical practice, coupled with a humility and collegial spirit that touched all who had the privilege to know him.
Though my background lies in post-school education, now retired, he always referred to me as his colleague - a testament to his respectful and inclusive nature.
Yet he was an accomplished academic with numerous scholarly articles and many honorary seats as a lecturer and district surgeon amongst others.
Herein did his true humility stand out: In our conversations and discussions, not once did he use any of the aforementioned to impress; he merely expressed his views by his own cognizance and clearly got his points across.
Van der Horst was not just a medical professional; he was a holistic and accomplished practitioner with a unique ability to integrate both allopathic and complementary medical approaches.
Since 2009, my wife and I have had the rare privilege of being treated and guided by a doctor who embraced the synthesis of conventional medicine with traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, who administered these with reverent expertise to those in need.
Our first visit remains etched in my memory. Explaining to him my ongoing pain near the lower left side of the stomach close to the spleen, I was struck not by a clinical diagnosis, but by his intuitive compassion. Without explicitly naming it, he acknowledged the hidden grief we carried from the tragic loss of our beloved son, Sai Smaran, in 2008.
I had believed I was handling this loss stoically, anchored by spiritual beliefs about life and death. But Van der Horst gently illuminated a profound truth - that while the mind may be resilient, the body holds memories and trauma that unfold over time. That moment, simple yet profoundly empathetic, revealed to me the extraordinary soul behind the white coat.
His empathy, humility and collegial spirit made him not only our trusted physician, but also a fellow spiritual pilgrim. Our many conversations with him delved beyond medicine into the deeper mysteries of life, grief and healing. Van der Horst's dedication continued unwaveringly, right up until the final week before his passing, as he was serving humanity with a heart full of grace.
To his wife and family, we offer our sincerest condolences and deepest gratitude. He is sorely and fondly missed. Yet as fellow spiritual seekers, we take comfort knowing he has moved on to a better place. His life's work and compassionate service will forever be a blessing, held in esteem by our All Merciful God.
Rest in peace, Dr Van der Horst. Stay blessed and know your legacy lives on in all whom you touched.
