While the name Cyril Karabus is for many of us associated with the horrific story of a man unexpectedly arrested and imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates more than a decade ago, Professor Cyril Karabus should not be defined by the bizarre events of 2012. He was, in fact, an “extraordinary and somewhat unique” individual, a man who touched many lives.
His daughter, Sarah, described him in this way while giving a eulogy at his funeral recently, after he passed away at the age of 91. As she said, “To many, he was a respected paediatrician, a brilliant physician, a pioneering oncologist, teacher, mentor, advocate for children. and a man whose intellect touched countless lives, To me, he was simply Dad, or sometimes CDK.”
His impact on others is perhaps best summed up by the comment made by a former colleague, “Another great tree has fallen and the earth is reverberating.”
As a paediatric oncologist passionate about medicine, Karabus was well-recognised in South Africa for his work for all children suffering from cancers and other blood disorders such as haemophilia. The founder of the paediatric oncology unit at Red Cross Children’s Hospital, he was also a key figure in the training of doctors at the University of Cape Town.
Born in Beaufort West to Lithuanian refugee parents, Professor Karabus’s family moved to Cape Town when he was 15, and he attended Wynberg Boys’ High School. Already at that stage, his intellectual brilliance was clear, and he skipped two school grades and started medical school at just 16.
Known both for his great intellect and his humility, Cyril Karabus never tried to talk over anyone or to draw attention to himself. In fact, Sarah recalls, “On his arrival back to Cape Town after his 10-month ordeal in the UAE, he was met at the airport by thousands of well-wishers. He turned to me and asked, ‘What’s all this fuss about?’ He just couldn’t comprehend that people had actually thought he was important enough to celebrate.”
During her eulogy, Sarah recalled with fondness the many life lessons her father instilled in her, attributes we can all benefit from: critical thinking; intellectual curiosity; perseverance.
Sarah commented, “While we will miss him deeply, we take comfort in the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind – not only in his professional achievements, but in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, humanity, unique sense of humour and unwavering dedication.”
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