Dr. Imre Loefler, a renowned surgeon and newspaper columnist, passed away on Sunday at his home in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, after battling with cancer for the last few years.

Dr. Loefler, who had a chequered career as a surgeon spanning over four decades, was an influential voice of surgery in Africa for many years and retired from Nairobi Hospital three years ago. Loefler had been a consultant surgeon at the hospital since 1975.

Apart from practicing medicine, Loefler was an accomplished author, a dedicated conservationist and a university lecturer. As a newspaper columnist, he was never shy to take controversial positions.

Until recently Dr. Loefler was chairman of the East African Wildlife Society and in 2005 he was declared the winner of Peter Jenkins Award for Conservation and Journalism in East Africa.

Just a few weeks ago he helped us (bushdrums) by establishing the contact with the new chairman of EAWLS. Obviously no physical weakness would hold him back from supporting any activity for the protection of wildlife.

May he rest in well deserved peace.

The founders of Bushdrums

Dear Imre's friends and family,

Imre Loefler J.P passed on yesterday at 12.30 Nairobi time. It was a peaceful transition.

Since you were his friends, colleagues and family members, he would have loved to let you know.

With warmest regards,

Jacqueline