Follow this tribute and get updates
User avatar
Barry Farkas
15 years ago

Ivan Toms was that rarity among modern men; he was a champion within and beyond the Cape Town bureaucratic institution that nominally employed him. When i came from the United States to propose offering a course on bedside clinical diagnosis to Clinical Nurse Practitioners in the Unicity, it was Ivan who enthusiastically granted the necessary permission. Again when i proposed a novel method by which to reduce HIV/AIDS, Ivan unhesitatingly offered access to the employees of the Unicity. He embraced these challenges as opportunities to be seized and savored, passionately, progressively, and powerfully unafraid. His death is a shock; his life an inspiration. Pax vobiscum, Ivan.

User avatar
John Richardson
15 years ago

Ivan, you were brave enough to make you voice heard when it counted most - for that I salute you. As an old schoolfriend I will remember you.

User avatar
April 30.2008
15 years ago

My first South African assignement was as S.M.O. in Surgery at Kimberley Hospital in 1976-78. Iven, Hennie Spannenberg, Fracis Roussow were my Interns. Very nice bunch of young professinal men. When our son Jan was born in Kimerley they brought a bottle of Champaine to the delivery room so we could celebrate. This summer Jan, resident in emergency Medicine in London, Ontario, Canada will be doing rotation at Tygerberg Hospital and I was hoping he would bring Ivan a bottle of Canadian ice wine. Sadly it will not happen.

User avatar
Desmond Benn
15 years ago

I knew Ivan very briefly when we were both conscripted at the same time and started basic training in Pretoria in January 1978. I think he was the only one of us there with any real integrity and I admired massively the stand he took, but did not have the courage to share it with him. Respect, Ivan!

User avatar
Anonymous
15 years ago

I interviewed Ivan Toms as part of my research on the End Conscription Campaign. I admired Toms a great deal and he spoke eloquently about his role in challenging apartheid. The transcripts of the interviews I did with him can be read at the Gay and Lesbian Archives (GALA) at Wits University. His death is a great loss for the people of Cape Town and I am very sorry about it.

User avatar
Anonymous
15 years ago

Our friendship was all too brief. But you made an everlasting impression.

User avatar
Anonymous
15 years ago

It all came as a shock to me as he supported our events as the students of CPUT 2006 events management. he was our guest speaker for the foundation event we had at Tygerburg hospital. durring the event he was the perfect guest peaker we could have asked for. may your soul rest in peace, your kindness and the ever smiling will always be with us. Shirley Buso

User avatar
Anonymous
15 years ago

Dearest Ivan, Thanks for having being the wonderful person and friend that you were. Thanks for being there for me, always, for us, our people and thanks for the determination to laugh through all your and our shit. Our world is a better place because you were around. Hamba Kahle my friend, brother and comrade

User avatar
Anonymous
15 years ago

Chatted to Ivan over the phone from Durban at the start of the Easter weekend to talk about life, love and everything else under the sun. Still can't believe he's not just a phone-call away. An incredible man of humility, compassion and integrity, who touched the lives of so many of us for so many years. Rest in Peace, Tiger. You'll be deeply missed. Donald

User avatar
Anonymous
15 years ago

My lasting memory of Ivan will be the fact that he was the only person I know of who had genuine intentions about ensuring that the impoverished and marginalised people of the city receives only the best health care. Health care services needs Ivan! There is a saying in Maori:'while we mourn the loss, Matua nui i te rangi (our Heavenly Father) and others are rejoicing to meet you behind the veil'. May you find eternal piece and may those who dwelled with you here, ensure that your legacies continue. Nigel du Preez

User avatar
Anonymous
15 years ago

I saw him roughly two weeks before his death, He still complained about the poor service he always got at Macdonalds in Mowbray, South Africa. He was a true son of Africa.... A firm fighter for freedom, justice and a secure place for all South Africans. He will be missed,,,

User avatar
Anonymous
15 years ago

Ivan Toms served his people with love and respect. he can surely face God with a smile... Thank you

User avatar
Anonymous
15 years ago

I will always remember Ivan running on the beach with his dogs. Go Well

User avatar
Anonymous
15 years ago

I remember Ivan's huge smile with affection. His face was an inspiration. I also remember him describing God as 'My joy'. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

User avatar
Anonymous
15 years ago

Ivan was an inspiration to so many of us in the 1980s. Over and above his commitment and work ethic soared this humble personality with a wicked sense of humour. Even though we lost touch, he leaves a huge gap.

User avatar
Anonymous
16 years ago

You were a hero of the revolution Ivan. You will be missed and mourned by many people. I salute you. Hamba kahle qabane.

User avatar
Anonymous
16 years ago

Ivan, your courage - the courage of your convictions - in the dark days of the 1980s was an inspiration to many, many people. To those of us in the ECC, and to many others who you touched in so many ways, you were a hero, an inspiration. One of the individuals who could truly make a difference, as an individual. Hamba kahle.

User avatar
Anonymous
16 years ago

Will miss your friendly, hospitable personality. You were always so interesting, bright and full of ideas. A real star. We had some fun times and you made me feel so welcome when I arrived in Cape Town in 1990. Thanks. Last time we saw each other, we were both looking out for the whales visiting our shores. You were full of laughter and in such good spirits. Farewell till we meet again. Love, Siobhan

User avatar
Emily Miller
16 years ago

After hearing about the death of Ivan Toms, I looked up things that people wrote online. One thing that really touched me was the following, taken from the President's website: "Toms is a remarkable individual who has always had the courage of his convictions. He could easily have lived a life of privilege and comfort but opted instead to reflect on the realities of the country and to take a bold stand against the injustices he witnessed." That sums up how I also feel about the man. He took a risk and did many goods. Rest in peace.

User avatar
George Noonan
16 years ago

This was a man who said unpopular (but magnificently bold and important) things about South Africa, both as a land formerly under apartheid and, in later years, engulfed by the horrors of HIV/AIDS. The fact that he took such bold approaches leaves his mark as admirable and long-lasting public figure. His death must surely be a saddening shock to his community. This is the kind of man that the medical profession always needs ...earnest, courageous and thoughtful. I send my deepest condolences to his friends, family and community.

User avatar
Sierra Masilo
16 years ago

The passing of Ivan Toms is a great loss to the people of the city, the province and the country.

×
We use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. We do this to improve browsing experience and to show (non-) personalized ads. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
Statistics
Marketing
Accept Deny Manage Save
Privacy Policy