JOHN J. KEPES, MD, FRSM:THE LOSS OF A COLLEAGUE, MENTOR AND FRIEND

摘要

The passing of Dr. John Janos Kepes affects us all. This kindly, gentle man touched many lives. His death epitomizes the dwindling generation of classic neuropathologists. His early life in turbulent 20th century Eastern Europe presented enormous trials, all of which formed him. Ever mindful of his blessings in trying times, the many challenges left him a grateful, contented and giving man who late in life stated, "Who am I to deserve this (referring to his survival) and then to have such happiness, both professionally and personally."John Kepes was born in Budapest, Hungary on March 31st, 1928, a time of general anxiety between the wars. The son of Pal Kepes, an otorhinolaryngologist in that city, he was part of a small Jewish family, made even smaller by the untimely influenza death of his mother when he was but 4 years of age. He had only one sibling, an older sister, but numerous relatives, many of whom would succumbed in the Holocaust. Ever affected by political history, his early student years were interrupted by the outbreak of World War II when he was age 11. Although Hungary was an Axis power, it was occupied in early 1944 by German forces.