Dr Hans Rabe on excelling without being macho, Porsches, and his love pecking order

A retired urologist, pianist and lover of “books and nice things” writes about a previously undetected spot in his heart, what he learned from dentists’ wives, and an undertaking he can only warn against.

1 When you look back at your childhood, which of your interests pointed to passions that would follow?

I grew up a mangy farm child  suffering  from  amebiasis, for which there was no known cure back then. At age 5 my parents, at their wits’ end, took me to a mission hospital in deepest Zululand.The mission sister made me look at a slide of my stool through a microscope. She pointed out red blood cells containing “goggas” (amebae). This left an indelible impression on little Hans-Heinrich. I was to drink a tea made from wild dagga /lion’s tail (Zulu tshwalabanyoni) leaves. My amebic dysentery stopped, but I remained skinny and small.

Because of this condition I was a homebody, whose prime joy was a ten volume children’s encyclopedia (Afrikaanse Kinderensiklopedie) and sneakily playing my older sister’s piano pieces which upset her no end. Apparently I showed talent, and at age 7 started formal piano lessons with the local dentist’s wife, quickly reeling off Unisa grades as years went, culminating in the Final Grade 8 at sixteen.

By this time my teacher was another dentist’s wife in a neighbouring town 70 miles away. I commuted there by train which lamentably led to a smoking habit that I only recently kicked. I also played the French horn in our church brass ensemble which my father conducted.

2 Which characteristics of your parents remain with you to this day?

My parents were both trained teachers. Papa a gentleman farmer on the side, Mama a sophisticated farmer’s wife, seamstress and garden designer per excellence. Our home was filled with discussions, designs, music making, and singing except when Dad had to mark exam papers or when livestock had gone missing. German was our home language. To be bilingual you spoke German and Zulu! From my father I learned one could excel without being macho. Mom taught me to like books and nice things.

Hans performing chamber music with colleagues.

Also listen to Hans telling Mariette how he aced a piano exam despite debilitating autoimmune arthritis - and enjoy his sense of humour!

3 Are you a family man? If so, tell us about those you love to spend time with.

I have four children, the last three boys, and two grandchildren. No greater joy than being pater familias when everybody, including their partners, assemble at our weekend house at Jakkalsfontein on the West Coast. For the past 25 years I have enjoyed dinner at a nearby pizzeria on Monday evenings with all those that happen to be in Cape Town at the time. This carries on to this day.

Family time at Jakkalsfontein

4 What are the highlights of being a grandfather?

My grandchildren, preteen  girl and boy, have filled a previously undetected spot in my heart which had been vacant, waiting for them.

5 You once mentioned working with your horses. Do say more.

Our farm was one of the last in the district keeping horses. We rode from an early age. My school commute was per horse until grade 7. Presently my wife has an Arabian, and I Carlos, a Friesian, at Jakkalsfontein. Long outrides are (mostly) therapeutic, as we share our deepest thoughts on these rides. My dear wife maintains that Carlos is at the top of my love pecking order.

6 You seem to have a soft spot for (certain) old cars.

From my Dinky Toy days, I have had a fascination with sports cars. After many Porsches through the years, I now “survive” with a 1962 356 and a Morgan Roadster. Both seem to want to run for ever.

7 Which role does painting with water colours play in your life?

Starting in my homebody amebic days, I spent much time drawing and sketching. Later moved into water colours. Nothing spectacular, but on my many travels I always carry my paint, paper and water colors. Family and friends get hand-painted birthday cards.

8 It seems you’re building a new house – please elaborate!

All our kids have left the large old Victorian in the City Bowl. We‘re building a modern lock up and go where the lawn was. An undertaking I can only warn against! Reminds me of my doctor days when a patient took literally all his time and all my energy to get better!

Thumbnail image: Unsplash. Model used

Other photographs: supplied