We received the grave tidings of the passing of Prof. A.G. (Tony) Linegar on 22 January 2026 after a long illness.
Prof. Linegar was President of the College of Cardiothoracic Surgeons and served in the Senate of the CMSA until the onset of his illness in 2021. Prof Linegar was famously known for his inspired teaching ability and organizational skills. He was instrumental in developing the present Cardiothoracic Surgery syllabus and made a major contribution to the strategic vision of our College. He was active in the cardiothoracic community and served for many years as Treasurer of the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgeons of SA and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025.
Prof. Linegar originally completed his medical studies at the University of Stellenbosch and specialized in Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Cape Town (UCT). After obtaining his FC (cardio) SA, he completed a Fellowship in Thoracic Surgery under Prof. Peter Goldstraw at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, UK. Upon his return to South Africa, he started a private practice in the Netcare N1 City Hospital City in Cape Town.
He was actively involved in academia throughout his life. He completed the first PhD in the subspecialty of Thoracic Surgery in SA at the University of the Free State (UFS) in 2008, where he was a full-time as well as visiting lecturer for many years. He was also appointed as an associate professor by the UFS. After his return to Cape Town, he retained his academic relationship with UCT, whilst also maintaining an active private practice, focused on thoracic surgery and intensive care.
Our sincere condolences are extended to his wife Margaret, sons Danial and Christopher, his family, friends, and colleagues.
He will be sadly missed and always remembered.
Francis E Smit
President: College of Cardiothoracic Surgeons
