Neuro-Pharmacologist + Parkinson Desease – Treatment finder, Oleh Hornykiewicz smiles at the camera.
IN MEMORIAM. R.I.P. Oleh Hornykiewicz
26 May 2020, Vienna.
Today Parkinson-Researcher Oleh Hornykiewicz past away in his home at age 93 in Vienna, Austria. The world renown Neuro Pharmacologist discovered a treatment for Parkinson´s disease, which is “gold standard” till today. Through his ground breaking work he brought relief to millions of people during his lifetime. Even after his death, he will continue to contribute in alleviating suffering for those who suffer from that fatal sickness.
Pictures show: Oleh Hornykiewicz, Neuro-Pharmacologist + Parkinson Disease – Treatment finder + recipient of countless prestigious awards and prizes at various occasions.
Above all, Oleh was a unique person with a certainly unforgettable character.
Known for his wit, sometimes very rightfully feared for his sarcasm and directness (he mentioned things no one else would dare to speak out loudly) … but then again, there was another side to him, which he held rather for himself… moments of private prayer … when he thought no one would see him… or other times, where he just sat down and wrote right from his heart, in artistic hand lettered writing, some of the most romantic poetry, which of course he tried his best to hide and conceal before others eyes would get a hold of it…
Especially his last years were a blessing to those close ones, … the family members… the nearest of the near… and for me – his daughter in law – it was one of the most touching things to see, how he allowed his noble and strict heart to melt in these final years of his life… showing and showering his love upon his children and closest ones … after all… he was – for me – a true symbol of a “man in search for meaning”… and with his life, which he so wholeheartedly dedicated to science, health and equally – just more hidden – to god and his family… wow., what can I say… that was a man… a human being, which I was and am amazed of… one, who touched my life in a special, unforgettable way… even if… just for a little while.
Thank you
In awe and gratefulness, I say Thank you. Thank you, God, that you created this wonderful man and gave him breath and a brain to move this world.
Thank you, Oleh, for the example that you gave with your life. Your light will keep on shining brightly. And you will certainly inspire many more, to unfold their potential and lift up their light, to brighten up this world.
Now you have left this place. And I dare to imagine, that there is a vast banquet in heaven for you… and people come and gather, and dance, and sing, and smile with joy, because you are with them and they are with you.
Here, on earth, there is a seat. A seat at the dinner table. The seat of the father. It is empty now…
But: you will stay in our hearts… and I with a sigh, I say: your life was one, that will – unlike many – stay and live on, in the memory of history.
Words will not be enough to describe the impact of your imprint on the face of the earth. So I will end here, saying: Oleh – or as I call you – “Tato”: Rest in Peace. Your daugther in law – Claudia Henzler
Text + Photos:
© Claudia Henzler | henzlerworks.com
How I like to be remembered – A piece of evidence, handwritten by Oleh Hornykiewicz
Oleh Hornykiewicz – How I wish to be remembered (original handwritten by him)
Int: “How do you wish to be remembered?”
Oleh: “Remember me as a very lucky man, who has walked unscattered – thanks to a good many miracles – through his long life´s turbulent times. Now a man ready to leave; to let go – without bitterness, albeit with a wistful heart – this our world that he so deeple, so gratefully loved.”
Media on Oleh Hornykiewicz
To see and read more on Oleh Hornykiewicz click on the (external) links below first in english and further down in german:
Media: Links in English
Center for Brain Resarch University of Vienna:
Prof. Emeritus Oleh Hornykiewicz about Neuro Transmitter Changes in Parkinson´s Desease
Harvard:
Illuminating the Brain – Warren Alpert Foundation award goes to four scientists for seminal discoveries in optogenetics
NIC – National Library of Medicine:
Current Topics in Brain Dopamine Research: A Tribute to Professor Oleh Hornykiewicz
Springer Verlag:
Current topics in brain dopamine research: a tribute to Professor Oleh Hornykiewicz
Warren Alpert Foundation Prize:
Prize Recipient Oleh Hornykiewicz – For seminal contributions to our understanding of neurotransmission and neurodegeneration
Wikipedia (english version)
about Neuro Pharmacologist Oleh Hornykiewicz
