A CLEARLY emotional Dr Asaad Baraz told on Wednesday how the members of his medical practice had been shattered by the murder of their respected colleague and friends, Dr Leonie Geldenhuys.
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Dr Geldenhuys was found dying of stab wounds in the bedroom of her Wrights Road, Lithgow, home on Tuesday morning.
The body of her husband was found later that day in a car in the Wolgan Valley.
Police believe the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide but the motivation remains a mystery.
Dr Baraz said Dr Geldenhuys had been a valued member of his Railway Parade practice since 2008 and was well respected for her medical skills and professionalism.
"She was so clever; she never had to do anything twice," he said.
Dr Baraz said his late colleague had been a "very private person who never spoke about what happened at home."
She got on extremely well with her fellow staff members and with her dedicated patients.
He said members of the practice rarely had contact with Dr Geldenhuys's late husband.
"Our thoughts are with their children," Dr Baraz said.
Former patients of Dr Geldenhuys also contacted the Lithgow Mercury to express their sorrow at the tragedy.
Among them was Westfund CEO Grahame Danaher who said Dr Geldenhuis, known to everyone as "Dr Leonie", had been one of the most caring medical practitioners he had encountered.
He had been so impressed by her professionalism at an unplanned appointment that she remained his personal doctor from that time on.
"Dr Leonie never rushed an appointment," Mr Danaher said.
"She always made time to chat to get to know you.
"She was an excellent doctor and Lithgow will miss her presence."
High praise indeed from an executive of a major regional health insurer.
Another retired senior police officer said he believed Dr Geldenhuys had saved his life.
Little however was known of Dr Geldenhuys' husband who had been described by neighbours as aloof and who rarely attended any social functions.
