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Manuel Firgau Obituary
He was born in Caracas, Venezuela to the late Konrad Christian Firgau Yanes and Maria Celeste Quintero de Firgau.
Survivors include his wife, Dr. Sarah Friend and children, Elizabeth Grace and Johannes Firgau, of the home; brother, Konrad Christian Firgau of Caracas, Venezuela; sister and nephew, Maria Celeste and Matthias Firgau of Dortmund, Germany; aunt and cousin, Graciela and Celeste Grammer of Algonquin, Ill.; father and mother-in-law, Terry and Nancy Friend of Galax; sister-in-law and nieces, Rebecca Friend, Emily and Sophie Joines of Sparta, N.C.
Dr. Firgau graduated from Boston University, where he obtained both his undergraduate and medical degrees. He had a determined spirit, a wealth of patience, and a heart of love. He was a talented and compassionate physician, husband and father. Despite a long battle with cancer, he was also an eternal optimist and wrote the following words to remember him by:
"Everything is possible. Work hard. Always be persistent. Be positive. Life is beautiful. Enjoy it!"
At the request of Dr. Firgau, a private service will be held for family members.
In lieu of flowers, make donations to the Galax Foundation for Excellence in Education, P.O. Box 487, Galax, Va. 24333.
A guestbook is available online at www.vaughanguynn.com.
Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Manuel Firgau
Susan Grammer
October 25, 2023
Manuel was a really wonderful person with a great spirit. He left us way to soon after all his hard work to become a physician. He didn't get to raise his children or share a long life with his wife. He will be missed by so many..... family and friends.
nicole miranda
November 13, 2014
This has come as a complete shock to me. Last time I saw Manuel was in college at BU studying hard to be a doctor, I still see him as a 20 year old student with a whole life ahead of him. All I can do is send my best wishes to his family and friends to stay strong and to keep his memory alive. I pray that he is at peace.
Sandra Moretz
November 12, 2014
I worked with Dr. Firgau for several years at Twin County He was a wonderful physician He made sure that his patients had the best care possible. If he did not think they were getting what they needed he quickly pointed it out to those who could improve the care. I am so sorry for your loss and your children's loss
Cathy Brown
November 7, 2014
Sorry to hear about your loss he was a great Doctor.
Joe and Susan Cockerham White
November 6, 2014
May God grant you His peace and strength during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
November 4, 2014
Sarah,
I am so very sorry to hear that Manuel has died. My love and support are here for you. You and your family continue to be in my prayers.
- Susan, Franklin, TN
Kelli Martin Mowbray
November 3, 2014
Sarah, Terry, Nancy & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Firgau's passing. Although I haven't lived there in years, I've been told so many times what a wonderful, caring Doctor he was. I've only known him as a proud father and loving husband when visiting my childhood church. May God give you comfort and strength in the days and months to come. Know that your whole family will be in my prayers.
Jeanie Dye
November 3, 2014
I also worked with Dr.Firgau at TCRH and I would see him at Mcdonalds at breakfast sometimes.He fought the fight and he kept the faith. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and children.
Jeanie Dye
Jackie Greene-Dalton
November 3, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my prayers.
Norma Busic
November 3, 2014
Thinking of you with love,
Alicia Warf
November 3, 2014
Dr. Firgau was so kind and always had a smile. I loved seeing him at school with his children. Gracie and Johannes, GES loves you both and sends big hugs. Prayers for all the family.
Martha Dozier
November 3, 2014
DR. Firgau was a blessing to TCRH ,always had a smile,caring and loving Dr. May God Bless all the family.
Lynne Barker
November 2, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Regina Crouse
November 2, 2014
I only met Dr. Firgau once when taking my mother in for a visit. I found him to be very caring and compassionate. He was very sensitive to the needs of the elderly. The world has lost a wonderful doctor but is a better place because he was in it. I am so sorry for your loss.
Susan Grammer
November 2, 2014
Sarah, Graciela, Celeste and children, we are so very sorry for your great loss. Manuel was a wonderful man and he will missed by all who knew him. He fought a valiant battle for a long time and will be remembered for his strength, courage and determination. I am proud to have known him and will miss him. Love to all of you. Susan, Gary Grammer, Rebecca, Melissa, Geoffrey,Glen, Kelsey and Elizabeth.
Darlene Wells, RN
November 1, 2014
I had the honor of working with Dr Firgau in the ER many times. He was such a compassionate and patient doctor. I had the opportunity to speak with him candidly about his health a few months ago in the ER and he was still smiling and optimistic. What a great void he will leave for so many.
Becky Nelson
November 1, 2014
Dr. Friend, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. I did not know when I was in your office Tuesday that he was so ill. Dr. Firgau was a very well liked and caring physician. You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shelia &Keshia Hash
November 1, 2014
Sarah & family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with you through this difficult time.
Robbie, Crystal, Samuel & Hannah Pruitt
November 1, 2014
Sarah & family,
May God comfort you and those sweet kids In the days to come. Praying for all the family.
Janis Kurtz
November 1, 2014
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. Firgau fought a good fight. May the Lord bless and comfort you at this difficult time as he also gives you guidance and wisdom to face the future. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Janis and C. C. Kurtz, Jr.
Angie White
November 1, 2014
Sarah,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Angie and family
Carla Gauldin
November 1, 2014
Sarah and Family,
Words cannot adequately express the sorrow I feel for you, your children and Dr. Firgau's family. I'm sure only those closest to him truly understand how hard he fought this battle. May he now rest in peace. Lord have mercy and comfort you and your family.
Scarlet Rucker
October 31, 2014
Sarah and Family,
It is with much sadness to learn of Dr. Firgau's passing. He and I had a special working relationship at TCRH and he was a highly respected physician. I shall never forget the times he treated my mother and how kind and compassionate he was. I told him many times how much we appreciated his care and knowledge of her treatment. Truly, he was one of a kind and loved by all of his patients. He was certainly a warrior in his disease and never gave up hope. Now he is at rest and peace. May God provide comfort to you, the children and your entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. He will certainly be missed by everyone that knew him. Always remember to cherish your memories and all the good times you shared together.
Carlene Poole
October 31, 2014
Sarah and Family
I am so sorry about the death of your husband and your children's dad. I heard from Sara Robinson how much she liked him and what a great dad he was and how much she thought of him. I did not know him very well but when I saw him he always had a smile on his face. My heart is heavy for you and I pray that God will give you love, strength courage. I lift your family up to the Lord for a special blessing. Ms. Carlene
Ruth Hall
October 31, 2014
Sarah and Family,
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers to you at this difficult time.
Gary and Susie Kirby
October 31, 2014
Sarah and family. Sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Susan Austin
October 31, 2014
Dear Sarah, Terry, Nancy and family, Your family is very special to us and we are very saddened to learn of your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Our love,
Susan & Lindsey Austin
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