Charles Michael van der Horst

January 4, 1952 - June 14, 2019

Chapel Hill

Charles Michael van der Horst, died on Friday, June 14, at the end of a marathon swim in the Hudson River of an apparent cardiac event. He was born in Hilversum, the Netherlands, and immigrated to the US as an infant. He was the son of the late Johannes Martines Arnold van der Horst and the late Sonja Eichenbaum [Teicholz] van der Horst, a holocaust survivor. Charlie was 67 years old.

As Professor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Charlie worked passionately on the front lines of the HIV epidemic, both in the United States and Africa (primarily Malawi and South Africa), starting with his compassionate care and advocacy for the very first AIDS patients and making important contributions to the research that has made HIV/AIDS a preventable and treatable disease. After retirement in 2015, he volunteered at the Open Door free clinic in Raleigh, NC, where he created a program which provided access to Hepatitis C curative treatment for this medically vulnerable population. Charlie was also deeply involved in progressive politics and causes, and became a public face of North Carolina's Moral Monday movement, often standing beside the Rev. William J. Barber II. He and his wife were generous financial supporters of numerous progressive causes and organizations that support the most vulnerable.

Charlie was a friend to so many, and was always the first to offer real help to anyone in need. He seemed to have infinite capacity to bring people into his caring embrace.

He was a passionate athlete, ran multiple marathons including NY and Boston, competed in triathlons, and in the last year began training for marathon open-water swims. He loved to challenge himself, and surely was proud that he completed that last 15.7 mile swim.

Most important to him and those who loved him, he was a devoted, fun, funny, loving husband, father and brother. He leaves behind his wife Laura Svetkey (Chapel Hill NC), his daughters Anna Svetkey van der Horst (Salt Lake City UT) and Sarah Svetkey van der Horst (Chapel Hill NC); Sarah's husband Eddie Alcorn; Anna's partner Louis Nichols; his sisters Tatjana Schwendinger (Robert Schwendinger) and Jacqueline Sergent (Herve Sergent); his brother Roger van der Horst; his mother-in-law Marcia Tuchman Svetkey Wallace; his sister-in-law Susan Svetkey (Stephen Houze); his brothers-in-law Jonathan Svetkey (Ilana Virchis), Benjamin Wallace (Gwen Griffith), Benjamin Svetkey (Lenka Ulrichova), and Ford Weisberg (husband of the late Nancy Weisberg); and many beloved nieces, nephews and their children.

Funeral services will take place at 11am on Tuesday, June 18 at Beth El Synagogue, 1004 Watts Street in Durham, NC. A casket containing meaningful reminders from Charlie's life will be buried at the Durham Hebrew Cemetery after the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Charlie's honor to the progressive cause of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News and Observer on Jun. 17, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles van der Horst

107 Entries

Beth Campbell MD

June 17, 2024

We still carry forward the commitment to our Urban Ministries Open Door Clinic patients inspired by Dr. van der Horst and appreciate the partnerships he helped us cultivate with the UNC ID department, CHAMPS hepatitis program and the Wake County Health Department ID clinic. We remember him fondly each time we counsel our patients and provide vaccines.

stephen houze

June 12, 2024

Nearly five years without Charlie. It still breaks my heart and I miss him dearly. Love, Stephen

Ellie Collins, Southern Pines

June 11, 2024

Dr. Van der Horst was such a good man. I met him through the Moral Monday events. We all still miss him.

Rebecca Barber

June 11, 2023

Dr Charles, our friend and movement brother. Forever in our hearts

Rebecca Barber

June 12, 2022

We continue to remember our friend and movement brother, Dr Charles. We carry you in our hearts-until we meet again.

Toyin Tofade

June 11, 2021

Remembering Charlie and grateful for the memory of his friendship and participation on the Board of Visitors at Howard University College of Pharmacy. We now have 2 recipients to the award created in his honor. The Charlie M. van der Horst Sacrificial Leadership award. May his memory continue to be a blessing. To the family: May the Lord keep you and make His face to shine upon you and give you peace. Amen.

Peggy Loflin

October 3, 2019

I recently read about Charlie's endeavours and accomplishments on the Swimmers Guide. I also regret not having known him... but clearly he made the world a better place and no doubt was a stand-out role model to countless.

Charlie's interests in swimming, progress in immune system treatments, activism, and medical care for underserved in our midst -- as well as in Africa.... spoke clearly to me and further make Charlie someone who even though I never met, I feel comforted knowing he was around anyway.

My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Peg Loflin

July 10, 2019

My deepest condolences for the sudden passing of Charles.

Marjon Kok, Hilversum, the Netherlands

Jane L

July 3, 2019

WHAT A HERO! WHAT A MENSCH! WHAT AN INSPIRATION! (didn't know him, but remain inspired)

July 3, 2019

WHAT A HERO! WHAT A MENSCH! WHAT AN INSPIRATION!

Rhys Townsend

June 27, 2019

I was a classmate of Charlie's at Andover, class of 1970. Although I lost touch with Charlie after graduating, he always remained fresh in my memory--he was just one of those individuals who make a lasting, appreciative impression. I am very sorry to hear of his passing.

June 24, 2019

Dear Laura and family,
Charlie was so supportive and encouraging when I was a fellow and junior faculty member to follow a research career regarding herpes viruses and older adults. He is a co-author on my very first peer-reviewed paper. He made such a wonderful difference in so many lives . .
my condolences, Ken Schmader

Maudy Benz

June 23, 2019

Charlie was the rare individual who spoke candidly about injustice and with passion about the needs of the marginalized. He instinctively knew that to speak of moral choices, though not always viewed as politically correct for someone of his stature, was exactly what he needed to do, given his eminence. Despite his brilliance and the well deserved accolades accreting for decades, many of us in his neighborhood remember him for his warmth, ease in conversation, and genuine interest in our much less celebrated lives- in our quotidian daily experience. When my children set up a lemonade and snack stand in the neighborhood Charlie wheeled up in his Volvo convertible and enthusiastically purchased their offerings. Those of you close to him who loved him day by day, surely deeply miss his bright, engaging presence, love for you, sense of humor and unbridled devotion to you. My belief is that you possess a wealth of memories to assuage your grief and by which to keep him in your hearts and lives always. Know that you do not mourn his loss alone.

Rachel Royce

June 22, 2019

Dear Laura and family,
It hurts to hear of this tragic death. I will never forget his kindness and hospitality when I was new to UNC, or the fun of teaching the UNC AIDS class together with others. He brought excitement to all he did! I last heard his strong voice sailing out over the crowds at a Moral Monday march, uplifting and motivating, and was proud of him for inspiring others in this way. His memory will forever be a blessing.

Rose Shalom Halperin

June 21, 2019

Charlie and I were classmates together at Harvard Medical School. He and I worked together on the first Holocaust Remembrance Services in the Triangle.

It grieves me deeply to hear of his death. I send my condolences to his widow Laura Svetkey

Don Griffith

June 21, 2019

Charlie and I occasionally swam together on the Triangle Aquatics Center Titans Masters swim team. He truly was an inspiration for me and others on our team. He will be missed.

Lee Hong

June 20, 2019

I vividly remember Dr. Van der Horst's lectures as a medical student, and I had the opportunity to hear him speak to the MD/PhD program. His passion for the health of his community and activism was so inspiring to me, and I hope to continue his vision of providing compassionate care especially to the most vulnerable. -Lee Hong, PhD in immunology, MS4

June 20, 2019

Although I did not know Charlie personally, I would follow his glorious swimming tweets on the East Hampton Facebook page for years.. including his post at last summer's end, "Thank you for a great summer and see you next summer !" and they were always so inviting and I would always say, "Next summer I would swim with Charlie...", Godspeed Charlie

Marcia Marcus Kelly

June 20, 2019

Charlie's mother and my mother were dear friends, and each happy interchange with Charlie kept their memories alive. A sad loss of an important human being. Sending condolences to all the family.

Lillian Seu

June 20, 2019

I was deeply saddened to hear about Dr. Charles van der Horst and wanted to send my condolences.

There has been an overwhelming outpouring of tributes online dedicated to his memory, but my favorite is this one: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article231644118.html

I remember meeting Dr. van der Horst in Zambia during one of his site visits. I was fortunate to have met him and recall how how was so extremely supportive of our "early childhood development" as international research fellows trying to carve a path forward in the Global Health field. It's through his encouragement and example that I continue to press on and hope to be an influence at my company to derive next generation immunotherapies for cancer - so that patients from ALL communities around the globe can benefit.

Here is a snapshot of the BSL2 "togatainer" lab where we processed HIV from DBS cards from HIV patients. It's a reminder to me of the importance of precision medicine to address the most pressing unmet needs.

June 20, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss....and the loss to all who treasure peace and justice. I remember him well from Moral Mondays and appreciate all that he has done to form a better world. May he rest in peace and may his family be comforted by loving thoughts and prayers.
Ellie Collins, Southern Pines NC

Sherene Min

June 19, 2019

Dear Laura, Sarah and Anna,

John and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Charlie. As so many have said, he was an amazing person, inspiring so many careers and lives of activism. We feel fortunate to have spent time with him over the past 20 years, especially over the past decade. He loved the 3 of you so much, and in our recent dinners or lunches, he spoke so much about how Anna and Sarah were doing. He was so proud of all 3 of you, lauding your accomplishments. He also showed tremendous interest in our children and was so supportive of our kids' endeavors. He has greatly impacted us as community members and parents, and his legacy will live in how we conduct our daily lives. Thank you for sharing him with so many people. May God give you peace in this very difficult time. We will be praying for you.

Susan Breitzer

June 19, 2019

I worked briefly with Charlie, trying to get people from my hometown to help "put faces on the people" who were adversely affected by the North Carolina government's refusal to accept Medicaid expansion. Mainly though, I knew him from Beth El Synagogue, as one the kindest and most down-to-earth people I have encountered. What a loss to so many people, and condolences especially to his family.

Yuka Manabe

June 19, 2019

Charlie was a generous, warm, wonderful friend and colleague who was always willing to help. His academic altruism will not be forgotten nor will his irreverent sense of humor, wonderful smile and laugh. The global health research community will never be the same without him and the world will be a lesser place. He always spoke so warmly about his family. I remember one Fogarty orientation where he talked about having Friday dinners with his wife at the bar of a favorite restaurant where he paid the barman to leave them alone with a good bottle of wine and plates of food. He reminded the trainees to cherish loved ones. We will miss you Charlie! Warmest thoughts.

Jennifer Whitmore

June 19, 2019

I worked with Dr Van der Horst at the ID clinic. He was always very passionate about what he did and loved doing what was best for his patients. I have always remembered his fire, light and passion for what he believed. My deepest condolences to his family.

June 19, 2019

I was very fortunate to have gotten to know Dr. van der Horst during the early years of the HIV epidemic in North Carolina. He was enormously important to the public officials and heath care providers working to prevent the spread of HIV and to support those who were already infected. Charlie was very generous in sharing his expertise, his passion and commitment to improving the lives of people suffering from HIV and to the communities around them. He was fearless in a time of uncertainly, high risk and high concern. Charlie was a compassionate leader and visionary for all time and for all of us. My heart goes out to the family at this very sad time. Leah Devlin

Jane Godfrey Larmon

June 18, 2019

Dear Laura, Charlie was clearly a well-loved man and doctor. As long family friends of the Van Der Horst's, we send our deepest sympathy and prayers for strength as you deal with the grief of such a tremendous loss. His was, as they say, a life well-lived and our world is a better place because of his work and his caring. Our thoughts are with you and your daughters and Tanja, Roger and Jackie, knowing that the circle of your family is sadly broken, but hopefully will be brought closer together. Sending caring thoughts from all of the Olean Godfrey's. Jane Godfrey Larmon

June 18, 2019

A donation has been made to Repairer's of the Breach and Health Care Justice of NC to honor him, his work and his legacy. Our condolences to his family and many friends. Belinda Novik and Barry Katz

Ed O'Connor

June 18, 2019

I had the privilege of being a teammate of Charlie's on the Duke swimming team. He was bright, engaging and a friend to all. Over the years, I have not had contact with Charlie but each time I thought back to my Duke swimming days and I would smile, in part because of my fond memories of Charlie. R.I.P.

Rob Murphy

June 18, 2019

Dear Charlie, my fellow fresser, friend and colleague. Never afraid to speak up, or act up for that matter. And always in the right. Brave man, wonderful loving family, many friends, grateful patients, admiring colleagues. You faced your challenges head on and lived a wonderful life. My daughters and I already miss you. Yes, you made a great impression on them even though you lived one thousand miles away! May you rest in peace.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Tim Weber

Sent Flowers

Katy Moore

June 18, 2019

Charlie had a BIG impact on so many many people's lives across the whole spectrum of humanity -- Charlie cared and his caring empowered all of us.

I feel fortunate to have had a small connection with him on ACTG062 and in the pool. He was an amazing role model as a person and clinician scientist.

My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie's family.

Jeanine C. Holland

June 18, 2019

Praying for the Lord's peace and comfort for Dr. Svetkey and his family and friends during this very difficult time.

Mary Kadiwa

June 18, 2019

A good heart has stopped beating , a good heart has ascended to heaven. Why did you not ascend like Prophet Elija where we could be watching you going up ,instead you decided to go through the waters. We know water is life. God has assigned you to watch over the people you have saved through PMTCT Program especially here at UNC Project Malawi

Children ( some adults now) you have saved in Malawi, from contacting HIV are crying for you. The lives you have saved from contracting HIV and also those going through positive living testify that you are still among us. May your soul rest in peace.

Dean Summers

June 18, 2019

An incredibly sad story. Im sure all in the international sport of long distance swimming share the sense of tragedy and loss.Deepest and most sincere condolences to Charles' family.Dean and Kylie

Mamie Sackey Harris

June 17, 2019

Dr. Charlie van der Horst never minced his words and always spoke his truth. Although I was always a little nervous to knock on his office door at UNC, he never once turned me away. I appreciated his brute honesty, wisdom and passion for social justice. He was a one-of-a-kind doctor and mentor. Charlie, although our hearts are broken, we thank you for your undying service to humanity. We thank God for the gift He gave us in you and are praying for His peace to be with your family. May you rest in God's perfect peace.

Beth Campbell

June 17, 2019

On behalf of Dr. van der Horst's Urban Ministries Open Door Clinic colleagues, I can assert that we will continue the good fight to empower our patients to take charge of their medical conditions -- income inequality notwithstanding. Thank you so much for leaving us a protocol and systematic record of Hepatitis C treatments and we will endeavor to continue that legacy. We will miss dearly his tremendous energy and enthusiasm but will feel his presence in every client he impacted as well as those we are yet to serve -- what a wonderful role model! We wish the best to his family and want to reassure them that the spirits of Dr. van der Horst and Dr. Greenberg still illuminate Open Door Clinic, urging us to provide high-quality medical care so that we can hopefully spark a string of healthy lights in our underserved community.

Keith

June 17, 2019

A fierce force for good!

Lesa Fishman

June 17, 2019

I met Charles the morning of the swim. I jumped off the boat right after him at the start. He was so happy and determined to finish the swim. His words inspired me the whole time I was swimming. He said you have to be mentally prepared to swim- and he was ready. I know how happy he must have felt swimming. I will forever look out at the river and remember his kind and brave message.

Veronica Bitting

June 17, 2019

This is truly heartbreaking. God, bless and keep this Great, Honest, Generous, Brilliant and Compassionate Humanitarian's family. Please accept my sincerest condolences, fervent prayers and sympathy during this trying time.

Charlie, Bob and 2 Egyptian Swimmers that Charlie befriended at World Games in G-Boro

Bob Schmitz

June 17, 2019

Jen Tang

June 17, 2019

Dear Charlie,

I've been thinking a lot about you ever since I got the news about your final swim a few days ago. I've been thinking about the first time I met with you in your office back in 2011, when I told you about my desire to return to Malawi and work there full-time as OB-GYN faculty. I remember how supportive you were and how you encouraged me to apply for the Fogarty Fellowship that you directed, which created the path for me to move to Malawi in 2012. Back then, I was surprised by how much you cared about someone who wasn't even in your Division, but now I know that your big heart and unending passion for helping others gave you the energy to make time for anyone who asked for it.

I then remember how in early 2013, I was falling into despair because my funding to stay in Malawi was running out, and I needed to successfully apply for a K01 to support myself. But I couldn't find an appropriate mentor or project to build off of. Once again, you swooped in with an idea and seed funding for me to successfully apply for my K01, allowing me to stay in Malawi another 4 years and continue in my dreams. When my K01 led me to an R01, you were one of the first people I emailed because I knew you deserved the credit for making that possible, and I knew how proud you would be. You always made me feel so special and important, when I knew that you were constantly surrounded by others like yourself who were infinitely more special and important than I could ever hope to be.

Most recently, I remember the last time I saw you, at the Moral March on Raleigh in February 2019. I told my husband James that I had to introduce you to him, because you'd made it possible for me to stay in Malawi in 2014, when I began dating him there. I told James what an important role you'd played in our lives and was so excited when we finally got the opportunity to all chat. As usual, you made time to talk to us, despite all the others who wanted your attention and all the the other important work going on that day.

It is fitting that my last memory of seeing you was of you in your element. . . rallying for the rights of those less fortunate, speaking out against injustice, opening doors for others, but still making time for a mentee. Words really cannot express the gratitude that I feel for your many acts of kindness towards me and how fortunate I was to have you as a mentor. Your many mentees will continue to follow you in the fight to make this world a more equitable place, and your legacy will continue on through your work and mentorship. You will not be forgotten.

May eternal peace be with you,
Jen Tang

Charlie with Trainees at UNC Project Malawi

Mina Hosseinipour

June 17, 2019

Charlie was my first boss after undergrad back in 1994, but he was so much more. He hired me as research assistant and then data manager, always encouraging me to learn more, do more, connect more. Those were very hard years in HIV care and research, but he always treated people with grace and dignity. The lessons were shown, not told. He wrote my letters of recommendation for graduate school (though he wanted it to be medical school!), and then we kept up a little bit over the years. I haven't seen him in over two decades, but his influence on me is perhaps more profound now than it was then. His is the life well lived: overflowing with love for family and friends, love and desire to heal for his patients, and a true sense of tikkun olam. The world needs Charlies and I am grateful to have had the chance to know him. To Laura, Anna, and Sarah, may his memory be a blessing. I am so sorry for your loss.

Ray Schinazi

June 17, 2019

So sad to hear of the tragic accident. We will miss your smile and energy. Shalom my friend

Shrikant Bangdiwala

June 17, 2019

Charlie was more than an incredible person. A physician that actually cared for ALL humans and did something everyday to help the World. Probably the best, non-selfish, and humble, brilliant man I've had the pleasure of knowing. I treasure our joint trip to Malawi to build capacity for HIV research as well as working on collaborative studies. You are a true hero, my friend.

James R. Tout

Sent Flowers

Patricia Bartlett

June 17, 2019

Charlie and John and I knew one another from 1987 (John and Charlie earlier) until his death. To be in the middle of the death and dying of all those patients at that time was more like a war than work, but none of us ever flagged in our intensity to serve patients. We knew how much Charlie loved swimming and competitiveness, (oh yes) and thus we pray that he is in some happy marathon in the sky. We will sorely miss Charlie and his advocacy and passion. All the best Laura to you and to your girls and the rest of the family.

John B. (Jack) Emery, Jr. MD FACP

June 17, 2019

I grieve for myself and all ( SO SO MANY) the people touched by Charlie. For me, practicing side by side with Charlie was one of the high spots of my career. I remember wondering, who is this guy who walks into a room with a big smile saying " Hi, I am Charlie, what can I do for you". I soon found out and my life was enriched. My grief is deep knowing there are so many who need him-why why, why?
There must be a counter point of some sense and joy. Joy experienced by the big people and the many little people whose lives have been enriched, many who are well when without his touch they would suffer and worse. Joy in just knowing a man who's goodness has had a WORLD wide influence. Joy in knowing, as a colleague, this giant amongst Physicians. Joy in just saying, Hey Charlie, what are you doing today? Joy in experiencing his ability to make me feel an equal. Joy in being a friend of a truly great man.
May peace eventually be upon this extrordinary man's family. I pray for them who have lost the most.

Terrence Lee

June 17, 2019

Dear Laura, Anna, Sarah, and your loved ones. I hold you in my heart as you experience this profound loss. Charlie and I shared countless pool lanes and heartfelt conversations over the 30 years we trained together. He was truly a brother and will be dearly missed. I don't think I've ever met a more generous hearted human being. I remember that he always said he needed to get home to his beloveds after practice. So fortunate that Patricia and I attended his 67th birthday practice and breakfast (which he treated everyone to) In January. A true Mensch who will never be forgotten.

Kimberly Moore

June 17, 2019

Charlie escorted a group of the new speakers to the opening ceremony of the 2019 Conference of World Affairs. He said hi every time after when we passed each other. I made special note as sa DC resident that he once served a Howard University board. My heart aches for his family, friends and the world that knews his works. Rest in power, Charlie.

Lin Wang

June 17, 2019

I met Dr. Van Der Horst when he appeared as a guest speaker in my college pre-med public health class. His story was deeply inspiring, and I really look up to him. Now I am a medical student also want to leave impact in the world as he did. Today I am deeply saddened by the news he has passed. He had a huge heart, and was a great mentor, and role model for the next generation of doctors and activists. Rest in peace, Dr. Van Der Horst, your legacy will leave on.

Lisa Graves

June 17, 2019

Charlie was such a powerful and passionate voice for good!! His sudden passing is a tremendous loss to the world. Lisa Graves, fellow CWA alum

Timothy Lane

June 17, 2019

I first met Charlie as his ID attending at UNC on clinical rotation in the early 1980s. I was working as a UNC faculty member in the Area Health Education in nearby Greensboro, NC as the first infectious diseases physician in that city. All before the recognition of HIV/AIDS that would soon mark his career.
Charlie was hilariously funny but never at an other's expense. We taught each other as a young fellow and aspiring faculty do. He clearly was intellectually engaged and bursting with energy. What most impressed me was his relentless pursuit of what was best for all patients whom he encountered but with the kindest inclusiveness that defined his life. He was instrumental in helping me develop an ACTG clinical research site in Greensboro which is now under the leadership of a former UNC fellow, Kees van Dam,MD. We owe so much individually to this amazing person.
He truly spanned the globe from Greensboro, Chapel Hill, Milawi, South Africa, and so many big and small places in between.
My wife Robin marched with Charlie in the Moral Mondays in Raleigh the past several years, and he inspired her as well. We are grieving along with the rest of the world but are especially grateful to know Laura and their children have so many family and friends in support at this very sad time.
Robin Lane & Timothy Lane
Greensboro, NC

Simon Freeman

June 17, 2019

Dearest Charles, your swimming brothers and sisters will now continue on and do the English channel, sadly minus our surrogate dad.

You will be in all our minds from this day forward and our swim will be dedicated to your memory and honour.

I hope the waters are calm and the winds are light my friend.

So missed, never forgotten.

The Polar Bears. X

LINDA WARREN

June 17, 2019

My great joy to have been with him @ many Moral Monday events. Truly a blessing to so many.

Agnes Moses, MD

Agnes Moses,MD

June 17, 2019

Charlie has been a mentor to me since 2001 when he had hired me to start a PMTCT program under UNC project in Malawi. From day one I realised that he was very passionate about helping people. He led from the front and walked the talk. He believed in me very much and always said that I had " vast potential". Under his guidance I published my first authored article on PMTCT and later moved on to specialise in Internal Medicine.
My career life story would be incomplete without mentioning his name.
I looked up to him not only as a mentor but also as a father, who consistently remembered my Birthday for the past 17 years.
At this incredibly difficult moment,my prayers are with his wife, two daughters and all his friends across the globe.
I will deeply miss him but I find comfort in the belief that his legacy will live on.
May Charlie's wonderful soul rest in God's eternal peace.

Gift Kamanga

June 17, 2019

I am very saddened by the passing on of Prof Charlie Van der Horst. The great success story of Malawi PMTCT Program in Malawi can not be told without him. I worked with Charlie in my capacity as one of the pioneer PMTCT Program Managers at UNC Project and he was a person also providing cross cutting leadership at UNC Project alongside other leaders. He was a great, visionary man, a person with love of Malawi's and Global health. He was an effective teacher, mentor and humble senior colleague. Will greatly miss him. May his soul rest in peace.
Gift

I live to remember you Charlie. How lucky I was to have a mentor like you. Rest well Dr Van der Horst.

Chifundo Zimba

June 17, 2019

Shana Levie

June 17, 2019

I love you Charlie!

SHALOM

Shana Levie

June 17, 2019

Hugs and kisses Laura, Charlie, Anna and Sarah. I'm praying for you. I hope to see you soon.
Love Shana
Love from MN
❤❤❤❤❤

Chifundo Zimba

June 17, 2019

Dr Van der Horst, words fail to Express my gratitude towards all what you have done to uplift my life. Since 2001 at UNC project in Malaw, Dr Van der Horst was not just my employer but also a friend. After his retirement in 2015 at UNC Dr Van der Horst humbly accepted to continue advising me until I defended my dissertation. He was not just my professor but a mentor. My heart is so broken to lose a person like him. I pray that he rest in God's glory. My prayers to the Van der Horst family

Charlie & Michael, Paris (2017)

Michael Marco

June 17, 2019

"Mishpachah" (an entire family network of relatives by blood or marriage (and sometimes close friends). We were all mishpachah to Charlie. I have never met anyone who touched so many live and also saved so many lives of men and women with HIV in Africa. Charlie was the vanguard for galvanizing the US' response to AIDS in Africa. He was relentless and I cherish him for that! Charlie was the big brother I never had...a friend, confidant, hero, sage, and comrade in arms. Let us all continue to fight the good fight in Charlie's honor.

claudia rojas

June 17, 2019

People like Dr Van der Horst should never die.
Excellent human being, doctor, activist, friend, missionary, sportsman, always advocated for patients. Full of life, youth, free spirit and great energy.
It was an honor to work for him some years ago.
In the conditions that he died was not fair, but it makes me feel better that he died doing what fascinated him the most. I am very sorry for his beautiful family.
My condolences to the Van der Horst family, God give you peace and resignation.
Rest in Peace Charly❤ and God have it in his Holy glory❤
Sincerely,
Claudia Rojas

Francis Martinson

June 17, 2019

And now these three remain, Faith, Hope and Love .....but the greatest of these is Love 1 Corinthians 13:13.
Charlie exemplified these three attributes. He had Faith in whatever he pursued sometimes almost to obsession. Even though we both were in Chapel Hill for a long time and I visited others in his office suite for many years Faith brought us together in Malawi for the BAN Study. His dream was to see an end to the devastation from HIV in children and when some of us despaired because of workload and traumatic experiences of seeing mothers and children wither away he showed a lot of Hope and spurred us on. Love was his anthem. ....... we need to save the babies and their mothers was his battle cry.... and it the end when it all came together in the results from the study, his love never decreased for Malawian babies and the colleagues he left behind to pursue other interests. We will forever have you in our hearts.
Charlie ....thank you for your presence in our lives
Charlie ..... thank you for your pieces of advice
Charlie .....thank you for your love, it meant everything to everybody in UNC Project, Malawi
You will forever remain in our hearts and memories.

Armenta Eaton

June 17, 2019

Dr. Van der Horst was an inspirational figure in the Moral Monday Movement here in North Carolina. He and I first met on the first evening of my participation in Moral Mondays and he, along with, others went to jail together. I also appreciated him for the personal interest and relationship he and my mother, the late Rosanell Eaton, had. He was so very supportive of her and the work she did along side him. My special and heartfelt condolences to the family of this dear man.

God bless,
Armenta Eaton

Peter and Hilda Kazembe

June 17, 2019

We learned with great shock about Charlies passing. Our deep condolences to Laura , Anna and Sarah. Charlie was not just a colleague but a family friend who gave his friendship generously; Charlie and Laura generously kept us in their house for a whole month when I had an operation at Chapel Hill, we will forever be grateful for that. Professionally, his influence on adult HIV care and research in Malawi is well known, perhaps what is not so well known is the fact that he is the one who catalysed the coming into Malawi of the Baylor International Paediatric Initiative (BIPAI) by initiating the appropriate contacts with the BIPAI leadership. Without this crucial step, HIV infected children in Malawi would likely still not be getting the care that they are getting now.We have indeed lost a great man and a dear friend. MHSRIP.

David Margolis

June 17, 2019

Charlie, not only were you Superman, you showed us all how to be superheroes too. You even brought us the shirts! Thanks for all that you did and all that you were. A light to the world: Tikkun Olam.

Douglas Wadeson

June 17, 2019

I volunteered at the Open Door Clinic. Dr. Greenberg was so happy with Dr. van der Horst's work at the clinic. What a sad loss, but few people can say they had such a positive impact on the world around them.
Douglas Wadeson MD

Anne Johnson

June 17, 2019

A force of nature, you will be missed.

Mike Owino

June 17, 2019

Swim in Peace Charlie! You touched so many people lives in so many ways!

Anita Van Melle

Sent Flowers

Jonathan Serody

June 17, 2019

I can still remember as if it were yesterday the first day I spent in the Infectious Disease Clinic in 1989. Charlie was the faculty mentor for Dan Shapiro and me for that year. We learned an enormous amount about HIV care, compassion in the face of adversity and to put patients at the forefront of all of our care from Charlie. Charlie learned how to use a computer from us. Over the years I interacted with Charlie on a critical manuscript on the treatment of fungal infection in patients. Both my wife Anne and I were the individuals managing the trial for Charlie, which was another great experience. Even a few years ago Charlie came to talk about changing career paths and while I'm not sure I helped much, I always loved to talk to him. I'll miss those conversations with my friend, colleague and mentor. The world will not forget you nor will there be anyone quite like you.

Our prayers and thoughts go to the van der Horst family both immediate and extended.

Eugene Kovalik MD

June 17, 2019

I am saddened at the loss of someone who contributed so much to his community. A donation has been made to support the Open Door Free Clinic at which he helped with his time and talent.

Ken Castro

June 17, 2019

Heartfelt condolences to Laura and the rest of Charlie's beloved family. He is dearly missed, yet his legacy lives on through the work of the many people that he mentored and guided. May he now enjoy eternal peace...

Mary Blevins

June 17, 2019

With a heart full of joy for your life and grief for our loss of you, thank you from Nat Blevinss little sister. We all love you so very much, Charlie! Go boldly where no soul has gone before and conquer new frontiers!!!

Very grateful that our paths crossed

Jabulani Ncayiyana

June 17, 2019

Coxcilly Kampani

June 17, 2019

We will miss your mentorship Charlie. Fare thee well.

Charlotte Duggan

June 17, 2019

Carl and I send our deepest condolences on the loss of your dear husband and father. We enjoyed Charlie's warm and generous hospitality on several occasions when we visited Chapel Hill. Throughout the years have been awed and inspired by the stories we heard of Charlie's work (and play!) shared by his loving, now heart-broken, friends David and Carla.

Callisto Sekeleza

June 17, 2019

We shall miss your smile Charlie.

Kathleen Christiansen

June 17, 2019

I had the privileged of meeting Charlie and being his "virtual swim friend" for the last few years. He was a brilliant athlete and a supportive friend. Charlie will be missed, but never forgotten, and forever inspiring!

June 17, 2019

Charlie was such a passionate person, I enjoyed working with him in the clinical trials at UNC. Not long ago we were talking in the grocery store and catching up on our retirements, he was asking me to join the protest in Raleigh. He will be missed.
Faith Ashton

Gerald Tegha

June 17, 2019

We will remember you for the mentorship during the CDC Sponsored BAN Study, where I strengthened my knowledge in HIV research. May Your Soul RIP.

John Chapola

June 17, 2019

Thanks for your contribution to my people and my country. You changed a lot of lives, you will be greatly missed in Malawi. Heaven has gained an Angel

June 17, 2019

I will forever remember a lecture Charlie gave us when we were Fogarty Fellows going out to our host countries for the first time. He began with, "you know nothing, you know nothing, you know nothing" and used this as his segue into a conversation about practicing humility and open listening to be most impactful in the work that we do. To this day I think about those words and remember his lecture and try to teach the same to my students. I think that is truly a big piece of his legacy and how he approached his work. I was truly lucky to have learned from him. Thinking about you.
- Ameeta

Faye Daniels

June 17, 2019

My thoughts are with you and your family at this time; may your memories bring you comfort.

Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. ~~ Eskimo Proverb

John Grzeszczak

June 17, 2019

Charlie was a hero to many, God speed.

Jamie Tout

June 17, 2019

Charlie fought the good fight and has been given a warriors burial in the Hudson. I raced against Charlie once in stage four of 8Bridges in 2016 but I never talked to him. My loss. The Hudson will never be the same to those of us that have struggled with her cold and her chop within her murky banks but as Heraclitus wrote, no man steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man. I will return to the Hudson someday to swim it again as I have for the last 30 something years but the next time I swim down the Hudson or around the island I will look in those dark waters and say to Charlie hello my old friend.

Hana Lee

June 17, 2019

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Charlie. I was a foreign student studying Biostatistics at UNC-CH. I was fortunate enough to work on a clinical trial study led by Charlie, which gave me invaluable opportunities to grow up as a real scientist. He truly left positive global impacts through his life, starting from the states to Africa, Europe, and Asia. What a loss. I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Leslie Frost

June 17, 2019

Like many many people, I considered Charlie a friend. Years ago, after seeing him at numerous Moral Mondays, I took a chance and emailed him asking him to come speak to my first-year writing class, which was doing a unit on NC politics. We met at his office so that I could describe what I had in mind, and after hearing I was talking about meeting with 19 first-years, he came and spoke to my students as if he had all the time in the world, which he most certainly did not. For the next two years he represented "The Sciences" on a keynote panel at our first-year research conference at the end of the semester.

Like many people, I admire him so much. His accomplishments and his passion for justice made him a hero. Like many, I'm devastated by news of his death. I'm so deeply grateful for our conversations and his generous gift of his time for students. Thank you for having made the world a better place, Charlie.

June 17, 2019

Charlie was one of our Board of visitors members and so willing to provide suggestions on how to move Howard Pharmacy forward. One of the kindest people I had the privilege of knowing. Adieu Charlie. Grateful to God for the blessing of you -Toyin Tofade

Elizabeth Pratt

June 17, 2019

Charlie was truly special. I'll never forget the day he took all the clinic staff at UNC out on a party boat on Jordan Lake. I was the only one without a medical degree. I was his clinic secretary. He had compassion for his patients, he made you feel special.

Jim Gray

June 17, 2019

Charlie was one of a kind. I well remember his smile and laugh, and his friendship. He was a good friend and colleague at UNC-CH Medical School.

Rebecca Barber

June 17, 2019

It is a privilege to call Dr. Charles my friend. He had such a caring and compassionate heart. His patience and willingness to help so many- my family and I included, this I will treasure. My deepest sympathy to his wife, daughters and his entire family- including his movement family. Dr Charles, we will see you in the morning. Love, your movement sister, Rebecca McLean Barber

Myron Cohen

June 17, 2019

Charlie was entirely unique and truly larger than life. He lived his life to the fullest and everything he did he did with superhuman passion. There were no half measures. He had great courage manifested at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic and in his lifelong commitment to social justice. He served as an inspiration to so many. This is a great and tragic loss.

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