Dr. David Horrobin, one of the pioneers in essential fatty research, recently passed away. He had suffered for several years from non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

I first met David Horrobin at a convention in 1981, where he gave a talk about the omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, their functions, their deficiency symptoms, and their healing potential.

This meeting with Dr. Horrobin sparked my interest in EFAs, and fired me up to take a serious look at them. That was 21 years ago and, because of his influence, I am still looking at them. David Horrobin also introduced me to Siegfried Gursche, who in turn introduced me to the work of Johanna Budwig.

David Horrobin was special to me. I consider him my first mentor in the field of fats. In graduate studies, genetics was my greatest interest. Fats seemed rather dull and uninteresting. Dr. Horrobin's enthusiasm made them interesting, and that enthusiasm changed my career and my life journey.

Over the years, I have had the privilege to listen to David Horrobin on many occasions. He was a great teacher, always interesting, always on the cutting edge of research. Each time I listened to him, my understanding of the roles of EFAs in health expanded.

I am grateful to have known him, will miss the wisdom and kindness of this gentle soul, and will continue to cherish the benefits he so freely shared with many.

Udo Erasmus
Author: Fats That Heal Fats That Kill