Obituary Joep Perk

Abstract

30 May, 2022 Topic(s): Preventive Cardiology This year has brought to the European Association for Preventive Cardiology the passing of one of its founding members, Jope Perk (Figure 1), who was dedicated to promote the wordwide recognition of cardiovascular prevention as major component of healthcare. Jope Perk died on April 28th 2022 at the age of 77 years in his hometown Oskarshamm/Sweden after a short illness. We lost not only a highly successful professional, but also a generous, gentle, and elegant personality, an inspiring friend and leader. In 2004, Prof. Perk, was one of the founders of the European Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (EACPR) which went on to become the current-day European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC). He co-chaired the EACPR Interim Board from 2004 to 2006 and worked tirelessly to develop the association through numerous initiatives and activities. Prof. Perk contributed to the EACPR Prevention Implementation Committee as a chairperson for two terms. Thereafter, from 2014 to 2016, he served on the ESC Press Committee, and later the ESC Media Committee, acting as ESC spokesperson for CVD Prevention. He also greatly contributed to ESC Advocacy activities as a member of the Advocacy and Public Policy Committee and contributor to the European Heart Health Charter.