April 12, 2026 marks the 105th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding Ukrainian doctor, scientist, educator, and man of great soul — Professor Hryhoriy Vasylyovych Legeza.

He was born on 12 April 1921 into a peasant family in the village of Sofiivka, Kirovohrad region. At a very young age, in 1937, he entered the First Kyiv Artillery School, which he completed through an accelerated program, graduating with the rank of lieutenant.  Entering the war as a battery commander, he took part in combat operations in the Rava-Ruska and Lviv regions, distinguishing himself as a courageous, highly competent, and dedicated officer. Owing to his bravery and professionalism, he advanced rapidly in rank and, by autumn 1943, as a Guards Major, became head of reconnaissance of the 3rd Guards Artillery Division.

In 1944, a severe injury fundamentally changed the course of his life. After a long period of treatment in military hospitals, he found the strength to begin a new chapter — choosing medicine and dedicating himself to serving people.

In 1950, Hryhorii Vasylovych graduated from the Odesa Medical Institute and worked continuously for 51 years in the Burn Unit of the Filatov Institute of Eye Diseases and Tissue Therapy of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine. Under the supervision of the outstanding scientist Academician N. O. Puchkovska, he successfully defended both his Candidate and Dr. of Sciences dissertations. In 1956, he became head of the Burn Unit, which he led for 26 years.

Professor Legeza founded an entire field within ophthalmology — the treatment of severe ocular burns and their consequences. His scientific and clinical legacy is remarkable: more than 11,000 complex surgical procedures performed, and the training of a new generation of specialists, including one Doctoral and seven Candidate dissertations.

He was generously endowed by nature with many talents: like a poet, an outstanding orator, and a highly skilled microsurgeon.  Above all, he was a person of exceptional integrity, kindness, and wisdom. He always found the right words for everyone, offering support, guidance, and hope.

On 29 October, at the age of 81, he passed away  quietly in his office. His life remains an example of dedication to people, science and his country.

In the memory of all who knew and worked alongside Hryhorii Vasylovych, he will forever remain a person of profound sensitivity, great heart, and deep humanity. His sincerity, life wisdom, empathy, and warmth made him a mentor and friend to many — colleagues, students, patients, and family members.

The bright memory of Professor Hryhorii Vasylovych Legeza will live on forever in our hearts.