Obit by Prof. Dr. Med Mathias Korell Board member of the medical society “Gynaecological Endoscopy Working Group” (AGE) (Nov. 2000). A dear colleague has left us. Wolfgang Stolz was a sincere person and we have gained a lot from our meetings and conversations. He held onto his “unconventional” opinion with no consideration for himself. This special quality is noticeable throughout his life: He grew up in St. Ingbert, worked as an interpreter in Switzerland before taking part in an European bible seminar in Wienacht (Switzerland). Afterwards he completed his Bachelor of Arts in theology in Cleveland/USA . He continued to study theology and psychology at the Duke University in North Carolina and obtained a certificate as discussion therapist. In 1971 he went back to Germany to study medicine in Homburg/Saar. He was assistant doctor in the University clinic when I met him. With his help I had my first gynaecological experience in the ultrasonic “darkroom” and in the casualty. His friendly cooperative manner and his sincerity was felt continuously. He did his residency under the guidance of Prof. Hepp and was promoted to Administrative Assistant Medical Director under Prof Bastert with whom he went to Heidelberg to work for another four years. In 1992 he radically changed his career again and worked until the end with Norbert Pfuetzenreuter in a large outpatient surgery in Munich. The team of endoscopic surgeons gained a lot from his presence there. Such an exciting and interesting way of life - typical for Mr. Stolz, absolutely untypical for our time - reflects the various aspects of his personality. At this point one may ask which are the appropriate criteria to apply when judging a career in our filed. During the more than 20 years of experience as gynaecologist many of his colleagues have chosen very different careers whereas happiness and confidence should be given priority. And as far as I have experienced him Wolfgang Stolz met this criteria. Due to his idealism, seriousness and cheerfulness it was always exciting and interesting meeting him. With his sudden death in Mallorca we have lost a special person and we have deep sympathy for his wife and children. 30.10.2000