Dr. Manuel Guillermo Firgau, 43, of Galax, peacefully passed away at his home on October 30, 2014.

He was born in Caracas, Venezuela to the late Konrad Christian Firgau Yanes and Maria Celeste Quintero de Firgau. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Sarah Friend and children, Elizabeth Grace and Johannes Firgau, of the home; brother Konrad Christian Firgau of Caracas, Venezuela; sister and nephew Maria Celeste and Matthias Firgau of Dortmund, Germany; aunt and cousin Graciela and Celeste Grammer of Algonquin, Illinois; father and mother-in-law Terry and Nancy Friend of Galax,; sister-in-law and nieces Rebecca Friend, Emily and Sophie Joines of Sparta.

Dr. Firgau graduated from Boston University, where he obtained both his undergraduate and medical degrees. He had a determined spirit, a wealth of patience, and a heart of love. He was a talented and compassionate physician, husband and father. Despite a long battle with cancer, he was also an eternal optimist and wrote the following words to remember him by:

"Everything is possible. Work hard. Always be persistent. Be positive. Life is beautiful. Enjoy it!"

At the request of Dr. Firgau, a private service will be held for family members. Friends wishing to do so may come by Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home Saturday or Sunday between the hours of 8:30 AM through 5:00 PM to sign the register book and pick up a memorial on Dr. Firgau. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Galax Foundation for Excellence in Education, P.O. Box 487, Galax, Virginia 24333.