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| We remember Bert Grashoff Born 6 December 1959 in Bleiswijk Died 9 December 2007 in Barendrecht |
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Tribute For
the funeral service Martin, in the last minute, wrote a tribute, which
was not needed after
all. Here is an English translation as our tribute to Bert.
How to describe Bert? Bert was just Bert. A bit stiff, as strong as an ox, with unexpected weak spots, for example regarding his nephews and nieces. The simple truth is, that Bert was, significantly, a good man. Starting as a civil engineer with a highly reputable engineering firm, he said aloud what everybody thought, but was afraid to say. In the middle of the drawing office Bert said: 'I think the manager's salary is ridiculously high.' The manager stood right behind him, and Bert's reviewable contract was not continued. 'But I was right, wasn't I?' Bert said indignantly. Of course he was. I went hiking with Bert for a weekend, together with Arnold, then about 9 years old. Bert had only one worry: didn't we make it too difficult for the wee boy and would he still enjoy himself? The fact that both Bert and I soon could hardly walk on our fresh blisters, was rather irrelevant. Bert could be selective in admitting others into his personal life. He did not want to bother anyone and preferred to sort out things for himself. To others he could appear as close-mouthed or superficial. That appearance was deceptive. He had a well-matured inner life. The mountains reflected that enough and there was no need to voice it all explicitly. Like many of us he read Tolkien again and again and he had thought well about his faith. I would like to say farewell to Bert with a song from The Lord of the Rings. It is the Road Song version Frodo sings at the last farewell from his friends, and we have written it on the card that goes with our flowers. Still round the corner there may wait A new road or a secret gate; And though I oft have passed them by, A day will come at last when I Shall take the hidden paths that run West of the Moon, East of the Sun. Bert, on behalf of all of us: fare thee well! Barendrecht, 12 December 2007
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| The final stone First published 27/02/2009
This week the tombstone was placed on Bert's grave. It is very appropriate and well done. You can even see something of a mountain in the down left corner.  Back to top |
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Nederlandse
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