“June 5th 2011” We were travelling in Norway.
It was around 13.45 that the name of Johan came on my phone display as a missed call. This was really strange, as Johan never contacted me on Sundays. Before I could call back Erick, who was travelling with us, came to me and updated me.
It was like a nightmare when I hear that Johan had passed away.
Not taking into account my personal feelings, I start to think what the impact would be for the members of NEO. As board members of NEO we agreed to cancel all club activities until further notice. We also agreed to open a special place on our website so that all members were updated.
After we came back at our vacation house.Icalled Doris. I put the phone on the speaker so that Erick could follow our conversation as well.
Doris explained in detail what happened. We were really impressed how Doris handled this,
She reacted quickly and took the right step by calling 112 right away. The ambulance came and the
paramedics fought hard to keep Johan with us. But it was soon clear that God already take the decision that it was time.
I will never forget the last words from Johan. “Doris I love you very much" "" I
Am gonna die”. Then Doris and also we started to cry.
It was really clear Johan was gone. The next days we had a lot of contact with Benrico and Cees Persoons.They gave us
alot of local support. After we were informed that the funeral was on Friday
July 10th, We made the decision to fly home without any discussion. Our wives supported us and I arranged 4 tickets
to fly back on Thursday.
In the meantime we arranged a special memorial place in our clubhouseNEO 25. On Thursday evening all NEO club members were invited to sign the condolences
register. Around 200 people gave response to this invitation, and came over to
the clubhouse to support each other to overcome this enormous lose.
Without any announcement Doris came in as well. I guide Doris, and together we went to the memorial place,
Where we start crying. It was completely silent in the clubhouse, and you could feel the solidarity from the NEO family. This was for me an unforgettable respectful moment.
The funeral on Friday was overcrowded with people. The funeral room was even too small.
And people ha to stand outside to follow the service. The woman minister did a real good job,
And gave this service a personal touch with a lot of respect to Johan,Doris, his family
and friends. Also several other speakers spoke there disbelief that Johan was not there anymore. And thanked him for his humour and dedicated support.
After the funeral all were invited to come over to the NEO clubhouse to bring their personal condolences over to Doris and
his family. This also gave the ones who never visited NEO a look at Johan's second home.
And what he had accomplish, and done for NEO 25.
Twenty-three years together we joined the board of NEO’25, and as representative
of NEO.We guided more than 375 games of the first team. Johan know all NEO members by heart, and without any flashback he could tell the whole story of them. What they have done for NEO,
Also where they played and other detailed information. Without any doubt it will take a long time before I can accept that Johan is gone. But I’m also convinced that Johan wants us to move on and that his contribution towards NEO
25 was just a small step, and continue.
A Note To Mari From Doris
Thank you Mari for the nice words for Johan.You were a good friend to him and i know you will never forget him,just as i won't forget all the NEO family has done for me and Johan's family.
Happy Birthday Johan!
3 August 1954- 5 June 2011
I made this card for Johan's birthday
Happy Birthday Honey! Today you would have been 57.This day was to be a happy day for the both of us. Unfortunately you were taken away to soon. Now I have to celebrate with tears and a broken heart. I wish I could turn back time to where we spent all our time together. Unfortuntely that is not possible. Wish for your birthday that you are at peace. And that someday soon we will be celebrating birthdays and holidays together once again.
The days are long and lonely without you. I miss your voice. I miss your kisses and hugs. I miss you very much. My heart is broken and I am having a hard time with your death. There are many days that are bad for me. I struggle each day to go because I know that is what you would want me to do. But it is so hard when you love someone so much it hurts when you lose them.
I will cherish all the years we shared together. You were the one I wanted to grow old together with. We both talked about growing old together. Our love was strong for one another and no one could take that away from us. I will never stop loving you.
Love forever and always
Your wife
Doris (Bunny)
December 25 2011
Johan the holidays are fast approaching.And I am finding it hard as the days get closer to Christmas and New Years.You knew Christmas was my favorite holiday.And i loved spending it with you.The same with New Years too.And now I must spend them alone with out you.I know you will be in my heart on these two holidays.But I just wish we could be spending them together and not apart.I love you very much and my love will never die for you.You made me very happy.Just as I made you very happy.
Each day is a sruggle for me without you.I had a difficult choice to make.And I must go back to America.I cannot survive here in Holland.It hurts me a lot to know I have to leave you here.And me in America.It hurts so bad honey.I know you will be with me wherever I am.I just wish I could turn back time so we can be together.
You said we were going to grow old together.But we will not be growing old together.And I am not angry with you for leaving me so soon.One day we will be together again.And I long for that day a lot lately.You were my soulmate,partner for life.You left me to soon and I am not angry with you for that.
I have a very rough road ahead without you.But one day we will be together again.I will be back here in Holland with you one day.You are the only one I want.There will be no other for me.
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.One day we will be celebrating all the holidays together again.Until then I will keep you close in my heart.This year Christmas will be a loney one without you.I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers this day and every other day till we are together again.
All my love
Your wife
Doris
