It was hard to not notice my father, Henk, as he always managed to magnify his presence, To witness (from a distance) such a 'big' and 'strong' personality shrink in a matter of days was painful and disgraceful. I am very thankful that this process took place so fast that Henk hardly had time to look into the mirror. After a turbulent life, Henk passed away peacefully. Until the end, Henk and I strongly disagreed on (at least) one thing: Henk felt that his work wasn't finished and even after the news of his terminal illness attempted desperately to digitize the many articles and photographs he produced during his journalistic career. Although I may look like Henk, I would settle for less and feel that Henk with the publication of his book and radio documentaries about the 2nd world war in what is now called "Indonesia' - and being knighted for it (this meant more for Henk than he would like to admit), has lived a perfect and complete life. Until today, Henk’s efforts and work offer tremendous consolation to those whose ancestors are the protagonists in his book. Thank you Henk, not for being a father but an inspiration to achieve whatever you pursue in life. Martijn, Henk's son
It was hard to not notice my father, Henk, as he always managed to magnify his presence, To witness (from a distance) such a 'big' and 'strong' personality shrink in a matter of days was painful and disgraceful. I am very thankful that this process took place so fast that Henk hardly had time to look into the mirror. After a turbulent life, Henk passed away peacefully. Until the end, Henk and I strongly disagreed on (at least) one thing: Henk felt that his work wasn't finished and even after the news of his terminal illness attempted desperately to digitize the many articles and photographs he produced during his journalistic career. Although I may look like Henk, I would settle for less and feel that Henk with the publication of his book and radio documentaries about the 2nd world war in what is now called "Indonesia' - and being knighted for it (this meant more for Henk than he would like to admit), has lived a perfect and complete life. Until today, Henk’s efforts and work offer tremendous consolation to those whose ancestors are the protagonists in his book. Thank you Henk, not for being a father but an inspiration to achieve whatever you pursue in life. Martijn, Henk's son
