In loving memory of Gerard

In loving memory of Gerard


On August 17, 2004 Ron's oldest son Gerard has died unexpectedly. Gerard was only 17.

There are no words to even begin describing the sadness this incredible loss is causing everyone who knew him. And apart from the deep sadness there is anger, pain, and non understanding. Life at times can be so cruel and so unfair.

Gerard.. a young dog as one of his friends called him. Reckless at times, but with his heart in the right place and living life to the max. Always positive, straight forward, and with a solid belief in right and wrong. A leader, an initiator, enthusiastic and full of dreams and ideas. A guy all were happy to know and most of all: a guy to be incredibly proud of.

We were so happy that the contact between him and Ron had been reestablished. They chatted for hours and hours via MSN, and only a few weeks ago we went to visit Gerard in his house. We are grateful that at least we have this to look back on. Grateful for the memories. Grateful, for everything Gerard stood for and for the fact that in spite of the circumstances we were able to be a part of that.

One day the pain will fade and find its place in our hearts. But for now, we have no words to express how it feels and so we use W.H. Auden's poem Funeral Blues instead...


Funeral Blues

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead,
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last forever; I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now: Put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood,
For nothing now can ever come to any good.