Dear mas Hans,
When I was asked to say some words to you at your farewell
on 6 April 2011, I honestly had some doubts. First of all, I was only given 5
minutes. Secondly, giving a farewell message one should say the good things
about the person who is going to leave. As I looked back, I realized that we
had ups and downs in our relationship but as I started to count the ups and the
downs I knew that the downs were not significant at all.
Five minutes was certainly not long enough to say something
about the awesome working relationship and the beautiful personal contact with
you for more than 20 years. So many things have been said, many things have
been done and so many wonderful memories.
I knew you from my fourth year as a student Dutch Language
and Literature at Universitas Indonesia
in 1989. Once a week, I attended the lecture “Dutch language of the 17th
century”, given by you. I thought to myself: What? 17th century Dutch? At that
time, Dutch was difficult enough for us, let alone 17th century Dutch! But
because of your love and dedication to this field and because of the way you
explained the subject, it was a lot easier for us to understand the words of
Huygens, Hooft and Vondel and other 17th century Dutch poets and authors. At
the same time, I found my way to the Erasmus Language Centre (ETC).
For me and most of my colleagues, ETC has become a second
home. You played your role as the eldest brother, our mas Hans. A brother who
would welcome any kind of ideas, even the most hillarious ideas. A brother who
stood by to guide us in good and bad times. A brother who was willing to give
his listening ears to each of us. And although the door to your office was
protected by a special code, it was always open for us. For many students of
ETC, you were the uncle. An uncle who gave a home where they are able to do
many activities with the Dutch language.
Your beautiful house in Pejaten was also always open for us.
The house will be a silent witness of the remarkable personal contact with you
and Didi, who hosted many kind of pleasant events: the dangdut parties, the
birthday parties and of course the swimming parties. And this beautiful mansion
is also a witness of the love you shared with Didi.
Mas Hans, God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to
be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "come to me”. Although we
were not able to be there for you during your last days, but with tearful eyes
we watched you from a distance pass away. We loved you dearly, but we could not
make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God
broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. May you rest in peace,
my dear friend, my wonderful colleague Hans Groot!
