Henk Roelofs' Eulogy

In grateful memory of

Henk Roelofs

* 7 Augustus 1928         † 12 February 2008

Henk was born at the Oldenzaalsestraat in Hengelo, the second child of five. His father was headmaster and a huge example to dad.
The horrors of the war also gave Henk as a teenager adventures and exciting memories. The Canisius College in Nijmegen, where he spent part of his high school days, gave him fond memories and he also made long term friends there.
Next Henk studied civil engineering, after which he was conscribed. Later on papa considered the army a good school for life. Towards the end of his conscription he was based in Amsterdam, and got to know mama (better) in the weekly train to Hengelo.
In 1957 Henk married Toos and they had three sons. Because of papa’s work we moved to Bergen op Zoom for four years. After our return to Twente a daughter completed our family.
Papa was always a hard worker and a determined person. Initially he worked as a civil engineer, but he finished his career in the marketing department at “de Zout” (Akzo) in Hengelo. In that capacity he also educated people at schools; the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
At age 61 papa retired, and finally really had time for his hobbies. He was very proud of his coin and stamp collections, especially the Vatican one. Singing in the church choir was another passion: in the end for 73 years. In summertime Henk went for his daily swim in the sometimes freezing water of the Tuindorpbad; one of the few times you could see ‘sir Roelofs’ without suit or tie. Papa never passed on the cup of coffee afterwards, because social contacts were very important to him. He also enjoyed the assistance he could offer others: for instance papa was involved in the establishment of the Leonardus Hospice and he often drove to Poland to deliver much needed medicine and clothing.
Our family was always very important to papa, with a good future for the children the central theme. It wasn’t always very harmonious, but Henk did everything with the best intentions. Relaxation was found in France, where we spent many vacations in Narbonne. Papa was a proud man – proud of Toos, his children and his Volvo. Proud too of his grandchildren, although he had to wait a while for those.
The last few years papa started to become forgetful, but his confidence was helpful: “No, no, you are making a mistake”. The last two months papa became more aware of it himself and it made him very sad. The softer sides of his personality became more and more prominent. His physical and mental health went downhill very quickly. The cancer, which evidently had been there for a long time, suddenly reared its ugly head, and the end came within two weeks. Papa found much strength in his faith, which helped him to die in peace. It was all good.

Papa, thank you for all your love and care,
Toos and the children.