Ric's Eulogy

In grateful memory of

Ric Roelofs

* 7 January 1966                          † 14 September 2017

Ric was born in Hengelo as the third son out of 4 children. When Ric was one-month old we moved to Bergen op Zoom. Ric had a wonderful time there and Bergen op Zoom always held a special place in his heart.

When Ric was four years old we moved back to Hengelo. By then it had become clear that Ric was developing differently. He enjoyed his time at the Dr. Ariënsschool, a special care school in Hengelo. His high school education was at the LTS in Almelo. Without complaints he rode his bike every day two times 20 kilometres from Hengelo to Almelo. Ric enjoyed school, but homework wasn’t his favourite activity. Thanks to his mother’s help and endless patience Ric finished his education with a diploma.

Finding the right job for Ric proved to be a challenge. He started in the kitchen of the “Wapen van Beckum” restaurant. This proved too hectic and stressful for Ric. Subsequently he worked for many years delivering medications for Koop Pharmacy. After a brief period at a car detailing business Ric ended up at Munsterhuis, a chain of car dealerships. For over 15 years Ric really enjoyed worked there. He loved the work and was at ease around his colleagues. Ric was a great ambassador for the Renault brand: he would regularly ask if you weren’t ready to trade your car in for that beautiful new Renault. Three years ago Ric bought a Renault Captur himself which was his pride and joy.

Besides his work, his friends were very important to Ric. Anny was his pillar of strength and first port of call in times of need. Especially after his mother had passed away Anny took care of him in a wonderful way. She would help him with any problem or questions he had. They also had lovely outings together with Jan Peter and Joke. The many holidays with Anny and Jan Peter were some of Ric's dearest memories.

Two years ago it was a huge shock for him when he was diagnosed with metastasised bowel cancer. But after the initial impact Ric got control of himself and endured the many treatments and chemo-therapies courageously. The last few months his health suddenly deteriorated. At the end of August he was admitted to hospital. His body was too weak to recover. Peacefully Ric passed away in his sleep in the early morning of September 14.

We want to thank everybody for their attention and wonderful care of Ric.

Gerben, Bernt and Anne Marie Roelofs