Tribute given at his funeral by his Mother, Wil van Rijs: Harmen was a very easy baby, who talked at a very early stage. When he was four years old, he had been at nursery school for a few weeks, he wanted money to lend books from the school library. ‘You cannot even read’, I said ‘what do you want a book for?’ ‘Oh yes’, he said, ‘I can read ,you will see!’ Alright, I gave him money, he got a book with lots of pictures and indeed: he could read! We never taught him. Harmen has always been a great reader, he would devour books. During elementary school Harmen was fascinated by a variety of things. He drew a whole series of cars that he had developed on paper. Then he would be mad about carting for a while. Or he would engulf himself in White Moselle wine after a school outing to Germany, at the age of fourteen. As most of you know, he has been drinking a lot of white wine since. Latin Grammar School. His first year was splendid, nothing but top marks. His second year slightly less good. His third year weak, extremely weak. And in his fourth year, all his marks insufficient. He had to take his class again. Now it makes me laugh, but I remember at that time, we were furious, because he simply didn’t do his homework. Much too busy tweaking mopeds, motorbikes and cars; and shaking off the girlfriends who would come trooping to the house, without being invited. After school and his military service he started to study law in Amsterdam. He quit after 3 weeks and started to look for a job. He ended up in the insurance business, a field he had always refused to consider, but at which he appeared to be quite successful. Once he got more or less settled, he started having more or less regular relationships. After four serious relationships and in the meantime father of Daniel, Helen came along and she was there to stay. She is his true love. On the 20th of October 2006, Harmen and Helen had been married for 5 years. It is not possible to put into words the way Helen looked after Harmen, especially the last year, which was so heavy. She gave up her work to be with him all the time, knowing their time together was limited. Helen, thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you did for Harmen. Jan and I are very proud to have you as a daughter in law. And we hope you all feel as privileged as we do to have known Harmen. HAMPIE I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.