Farewell Henk...

[Jetman]

He was a star with many moons around him. You're a big loss to our microlight community. I'm going to miss you so much.
Rest in peace Henk.

Cheers
Hendrik Loots

[Tumbleweed]

Boer and others,

Could someone post an address or even consider a collection to use as his closer buddies see fit. Donating to charity or flowers is a bit hollow and maybe you guys on behalf of any contributors can arrange something more meaningful.

His freindship group spreads far and wide and I'm sure others would want to be part of something in his memory. Otherwise send me a pm.

[ACE]

Very tragic, another roadside incident. Condolences to his loved ones..

[Big-D]

We have lost a great friend, last time I saw Henk was at Maputo International about a month ago when he landed gist Quick R there and was on his way to Inhambane

I will mis you buddy

D

[Low Level]

Met him once at Springs when the Sling left for it's round the world trip. The GT450 came in like a rocketship. I was seriously impressed and therefore introduced myself after he and Elna landed. His positive attitude made an immediate impression on me.

Strongs to his family and close mates, cause they are the people that suffer.

[Tailspin]

Oh No

This is a very sad post indeed.
Henk was a Pilot in a million - My Wife only reemmbers the Dude that cooked breakfast with Riley and Gaylord in the Background.
He will be sorely Missed - Fly Safe StrayDog. The Sky will be empty on those windy days just as the Sun is setting to hear the buzz of your GT-450 joining the circuit just as we are closing the Hangar doors.

RIP mate.

[LarryMcG]

Henk, my buddy, my heart is sore.

Will miss you more tham words can say.

Deepest condolences to all friends and especially family

Larry

[Boer]

I've had a couple of enquiries for the street address of the church, cnr of Alexandra and 9th ave, Florida.
Take the Gordon road offramp, drive over Ontdekkers road approx 500m, the road bends to the right, keep straight, at the T turn left, church is approx 300m on the right.

You can phone me for directions - 0836502430

Jacques

[rainier]

Just read the news on Microlighters.
This is quite a shock, I remember Henk well from my Panorama days and he often visited us here at MGL in Somerset West when he was working in the Cape Town area.

Farewell from Ria and Rainier, Henk, we will miss you...

[Boer]

Hi Guys,

Henk was my best friend and I thought I knew him well. I was surprized to learn of so many people that was in some way touched by "Henk's way."(That is what I am going to call it from now on) There are not enough words to explain the way Henk worked his magic on each and everyone that met him, without putting any pressure on someone or even engaging in a serious conversation with a person he had the way of getting the best out of us.
I would feel a bit down and after talking to Henk for a couple of minutes would walk away totally motivated and ready to tackle the world again. I can't even tell you what he said to change my mood, I think it was rather what he did not say that made the difference.
On Saturday, Henk's funeral, I learn that I was not the only one that was exposed to "Henk's way' but that there are several others that has experienced Henk. I have never heard anybody say anything even remotely bad about Henk. I would hate it if anybody said anything bad about myself but I think most of us have failed in acheiving this.

Everytime I look up at the sky I think of Henk. I think this will stay with me for a long time. We have lost a friend but gained a legend.

I will in days to come post what Eben said about Henk on Saturday - I dont think anybody could have said it any better.

[Graham Mac]

Henk would be proud of his MANY friends and family that came to his wake to celebrate his life.
Eben's speech was very moving as well as Jay's.
Thanks to Helga and her team of girls who organized an amazing spread for us all.
And as for the "Missing Man" fly past,piloted in unpleasant windy conditions,By Marc,Jay,Duif,Guy Steve ect,
That was an emotional moment for me.
Well done Panorama,its an honour to be part of you.
Henk will always be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to meet him.

[Chunky]

Being part of the Panorame group now for the last 13 years I have come to realise that the group that has assembled over this time is a special one. The loss of any pilot is a shame but one that you see every weekend is even worse.

Henk was definately one of the Mr Nice Guys of Panorama. Everyone liked him. He was a real aviator. He never had a bad thing to say, was always positive and to me was one of the last true trikers.

He came with us on our recent trip to Mozambique and always had a smile on his face, always a joke to tell and always a hand to lend.

He will be sorely missed by many friends and aviators.

Was a pleasure to have been mates with him. Very special man.

[Oddball]

Jacques, alias 'Boer' asked me to post Ebens speech here:
Dear friends and family,
I have been asked to say a few words in remeberance of Henk.
How do you pay tribute and where do you find words that will be fitting for a moment such as this where we all have deep longing for a friend that has passed on.
May I share with you a small scripture that will bring hope to you, his family and friends.
Isaiah 40:30 "But those who hope in the lord will renew thier strength. They will soar on wings like eagles"
Henk has now shed his training wings and replaced them with the heavenly issue.
Can you imagine anyone holding him in bondage when there are far distant galaxies to be explored? To soar hihg above in endless void and beauty. Only to be smiled upon by god himself.

Henk embodied the spirit of Panorama. The spirit of flight. The spirit within every pilot. He was a pilot. He was a very good pilot.

He gave expression to our imagination. Flying is freedom. When troubled or joyful he would spread his wings to uncharted destinations.
He had the need to explore. Whether some distant beach or the rugged emptiness of the Karoo.
One day I asked him where he was going. He looked in an easterly direction, then turned and faced south, and then with a smile on his face and his hand pointed straight up in the air he said, "that way".

With his beloved Elma with him wherever he went, his circle of hapiness was complete.

I would like to end this homage to a great man, father and friend in the words of Psalm 55.

"Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest."

Rest well our friend. You will be missed by us all. But more, you will be remembered by us all.
Eben Van Niekerk
May 2010.

[Graham Mac]