She is as close to us as our thoughts are of her.

Daughter Lakshmi - I was always comforted by her unconditional love, her guidance, her support and her encouragement. I will miss her tremendously. Granddaughter Olivia (age 4) - I love her and I miss her so much. Granddaughter Sophia (age 2) - Where Oma go? Son-in-law Tom - Hanneke's tremendous enthusiasm, energy and passion were great gifts and very contagious. I very much appreciate and thank her for these traits and the time I and my family were able to spend with her and Ralph. Lakshmi and I will ensure that Hanneke's granddaughters carry on her lust for life and work to make a positive difference in their worlds like their Grandmother. Sister Marijke - I admired her courage and I will always love her. Brother Franz - My big sister: loving, alive, adventurous, and a beautiful spirit. Niece Hannalies - Tante: She had the best laugh in the world. I'll never forget everything she taught me. Doeg! Loving husband Ralph - I'll always remember singing "On the Road Again" together whenever we started off on a car trip, and how happy she was when we went to see Willy Nelson in concert for her 60th birthday. I will cherish the long conversations we had about the meaning of life, family, friends, and how we would spend our Golden Years together, as well as the periods of quiet non-verbal communication where we just enjoyed each others presence. I will miss every moment big and small, and I will love her and miss her forever.

A celebration of Hanneke's life will be held at the Wildlife Hall on July 29, 2010, at 6 p.m., (light lunch provided). As a tribute to Hanneke's love of gardening please bring a flower from your garden. For those so wishing, memorial donations may be made to Grand Forks & Boundary Regional Agricultural Society - Kettle River Community Garden c/o 10590 Granby Rd., Grand Forks, BC, V0H 1H1.