We received the sad news in the morning of April 20 that Henny Aartsen is no longer with us. After a short illness he deceased yesterday night at the age of 73 years. We enormously sympathize with Anke, with his family and friends. But even with his inseparable companion Siep and his cats Becky and Berend.
We will miss him enormously. Henny ... a pillar of stability at FireWare. Every Wednesday he drove in. Performed the chores that were required at that time. Each noon reserved for Siep and Djoek. His peace and perspective and balance within the sometimes hectic Support Service. If needed an extra day, he came. And if it did not work out, we were also told. That honesty made it sure you could count on Henny.
Henny worked for nine years at FireWare. He is still from the "Velserbroek" age. He left our international dealers an indelible impression as the "top chef" at the Interschutz 2015. Every day he gave spectacular meals, preferably cooked on the BBQ in "camp FireWare". Everyone looked forward to his meals at the upcoming Interschutz.
So many fairs and events, so many rental projects, so many exercises, so many simulators, so many effects. We can't just list where Henny all worked on. He loved to tinker with the smaller, special effects. But also to help with the big projects. Technical prowess was his passion.
But Henny's contribution to our current premises has been enormous. Construct, and move the business by running it simultaneously was certainly of interest!
We are so grateful that we were able to have Henny our team. We would all have liked to have a little longer around. Henny was there when it went well with FireWare, but he was there were problems. Henny was always simply there.
Dear, dear Henny: thank you. Thanks for everything. But especially for those moments when you were there when the going really was difficult. Business and private. That made to me and to Jacqueline a real difference. You were to us a real friend. We will never forget your version of the stratenmaker op zee show.
But thanks for your commitment and support to our mission: you helped with your technical knowledge, passion and creativity to ensure that aid workers can continue and are worldwide qualified. Even when you were actually at an age that most people retire. On behalf of these people: Thank you!
We're going to miss you! And wherever are you now: keep fun!
For this we go out dark nights, searching
for the dimmest stars,
for signs of unseen things.
Rebecca Elson
