Honour Roll
Although they are gone their memory will remain with us forever … Lest We Forget.
In Memory of Howard John Miller * March 19, 1938 – † February 11, 2018
On February 11, 2018, comrade Howard Miller unexpectedly passed away at his vacation address on Lanzarote. The family has stated to be deeply sad but thankful that pain and suffering have been spared for him.
Howard was, as “oldest”, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for more than 25 years and the patriarch of the Poppy Campaign in Zandvoort. Although he could no longer actively present the Poppies to the public around Remembrance Day on 11 November, he always wanted to be informed of the daily results afterwards.
The funeral ceremony of Howard has taken place in the meantime. May he rest in peace.
Lest we forget.
In Memory of Comrade Willem van Lith * 25 August 1940 – † 24 August 2016
On August 24, 2016 Willem van Lith (75), Chairman of the Bond van Wapenbroeders, dep. Amstelland and member of RCL Branch 005 passed away. On his 17th he became a professional soldier in the Dutch Royal Navy and was sent to New Guinea (’61-’62). He did not participate directly in war activities. To be visible in society as a veteran characterized his patriotism. “Give each other a hand, show respect for each other, accept each other: thát is what peace is … was his motto. Willem received several important decorations for his work.
Lest we forget.
In Memory of Comrade Jan Griekspoor * 5 August 1934 – † 22 September 2016
Thursday 22 September 2016 our comrade Jan Griekspoor exchanged his earth life for the hereafter. Jan went, weakened by his illness, silently. As he chosen it himself. Until the end of his strength he was present at and compassionate to the commemoration ceremonies of passed on comrades. Participation in the Colour Party of RCL005 was obvious for him, but regretfully not possible at the end. Still he was present at the commemorations to always place his “Poppy-cross” to honour his past on comrades. A modest and very much appreciated man is no longer in among us. We wish him a safe journey.
Lest we forget.
In memory of Comrade Henk Minne * 13 July 1941 † 9 May 2016
Monday May 9, 2016 we received a notice that our highly appreciated comrade Henk Minne has passed away. After a long period of illness Henk eventually closed his eyes for the last time. We knew his health was progressing very badly, but even so this message arrived unexpectedly. This is a very sad moment. RCL Branch 005 was close to his heart. Every year he was emphatically present at Wageningen in his old re-enactment Air Force uniform and his inseparable Canadian vehicle.
Also he often attended many Colour Parties and was always proud and honoured to carry one of the Colours. It was easy to talk with him about the war and as always you received all possible information from him. We will miss him tremendously. But we will never forget him. We wish his family all strength with the enormous loss.
Gert-Jan van ‘t Holt * 12 Feb 1941 †15 Oct 2014
Gert-Jan van ‘t Holt was a passionate man who spent many hours perfecting his life’s work: capturing stories of fallen Canadian war veterans.He is the founder of the information center at the Canadian War Cemetery at Holten. He was also chairman of the Foundation Welcome Again Veterans emphatically concerned with the organization of the 70th liberation year 2015. He was a member of RCL Branch 005 since its start in 2003.
Reginald Carl Bonnar * 5 July 1941 †19 April 2014
On April 20, 2014 we were received the sad news of the passing of Reg Bonnar, our Zone Commander of The Royal Canadian Legion Zone Europe. During the Zone meeting earlier we noticed Reg was a very ill man. In the week before Easter we received a message Reg was hospitalized. After that his health diminished very fast.
Reg was a loving, beloved and devoted husband and showed interest to everyone. He kept the traditions and values of The Royal Canadian Legion very high. Our thoughts go out to his wife Meggie, his children and grandchildren. RCL Zone Europe loses a great leader. We will hold him in our memories for ever.
Reg, Rest in Peace.
We will never forget.
Bob Veenstra * † 5 juni 2012.
Bob was a very active and proud Legion member and will certainly be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. From his comrades condolences are extended to his partner Marga. Bob was an esteemed member of Branch 005. Bob joined in the early days when the Branch was formed in the Netherlands. He was very involved as member og the executive of Branch 005. He shall be remembered as a fine comrade with a great interest in the Legion and its members. He could also be relied upon to consulate when seeking solutions to better the image of the Legion as his approach would always be in everyone’s best interest.
Henk Bakker *1918 † Dec 2011
Henk was a WWII Veteran and long time proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Hank was carried to his final resting place at the civilian cemetery in Huizen, the Netherlands by members of the Royal Dutch Airforce and his fellow comrades of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 005. “We will Remember him”.
Petrus Henricus Dekker *12 Feb 1929 † 4 Jan 2011
Peter was a very active and proud Legion member and will certainly be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. From his comrades condolences are extended to his wife Susan and family. Peter was an esteemed member of Branch 005. Peter joined in the early days when the Branch was formed in the Netherlands. He was very involved and was a man on which you could always count on when forming a Colour Party. In addition to Ceremonies in the Netherlands he also attended the Remembrance Ceremony at Werl, Germany and in France whenever he could. He shall be remembered as a fine comrade with a great interest in the Legion and its members. He could also be relied upon to consulate when seeking solutions to better the image of the Legion as his approach would always be in everyone’s best interest.
Rob Heijnem * † 6 May 2009
