Siem Huijberts has died

In memoriam Siem Huijberts

What we had all feared for so long has become reality. Siem has lost his battle against oesophageal cancer. From the moment it became clear that he had this terrible disease, Siem and his loved ones lived between hope and fear. For a while it seemed that the cancer could be treated surgically. That hope, however, soon proved to be in vain, and it became clear to everyone that the end had only been postponed.

Until the moment when it really was no longer possible, he remained involved with the West Frisian Folklore. During the ring tilting day Siem (ill as he was) kept involving himself in the organisation in his characteristic way. It was his day!

With deep respect, we as a board saw how he continued to take part in our meetings with only a glass of water in front of him and with the by then familiar tube through which he was fed. And that for a man who could enjoy all the good things in life so intensely. A bite to eat and a drink (how often we raised a glass or bottle of beer) in good company after a Folklore day or a board meeting were never wasted on Siem. Sadly, nothing of that was left now. His quality of life had taken an enormous blow, but what remained was his tremendous willpower to still make something of it.

In one of the last conversations I had with him, we concluded that he had got everything out of life and that quality always comes before quantity. Age, after all, is just a number. In the end it is about what you have achieved and, even more importantly, what you have meant to others. All true, of course, but that does not change the fact that the passing of our friend and fellow board member has come far too soon.

Siem was of great importance not only to the West Frisian Folklore. He was very socially engaged and active, for which he was rightly honoured with a Royal decoration.

Siem was a people person, but above all a horse person too! People and horses alike will miss him enormously.

What remains is the memory of the many wonderful moments we were able to share with Siem. The West Frisian Folklore will never forget him. His name will always remain linked to the ring tilting day. It was his day and it will stay that way.

We wish Marja, the children and grandchildren every strength in bearing this great loss.

On behalf of the board of the West Frisian Folklore,

Rienk Mud

Chairman