Tuesday, January 19, 2021
I often thought ‘what made my friend Fred so approachable and likeable’. So many people liked Fred. Honest, hospitable, engaging, energetic, caring and not pretentious are all qualities that Fred had and that made him who he was. But I think one of his best qualities and the one that made people (especially men) gravitate to him was that people saw him as a safe harbour (veilige haven in het Nederlands). He accepted you on face value and welcomed you. He was inclusive! Be it a pastor or a crazy Irishman (gekke Ierse man in het Nederlands), you could talk to Fred, confide in him, and feel comfortable - including that what you said was confidential. On the Sunday after Nelly died, I remember being in Church and, upon hearing of Nelly’s death, my eyes teared up. On Monday after hearing from Monica, those same eyes once again teared up.
As Herb said to me yesterday: “I am sure Fred has his gardening work set out for him where he is now!” Amen.
