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FUNERAL HOME

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

5130 Wisconsin Ave NW

Washington, District of Columbia

Rudolf van der Bijl Obituary

RUDOLF van der BIJL
On October 19, 2010 of Washington, DC. Beloved husband of France-Line; devoted father of Sophia and Edmond. Friends may call at JOSEPH GAWLER'S SONS, 5130 Wisconsin Ave. NW on Friday, October 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial Celebration to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Capital Hospice of Arlington, VA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from Oct. 21 to Oct. 22, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Rudolf van der Bijl

Sponsored by anonymous.

130 Entries

October 7, 2020

Joyeux anniversaire Papa (avec un jour d'avance!). Tu me manques toujours, meme presque (!) 10 ans plus tard. Love,
Ta fille

Sophia van der Bijl

October 20, 2019

Hmmm, I tried to post this yesterday but maybe failed...anyway, I'm still thinking of you and miss you, 9 years later. Love

Sebnem Sener

October 17, 2019

Dear Rudi, 2019 happened to be the most difficult year in my life. Life is ironic right- I celebrated my 40th birthday and we celebrated our 20th year anniversary but then right after my world was upside down. Everything was pulled under my feet almost. I had very very difficult 3 months and to be frank it still is.
I am sharing all these with you bc I need your wisdom the most. I am trying to guess what you would have advised if you were here. Not successful. Only thing I know you would have said tomorrow is another day;) so wish you were here. We still remember you very vividly, I do hope that you somehow feel/see or are aware of all the people that still remembers you and think about you. And please send me strength wherever and in what form you are.

Edmond van der Bijl

October 8, 2019

Happy Birthday Pops!

Sebnem Sener

October 21, 2018

Dear Rudi,
8 years. Time flies but you are still remembered very vividly and have been in our hearts and memories.
I am just back from Tanzania. Spent 2 days in dar es Salaam and one day in Arusha. I went to visit some farms and hospitals (for work). Returned to New York on Friday. World is indeed a very strange place. I am sure you would know I mean. and you would go "life is not fair"! I know. But still bothers me.
Anyway I just wanted to say you are so missed. Sometimes I need your guidance and advice very very much, but I am a big girl, find my way always- sometimes it just takes time:)
Sebnem, NYC, October 2018

Sophia van der Bijl

October 8, 2018

Happy birthday. Missing you!

Sebnem Sener

October 20, 2017

Dear Rudy, I am a few days late but I was in Nigeria. You would say "ugggh". I was in Abuja and Lagos- hard to describe but it has to be experienced. Work went well, but more important I came back realizing how lucky we are just to have what we have. I will go back again in two weeks. I don't know whether you had ever been in Nigeria but I am sure you had lots of insights if you did. Would have loved to hear them. I so wish. I miss you very much, still.

October 20, 2017

October 20, 2017
Dear Rudi,
Month of special memories ! On your birthday that we celebrated like usual on Columbus Day, Sophia, Edmond and family gathered for lunch according to our tradition. This year were included Arianna and your two grand children : your grand daughter three years old and your grand son four months old. It is sad that you didn't have the joy to know them. They are so special !
Yesterday people remembered as well. For dinner came our dear friend who was present for your "dernier adieu". It is always emotional to evoke it. You are still present in our thoughts.

October 19, 2017

I still miss you, papa.

sebnem sener

January 3, 2017

I totally forgot in 2016... Human nature ha.. It is bad. I remembered to write end November but then I was like "I am late anyway no point to write".. But now in Jan 2017, I am thinking why not write a few words showing you are still in our hearts... Many things remind you on my daily life from time to time, either seeing a weird person and thinking about your sarcastic remarks or a good restaurant.. or my grammatical errors and your red marks...Life is going on here Rudy, hope you are watching us somewhere above. And probably laughing at me while I am struggling with my two boys:)

Sebnem Sener

October 21, 2015

Dear Rudy,
This year I forgot, I am late for about a week. And I feel so bad. But lots changed in my life and among all the daily rush I forgot.
We moved to NYC. I got a job in the UN, I am working with Queen Maxima. You would have been proud of me. My husband got a good job in private sector as well. Although it is hard to adjust to NYC after DC, still change is good. Here it is noisy, dirty and crowded but lots of very good restaurants which you would have appreciated. Boys are doing well, Kaan is going to school here, International Preschool, he seems to like it. Bora is 10 months old. Time flies. It has been five years and I cannot believe it. I still feel like I saw you recently. I miss you, and remember all your advices all the time, especially when I am making critical decisions in my work life. Thanks for all those. Hope you are seeing us somewhere and making your sarcastic remarks..
Sebnem

October 19, 2015

October 15, 2015,
Five years today. You are still present.
To keep the tradition Sophia, Edmond and his family got together. Your grand daughter entertained us happily. You would have loved it.
Life goes on with joy and sorrow.
Ff

Sebnem Sener

October 19, 2014

Dear Rudi,
I saw a man crossing the street the other day, just looked like you, then thought about how fast time passes. Cant believe it has been 4 years.
You would have been making all kind of sarcastic remarks about me being pregnant with my second son:)
Lots is changing in the Bank, you wouldn't like it:)
We miss you...

October 17, 2014

Dear Rudy,
Four years today !
Life goes on with it ups and downs.
You would have enjoyed so much our grand daughter born during the summer.
You would have been so worried and upset with a recurrent health issue in the family.
We love you and miss you.
Ff

Sebnem Sener

October 9, 2014

Rudy, the missing you feeling never decreases... You live in our hearts and minds. I believe I will see you again in afterlife.

October 9, 2014

Dear Rudi,
Of course Sophia, Edmond and I + your dear friend from Hamburg who happened to be in DC got together for lunch on your birthday. The night before we had over for dinner other of your good friends from Ibiza, Bolivia and San Salvador. We made a toast in your memory. Last week you were also present during a gathering in Reservoir Road with more of your friends, without forgetting a few weeks earlier when came home the very first friends I met when I move to Washington : Dutch, British, Austrian.
So much is happening in Washington which would make you happy for some, less for others. We continue to have a solid bonding always with you in our thoughts.
Ff

October 8, 2014

Bon anniversaire papa.

Marten van der Krieke

October 22, 2013

Lieve Rudi, ik was met 2 vrienden in de VS. 3 66-jarigen reden de route66. Ik vertelde mijn vrienden over jou, Fanfan, je 2 kinderen, en van onze bezoeken aan Washington. Hoe je zomaar onaangekondigd voor ons kon staan, je hartelijkheid, je aandacht voor ons wel en wee, vaak een grote bos bloemen bij je, snoepen van de hollandse kaas en de witte wijn.... Mijn vrienden hadden je graag willen ontmoeten. We missen je nog vaak.
Marten

October 19, 2013

Dear Rudi,
Three years today !
Of course we exchange thoughts between Sophia, Edmond and I. Some friends also remembered.
On October 8, the three of us went to our traditional restaurant in Georgetown where we were used to celebrate your birthday. It shows how present you still are.
You were present as well during Edmond's wedding last August, which took place in the South of Italy. We had a few emotional moments when you were mentioned during the speeches Sophia and I made.
Life took a new dimension having welcomed Edmond's Italian wife in the family. You would have loved her.
Ff

Sebnem Sener

October 19, 2013

Hi Rudy, it has been 3 years since you left us. Time flies.
I had a son last year, his name is Kaan. I wish I could have introduced him to you. I am sure you would have avoided him when he screams:)
I am missing you so much. Missing my wise guide, my blunt adviser, my editor:) I missed your sarcasm, a loooot.
I am not traveling as much, after my son, but went to Germany for beer and sausages:) And went to Bishkek for FSAP, you would have been proud of me:) although you would have shown it in "your" sarcastic way...
Tears in my eyes now.. I believe we will meet again, somehow, somewhere, in some form...
Lots of love...

October 8, 2013

happy birthday papa. still think of you a lot. love, ta fille

April 19, 2013

Following on one hand the tragic event which happened in Boston, I remember on the other hand that it has been two and a half years today that you left us.
I had dinner last night with two of our very dear Dutch friends and their spouses and in a way you were present like always when I see them.
Last Sunday I had the surprise visit of our friends of Bonnieux who are spending a few days in Washington.
Thank to this Guest Book our first baby sitter from Lorraine found us. She was very sorry to learn that she won't be able to see you next Monday when she comes with her husband for dinner. It is her first trip back to the States after 30 years. She describes the year she spent in our family as the nicest of her life. Touching.
Yesterday there was a big celebration in SF for the birthday of our dear friend. Normally we would have attended it together, but nowadays I am not very keen of traveling by myself. I miss my guide.
Ff

October 19, 2012

Dear Rudi,

Two years already passed since we said our last good bye.
The highlights of this year where you were especially presents were :

1. During the presentation of David G book at the vA in Easton,
2. The gathering of all the vdB in South of France,
3. The trip I made with Sophia to the Netherlands where we saw Annefiet dH, aunt Gerda R, Greet and Marteen vdK,
4. Edmond's art shows which would have made you so proud.

Your closest friends let me know that they are remembering you on that second anniversary. You stay so much in our thoughts.

Love.
Ff

April 19, 2012

18 months today ! Sophia in Rome, Edmond and myself in DC were thinking of you who are still so much present in our lives.
Ff

October 19, 2011

October 19
Again Rudi you are remembered by your loved ones. It has been a year today that you left us. I got messages from all over. I talked on the phone to Sophia and Edmond who is still in South of France. You will be happy to know that tomorrow there is the opening of an Art Show in St Tropez where he is participating. Sophia is going on a business trip to Africa this w.e. Life goes on... and you stay present !
Ff

Gerda Remmelenkamp

October 18, 2011

Dag lieve Washingtonse vrienden.
Er gaat werkelijk geen dag voorbij dat ik niet aan jullie denk. Zeker in deze okt.maand.
Rudy is nog heel vaak in m'n gedachten.
Heel veelliefde van Gerda.

Marten

October 13, 2011

Lieve Fanfan, Sophia en Edmond, wij denken nog vaak aan Rudy. Wij missen hem erg en praten nog veel over zijn bezoekjes aan Gerda en ons.

Olha Krushelnytska

October 12, 2011

I don't even know how to decribe the way you impacted my life. How to say how much you meant to me, and everybody you touched. Looking back now I can see how precious were times just interacting with you and getting that rare wisdom and kindness - often hidden between the lines and presented in a way that made us wake up and laugh at our own weaknesses, laugh together. I always remember it, as what you did and said lives here, with us.

Eve et Alain Bedu

October 11, 2011

11 oct. 2011
Ici Eve et Alain Bedu (depuis le Cap Corse, où nous vivons depuis 1996).

Bonjour Chère Fanfan,
On a longtemps chercher à vous joindre pour relancer notre vieille amitié. Et c'est par inadvertance que l'on vient de découvrir la triste nouvelle. Nous te présentons nos très cordiales condoléances. Même si pour nous - bouddhistes - la vie, la mort ne sont que passages et transitions, il n'en reste pas moins que le départ de Rudy afflige tous ceux qui l'aimais, et nous en étions. Particulièrement pour toi et tes deux enfants nous avons une très amicale pensée. Ainsi vous viviez, tu vivrais, toujours sur T street NW.
On se demandait souvent si vous étiez restés à Washington, une fois l'heure de le retraite venue... Merci de nous mettre un petit mot pour donner de tes nouvelles...> "[email protected]" plus pratique pour nous qui ne sommes pas encore trop "facebookeurs".

Eve et Alain

October 10, 2011

October 8, 2011,
Don Rodolfo,
I was very touched to see how many people remembered your birthday : they sent messages, they called. Some friends spent the evening home with me. You are still very much in our thoughts.
Even if we are separated geographically the bonding stays strong between Sophia, Edmond and I, thanks to you. We miss our mentor.
Ff

Sebnem Sener

October 9, 2011

It has been a year since you have been gone, I have been remembering you all the time. I try to follow your wisdom, you guidance... It is not easy without the guide himself, but I am doing my best. I lost my second father, and two in a row is really very difficult... Missed you so much...

Sophia van der Bijl

October 8, 2011

Bon anniversaire papa,
I miss you.
Love,
Sophia

Anne Vorce

August 2, 2011

Fanfan,

We are so sorry to hear about Rudy. Please accept our very sincere condolences.

Anne Vorce and Bill Shaw

Ff van der Bijl

April 25, 2011

April 19. 2011
Dear Rudi,
It has been six months already since you left us. Even if our 40 years of marriage weren’t “a long fleuve tranquille” (would have been so boring) we may have had our downs but we also had rewarding times of true happiness. Now living without you is not easy. We miss our conductor who was always there to lead and guide the quartet ! The adjustment is also hard to make for Sophia and Edmond who have to learn the difficult task of living without their father. We were a solid team weren't we ?
Thank you for all you taught and gave us. You are still present at T Street where you greet us when we enter the house. There has not been one time while watching the video of the pictures in the Guest Book which didn’t bring me tears and sorrow.
Your voyage took another dimension, but this time you won’t come back. It is so sad !

VINOD BUSJEET

January 25, 2011

Dear Fanfan, Sophie and Edmond,

My wife Nessa and daughter Gita join me in expressing our condolences upon Rudy's passing away.

I sadly was unable to attend his funeral service to pay him my respects. I wish to express my deep gratitude for the role Rudy played in my life: he was instrumental in getting me hired by IFC and over the years he continued to give support not only to me but to other junior colleagues as well. I also recall fondly the times when Rudy and I would discuss the books he was reading --notably V.S.Naipaul --, and his tips on wine. He conveyed to those around him the essence of good living.

We wish you Bon Courage.

Vinod, Nessa and Gita

Pablo martinez

November 26, 2010

con cariño y regocijo en el encuentro con Dios

Olivier et Isabelle Lafourcade

November 17, 2010

"Chere Fanfan,
Comme tant d'autres, nous avons ete catastrophes d'apprendre le deces de Rudi. Si brutal, si soudain... Nous savions qu'il n'etait pas bien depuis le debut de l'ete, mais nous etions loin d'imaginer une issue fatale aussi rapide. Et comme bien d'autres, nous avions l'espoir de vous retrouver tous les deux en Bourgogne, comme vous l'aviez fait l'annee derniere a Marseille. Voyage qui nous laisse d'ailleurs un souvenir formidable de Rudi comme nous l'avions toujours connu. Curieux de tout, observateur lucide, plein d'humour, de vie et de vivacite, gentil et chaleureux. Comme quelques uns autour de nous, Rudi faisait partie de la vieille garde, ceux que nous avions connus des notre arrivee a la Banque, ceux que l'on revoyait avec tant de plaisir parmi les "Vieux de la vieille", chez Nicolas par exemple, avec Elkyn, Florent Agueh, Franz Kaps et compagnie...Ceux pour lesquels les points de reference etaient les memes. Nous ne nous voyions pas tres frequemment, surtout avec mes nombreux postes a l'etranger (Bresil, France, Mexique), mais c'etait toujours un immense plaisir de retrouver Rudi, toujours aussi stimulant et drole. Voila bien un monsieur tres serieux, tres professionnel, tres engage, et qui pourtant ne se prenait pas trop au serieux. Quel rafraichissement dans notre monde ou tant de gens se prennent tellement au serieux...
En tout cas, il nous manquera beaucoup. Il nous manque deja. Et sois bien assuree que nous pensons tout specialement a toi, et a toute ta famille, en ce moment bien douloureux. Nos pensees et nos prieres t'accompagnent.

Avec toute notre amitie

MALCOLM HOPKER

November 11, 2010

6 Nov 2010. I have vexed myself for days over what I would write, aiming for the day of Rudi's memorial, which sadly I could not attend. Well, you always thought carefully when conversing with Rudi, he still has that influence. Mind, he generally knew what you were saying before ir was half out.

In truth, we were friendly and well-disposed towards each other, much more than just acquaintances but not close friends. In early years, there was this spritely, self-contained, self-assured, composed, quizzical, intelligent, sharp man, speaking in short, efficient, clipped sentences, a little irascible, impatient, but overall calm, who popped up occasionally, the husband of a dear colleague and friend. A bit detached really, save for the occasion when in a squash accident I gave FanFan a cut meriting 5 stitches. He was at her side, from work, in a flash.

In recent years, we had a few little business wrinkles to smooth out, and got to know each other more through that and socially. Still not close friends, but enough for me to have been shocked and saddened by his illness and the denial of a real retirement, relieved in a way that he and his close, loved family were spared a lengthy ordeal although I am sure it was still overlong, close enough to feel I miss him.

Harry Sasson

November 11, 2010

Dear Fanfan.

My deepest condolences to you and your children in this so dificult a moment. I have been close to the Van der bijl family from the early 50's in a magical and innocent Caracas where his parents had the family flower business. We all had our early start, Bob included, at the very small Colegio Americano, where we all played on the school basketball team. Of course Rudy was the center.
Then following Rudy's legendary studies in Europe that brought him the training to do the many interesting and challenging jobs that he did over the years in Washington and on the road around the world.
Although I did not see him much during the Washington years I did keep track of him through Bob until his passing in Ecuador. Fortunately I saw and had a good time with Rudy a couple of times in the last few years here in the States at the class reunions.
He will be missed by many of us from the Venezuela years.

Catherine Muller

November 7, 2010

Mes chers cousins, ma chère tante,
si vous saviez comme je pense à vous! J'admire votre courage à tous les 3 et je regrette toutes ces longues années passées sans se voir...
J'aurai toujours un souvenir ému de notre voyage chez vous à T-Street, avec ma grande amie Marie-Hélène, sous le regard bienveillant de Rudy.
Bon courage à tous les 3 et au revoir Rudy...
votre cousine et nièce,
Catherine

Judy

November 7, 2010

Rudi always appeared to be in a hurry, even when sometimes we bumped into each other on the circulator, he seemed impatient to be home ...

his leaving life was, at least from afar, as hurried as his life itself... Perhaps he would not have been so keen to slow down, to spend too much time 'smelling the roses', or dealing with the doctors, or the treatments. Perhaps he left life as he lived it, in a bit of a hurry.

He was always on the go, planning his next trip. From time to time he gave his friends glimpses of his vast and deep experiences of living, his hunger for knowledge and cultures ..., and his great humanity, mostly hidden behind a gruff demeanor, daring you to like him as he dripped scorn on the latest greatest fad.

In DC and in Les Issambres I will miss Rudi, his caustic wit, and his humanity (not so well hidden after all)

Good bye Rudi

November 6, 2010

Dear Fanfan, Sophia and Edmond,

Alan and I are getting ready to attend the memorial for Rudi this afternoon at your house, with family and friends.

You have been in our thoughts these past few months, especially these past four weeks.

We were very lucky Alan and I to see you both, Fanfan et Rudi, these past few times when we visited Washington, and to share some good times together. This was until end of March, when suddenly, everything changes for your family.

Nous garderons toujours dans nos coeurs l'amitie de Rudi et les bons moments partages ensemble.

Avec nos sinceres et affectueuses condoleances a vous trois.

Catherine et Alan

Dan et Gisele

November 6, 2010

Selig sind die da Leid tragen
Denn sie sollen getrostet werden. Die mit Tranen saen. (Umlaut)werden mit Freuden ernten
Sie gehen hin und weinen
Und tragen edlen Samen
Und kommen mit Freuden
Und bringen ihre Garben
Psaume 126 vers 5 et 6

En communion avec Rudi et ts ses amis. Dan Gisele.

sophie muller

November 6, 2010

dear fanfan, sophia and edmond,
i have been torturing myself for days, trying to find the perfect phrase, the perfect story to write here... i guess i am just not too good at that, and i will stick to very simple but true words: all my thoughts are with you. i send you all my love
sophie

Genevieve

November 5, 2010

J'aimerais (moi + Jean) retenir de Rudi une journee memorable que nous avons vecue, un fameux vendredi 13 avril (ca ne s'invente pas). Pour un homme peu connu comme un ange, il m'a bluffee...
Pour une fois le pays, ou en tout cas, une certaine categorie de personnel etait en greve et donc le vol Paris-Strasbourg qu'il devait prendre etait supprime. Ne voulant pas l'attendre pendant 2h a l'aeroport, je suis allee passer le temps dans une grande surface. Quand je retourne l'aeroport, oh surprise ,mon beau-frere (beauf) etait arrive depuis plus d'une heure, ayant reuussi a prendre un autre vol. Pas plus enerve que ca, je l'emmene dans la Honda de Mamine (notre belle mere) et nous voila partis pour Morsbronn (lieu de cure de MAmine et but du voyage). Mais nous sommes vendredi vers 17h et donc autoroute bouchee et 2h pour passer de Strasbourg sud a Strasbourg nord ....Nous traversons enfin et a la sortie de Haguenau,la voiture tousse puis s'arrete : panne seche,j'avais oublie que la jauge etait H.S.(voiture de Mamine). Je plante donc Rudi avec la voiture sur la bande d'arret d'urgence et pars a pied a la recherche d'un bidon d'essence. Une heure apres, je suis de retour et retrouve un Rudi anormalement calme. On finit par arriver a Morsbronn ou nous rendons visite a Mamine pendant, au moins 10 mn avant de retourner a Strasbourg pour une soiree tartes flambees bien meritees. Au bout d'un long moment, le serveur nous annonce une panne de four... et donc impossibilite de nous servir.
Voila une journee "cata" au cours de laquelle mon beauf, contre toute attente,a montre une douceur et une patience quasi angeliques et, en tout cas, pour ma part, miraculeuses.
Bye ,bye ,Rudi ,mach's guet!

Christopher, Page and Morgan

November 5, 2010

You are constantly in our thoughts at this terribly difficult time. A great friend in our lives has moved on. We remember very fondly every moment that we shared with Rudi - and we will continue to love him dearly while his characteristic quips echo in our ears when we will be confronted with imperfect situations. We very much wished that we could be present in Washington and nearer to you and the family. But we are with you all in spirit. We hope that we will someday soon hold you close and share a moment.
With much love,
Cristopher, Page and Morgan

November 5, 2010

Dearest Fanfan, Sofia and Edmond:
As you come together with many friends to commemorate and to celebrate Rudy, I find myself not only thinking of you, but also feeling a very special kinship to Rudy. I am here in Beijing, staying in a hotel that Rudy would have loved it¦very streamline, very cool, large white bedrooms with no art on the walls, very sophisticated stereo...
We all will miss Rudy very much and I find it hard to think that I would not be having one more lunch with him, comparing our travel notes and mutually complaining about all sorts of things.
As you know, I first met Rudy when I went to live in Brussels as a journalist in 1968 and from then onwards there were so many events that it is hard now to reflect that indeed these span more than 40 years... from helping him to complete his IFC application form in 1969, to hold our joint "farewell" party in December of that year, to his determination directly after to buy a BMW (he could never face the prospect of actually owning an American car), then your wedding... the children arrived, the Vogls landed in Washington in 1974 and you and Rudy found us a temporary apartment in DuPont Circle...¦and on and on down the years...
When you share so much and as the years pass by, so good friends take the rough with the smooth and the wonderful thing about Rudy was that he always had an opinion, some things were "marvelous" such as the American national parks that for years he had refused to travel to and then discovered to his great joy; some things were just terrible, such as the service and the waiters at countless restaurants where we lunched...
Rudy had candid insights on so many things and enthusiasms, from his travels to your home in the South of France and, yes, even on good days, to IFC as well. And he was always a consistent, true great friend.
My love and best wishes to all,
Frank

Frank

November 5, 2010

Dearest Fanfan, Sofia and Edmond:
As you come together with many friends to commemorate and to celebrate Rudy, I find myself not only thinking of you, but also feeling a very special kinship to Rudy. I am here in Beijing, staying in a hotel that Rudy would have loved it¦very streamline, very cool, large white bedrooms with no art on the walls, very sophisticated stereo...
We all will miss Rudy very much and I find it hard to think that I would not be having one more lunch with him, comparing our travel notes and mutually complaining about all sorts of things.
As you know, I first met Rudy when I went to live in Brussels as a journalist in 1968 and from then onwards there were so many events that it is hard now to reflect that indeed these span more than 40 years...from helping him to complete his IFC application form in 1969, to hold our joint "farewell Brussels" party in December of that year, to his determination directly after to buy a BMW (he could never face the prospect of actually owning an American car), then your wedding... the children arrived, the Vogls landed in Washington in 1974 and you and Rudy found us a temporary apartment in DuPont Circle... and on and on down the years...
When you share so much and as the years pass by, so good friends take the rough with the smooth and the wonderful thing about Rudy was that he always had an opinion, some things were "marvelous" such as the American national parks that for years he had refused to travel to and then discovered to his great joy; some things were just terrible, such as the service and the waiters at countless restaurants where we lunched...
Rudy had candid insights on so many things and enthusiasms, from his travels to your home in the South of France and, yes, even on good days, to IFC as well. And he was always a consistent, true great friend.
My love and best wishes to all,
Frank

Gerda

November 5, 2010

(translation in English from aunt Gerda's message)

A tribute to you dear Rudy.
Where shall I start? There were so many sides on your character and all those together made you to such an unique Personality that it will be difficult for many people to define you.But not for me and not for so many others which I have read out of the hundreds of mails I have read.
I knew you as a brother and maybe more than that.My world here in Villa Oranjepark is small and with your passing away it has become even smaller. Never more that phone call: "I am coming"Never more those short but nice visits, never more the beautifull bouqets of flowers which you yourself carefully put them in a vase.
So very often you teased me and than your eyes had the same radiation as your father had when he teased me. "Eyes are the mirrors of the soul"is a well known saying and sure that was for you and your father.Your father how you loved him and how you looked at him qua character!
You always cared for us and very often you came along when you landed on Schiphol for passage to other European countries. Pete and me so very often we said to each other that you not need to do so.for nobody will be the wiser when you did not. But you came and if you had no time then at least you phoned us.
And how happy you was when I decided (after endless searching) that I decided to go to Oegstgeest. You never said that with so many words but later on I heard it from Marten. And when I was here and in the beginning had some adjustment pains (like everybody has ) there came many kind phones from Washington.
What a pity it is that you were not allowed to stay longer with us. Fanfan and the children what will tey miss you.Too soon it was all over.In all those sad months so very often I thought: Could I stay with you for a while and hold your hand.
Memories I have so many Rudy. Almost all of them so funny for instance with your parents .
As long as I live I will keep them close to my heart.And as long as I live and am in reasonable good health I will try to be of a support for your dearest Fanfan!
Farewell to you Rudy and a greet van je "lieve tante"

1976 Rud & Sophia

November 5, 2010

1972

November 5, 2010

Julia v. Dewitz

November 5, 2010

Dear Fanfan, Sophia, and Edmond,

having read all these memories it makes it even more unbelievable that Rudi is no longer here. I can't remember not knowing the vdBs and like Christian wrote, you are all like family to us. Just yesterday I thought of the first time I walked alone from 37th to T Street, it was so scarry. One of the best parts of T Street was coming in the unlocked door and sitting with Rudi on the green and purple sofas eating pistachios. It's true, Rudi always showed a great interest in what one was doing and thinking. I consider myself very lucky to have known Rudi and am greatful that we saw each other regularly in LI and that he got to know my husband and the PLO (I bet he loved that abbreviation!).
My thoughts are with you on Saturday and aftrewards and I hope to see you soon. Much love and here's to you Rudi,
Julia (to Rudi Juelchen)

Angela Berzeg

November 5, 2010

Happy memories of Rudi when our paths crossed those years ago were revived in your wonderful photo gallery. All our sympathies and love to you FanFan, Sophia and Edmond. Angela and Korhan

Gerda

November 4, 2010

Een eerbetoon aan jou lieve Rudy.Waar moet ik beginnen?? Er waren zoveel zijden aan je karakter en dat alles samen maakte je tot zo een unieke persoonlijkheid dat het voorvelen moeilijk zal zijn je te definieren.Maar niet voor mij en , naar ik las uit de vele honderden mails die ik gelezen heb ook niet voor zoveel anderen.
Ik kende je als een broer en misschien meer dan dat.Mijn wereldje is klein hier in Villa Oranjepark maar met jouw heengaan is het missc hien nog kleiner geworden.Nooit meer dat telefoontje: ik kom eraan,nooit meer die korte maar fijne bezoekjes , nooit meer die prachtige boeketten die je zelf zorgvuldig in een vaas zette.
Je plaagde me vaak en dan hadden je ogen diezelfde twinkelende uitstraling die je vader ook had als hij me plaagde. "ogen zijn de spiegels van de ziel"is een bekend gezegde en dat gold zeker voor je vader en jou.Ach ja, je vader wat hield je van hem en wat leek je,qua karakter op hem!
Je was altijd bezorgd om ons en kwam heel vaak langs als je op Schiphol landde op doorreis naar een ander Europees land.Pete en ik zeiden vaak dat je dat helemaal niet hoefde te doen, er zou immers geen haan naar kraaien alsje meteen door zou vliegen.Maar dat deed je niet, je kwam of als je geen tijd had was er toch een telefoontje.
En wat was je blij toen ik na eindeloos zoeken besloot hier naar Villa Oranjepark te gaan. Dat zei je niet met zoveel woorden maar dat hoorde ik later van Marten.En toen ik hier pas was en nattuurlijk een beetje moest wennen kwamen er verdacht veel telefoontjes uit Washington!
Het is zo jammer dat je niet langer bij ons mocht zijn.Fanfan en de kinderen wat zullen je missen.Het is ook allemaal veel te snel gegaan. In al die droevige maanden heb ik zo vaak gedacht: kon ik maar eve n bij je zijn , even je hand vasthouden.
Herinneringen ik heb er zoveel Rudy,bijna allemaal vrolijke samen nog met je ouders.Zolang ik nog leef staan ze in mijn geheugen gegrifd.En zolang ik nog leef en in redelijke gezondheid verkeer zal ik trachten proberen een steun te zijn voor je allerliefste Fanfan!
Vaarwel Rudy, een groet van je "lieve tante"

jacques beaudrey

November 4, 2010

Sinceres condoleances a cette famille que j'aime beaucoup.
Jacques

Franz and Carola

November 3, 2010

We say goodbye to our good friend Rudi, who was for many years a part of our lives and who left us much too early. He was the first visitor in our still empty apartment in Arlington 1970, and we never parted ways ever since. He brought his young bride to our apartment when he found his apartment totally empty while returning from Europe. When Rudi and Fanfan moved to Burleith we followed soon thereafter. Our children grew up together and we shared good and bad times as friends should do. When we packed up to go to live in Senegal for four years, Rudi was again one of our first visitors from Washington, who even celebrated Carnival with us in Dakar. When we returned to Washington old habits were taken up again. Franz and Rudi were tennis and squash pals, the families met for many dinners in the respective homes and daily live was unthinkable without the presence of Rudi, Fanfan, Sophia and Edmond. Leaving Washington for good in the year 2000, we therefore reconnected again with the Van der Bijl family in Les Issambres in the south of France, where Rudi and Fanfan had bought a house and we established a residence not far from them. In the summers that followed, it became a ritual that Rudi, Franz and Carola took early morning walks at the "sentier littoral", followed by a swim at Rudis favorite beaches of St. Tropez, finishing the morning with a leisurely lunch at one of the little restaurants at the beach before returning home to Fanfan. All this we will miss tremendously; the void Rudi leaves is huge. We will miss his sarcasm, his sometimes erratic behavior, which was nevertheless compensated by his loyalty as a friend. He will be in our thoughts forever,

November 1, 2010

It was like yesterday when we "bumped" into Rudi on 20th Street in Washington, D.C., but it is already a year ago. He was so happy to greet the newlyweds. He looked great. What a lovely person he was.
Dear Fanfan, Sofie and Edmond: Our thoughts are with you.

Jimmy Finlay and Dorrit Konig
Bethesda, MD

October 30, 2010

Dearest Fanfan,
as for so many of your friends and family Rudi lingers "larger than life" in my past and memory. Behind his acerbic wit and sometimes sharp demeanour was a kind and generous (and stylish) person. I cherish my memories of visits to T Street (with or without dog), our joint parties with the Kaps family, and often heated discussions about Latin America. Although so many years have passed since then, and we will never recapture those good times, I very much hope that this may also be a new beginning; of meeting again and bridging this long gap. You and your children are very much in my thoughts, much love
Susanne Gahler (London)

Cyril

October 30, 2010

Il ne reste plus rien a redouter dans la vie pour qui a compris que hors de la vie il n'y a rien de redoutable (Epicure).

Votre cousin et neveu,
Cyril

Jeffrey Jordan

October 30, 2010

It is oft said that you can know a man by the company he keeps. I know Rudy from the family he left behind. For Rudy to have captured the heart of lovely and loving Fan Fan and begotten such wonderful children, among them Sophia I call a best friend, he was either a great man or one of the luckiest men I've known, or both. Certainly his essence lives on in the lives of his family and all those he touched.

michele v.d.BIJL

October 30, 2010

Une vie pleine de voyages et d'experiences interrnationales que j'ai toujours enviee! Dommage que Rudy n'aie pas eu le temps de profiter de la deuxieme partie de sa vie, celle plus tranquille, differente, mais aussi remplie que la premiere, celle de la retraite. Un souvenir emu a cette personnalite qu'etait Rudy. Mes sinceres condoleances. Michele v.d. BIJL

Sahir

October 30, 2010

Dear Fanfan,
I'm so glad you understood why I didn't call in the last six months . I still think of Rudi when I remember the old days of Cities ,him chasing the waiters around. Remember his Birthdays. And all the good times we had together.
I will remember his visit to Turkey a year ago as a farewell to our friendship forever.
I'm hoping this relationship continues between us. Would love to have you Sofia and Edmond as my guests with Alexis and Mila next year in Turkey
Wish you and the family a lot of strength
Friend of the Vanderbijls
Sahir

October 30, 2010

Rudi visiting SFMOMA: Two strong heads!

Bobby and Tito Patri

October 28, 2010

Mes chers, meine Lieben: What a lovely idea, these wonderful photographs, these open pages of an album for family and friends to say adieu or perhaps au revoir to Rudi. Who knows! We will miss this unique, vivacious, multi-lingual, formerly chain smoking, impatient, loyal and dear friend who used to "stop by", either alone, with Fanfan or with the whole family, on his many trips to some Asian nation, to relatives in Carmel, or simply to visit us – much more frequently than we could find our way back east. We will miss our tours of San Francisco with him as we followed his quick step survey of sights and his critical reviews of exhibits, new sites and eateries. He was not a man to suffer fools for long. His personality insures that these memories, vivid and colorful as they are, will be with us well into the future. We have known him for many decades, as a matter of fact, I met him in Munich for the very first time 48 years ago. So much time has passed nurturing the friendship betweem our families, yet, Rudi's time was not long enough. We send our embracing support to you, Fanfan, Edmond, Sophia and family, not only for the hard days ahead, but for the strength to preserve and cherish all your Rudi-memories, especially the good ones. We will be with you on November 6th and certainly beyond. With love and affection, Bobby and Tito

Ian Bobb

October 27, 2010

Uncle Rudi as I refer to him, was my Godfather and also good friends of my parents Euric and Yvonne Bobb. It speaks volumes the type of relationship he had with my parents to accept the role. I always knew he would be there for me if needed. My wife, 2 year old daughter, and myself were blessed with the opportunity to see him one last time this past summer. I remember Uncle Rudi attending my graduation party and he was very proud as a parent would be. He was a special individual who was fortunate to live such a full life with a loving family and core group of friends. He will truly be missed....

Emmerich M. Schebeck

October 27, 2010

I had known Rudi for 40 years. We met on a mission to Tehran. Our friendship started with wonderful, intellectual clashes on how best to establish the stock market. When we exhausted our arguments in English, we switched to German and could resume for new. In the spring we had a wonderful lunch--Rudi was looking forward coming to the fall German Speaking Chapter meeting in Graz, which I organized. We spoke last in June and he told me about his problems, but as a good fighter he was optimistic. We all missed him at Graz. We miss him now even more! The memories and his spirit will stay with us.

My prayers and condolences go the van der Bijl family.

Emmerich M. Schebeck
Perchtoldsdorf
Austria

October 27, 2010

May he rest in peace

Biwi

October 26, 2010

Dear Fanfan, Sophia, Edmond,
You lost your husband and your father... For Rudi, his death might have been a relief from the ordeal of his illness, for you, however, his death means pain and sorrow about the irretrievable loss of a man, you loved and will miss in all your lives.
Rudi and I met when we were both about 21 in Munich´s International Students Club - and we liked each other from the first minute. He was in so many ways "extraordinary" and one could just not avoid to be fascinated by his critical intellect and his wits, combined with the warmth and empathy he emanated when he found one "acceptable". Rudi has always been a friend of firm and realistic convictions and an enemy of "illogical visions" - but he tolerated even those, once he had decided that the person who had such visions was nonetheless an acceptable character.- I liked him ever since we first met, and I remain grateful for his friendship and his faithfulness. Rudi is surely one of these few that remain a friend during and beyond our lifetime.

Affectionately yours,

Gisele

October 25, 2010

Dear brother.A force d'accumuler les miles avec frenesie tu as fini par
gagner le gros lot. Nous allons tous, sans exception, t'emboiter le pas
mais a notre propre rythme.Attends nous, nous arrivons. Bis bald.

Pancho y Familia

October 25, 2010

Ã� la memoria de nuestro queridÃsimo y entraÃ±able amigo Rudy:

I met Rudy practically upon my arrival to D.C. back in 1973. The chemistry
was there from day one!
He enjoyed his colleagues and work at IFC and I disliked mine. Many chats,
lunches, and drinks after work lead Rudy to introduce me to David Gill at
IFC and soon thereafter I was offered to join them, which I did and soon
realized why Rudy was so happy at Capital Markets: a great challenging
mission that reunited an elite of daring well lead fine professionals! This
took place 37 years ago! Since then, we worked, traveled together and met
frequently at our respective homes sharing endless most enjoyable, and
others not so enjoyable, moments that lead to our wonderful friendship that
will last forever! Rudy was always most caring and ready to be of
assistance! Although I left D.C. in 1980 we remained in touch and saw each
other frequently as if we had never departed! As time went by, in spite of
distances, our families also became very close and our ties and affection
for each other have been passed on to the rest of our families.

I will never forget Rudy?s endless calls when I was hospitalized at the
Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston recovering from a car accident I
suffered in December 2008. Rudy took a plane and came to visit me! What a
friend!! Rosie him and I went, of course, to a french bistro, where else
with Rudy?, in Beacon Hill ! In spite of the circumstances, me in a wheel
chair..., there was Rudy standing tall, helping his friend,enjoying our
meal, our wine, our Eau de vies de Prune, and just simply enjoying the
company of each other as we always did for so long!

Last time we saw Rudy was last June, time at which he and Fan Fan made an
enormous effort to join Rosie and me when visiting David and Lena?s home in
Easton. We were very sad to hear about his illness and amazed of how well he
was facing the unavoidable: having to be hospitalized in the following two
days. This did not prevent Rudy and Fan Fan from being in good spirits
enjoying that delightful evening of six very close great friends enjoying
every second of each other companies rejoicing from the endless stories we
each had to share after 37 years of friendship!!!

Rudy passed away, but he remains present with all of us who were privileged
to know him well and blessed to be his friends. A bientot, mi querido amigo,
como siempre,

October 25, 2010

La mort de Rudi, inimaginable il y a six mois, me remet en mémoire ces vers de Ronsard :
"Adieu, chers compagnons, adieu, mes chers amis,
Je m’en vais le premier vous préparer la place."
Il aurait pu nous les dire, avec un petit sourire sardonique, ces vers qui nous rappellent que, s'il est le premier de notre génération à partir, il ne sera en tout cas pas le seul... L'infatigable voyageur ne fait que nous précéder sur cette voie où nous n'aurons pas le loisir de regimber à le suivre, comme nous l'avons si souvent fait (aux Issambres, en particulier, où il programmait impitoyablement des promenades matinales!...) Puissions-nous aborder notre destin avec ce courage et cette énergie, cet élan et cet allant qu'il a toujours montrés et qui le laissent si vivant dans notre souvenir...
A bientôt, Rudi!
Simone

Jean-Francois Rischard

October 25, 2010

One most remarkable thing about Rudi was that he seemed to serve as an anchor to so such a large and diverse retinue of friends. As one of them, I have kept asking myself over the last few days following his departure why that was. There were the obvious explanations: that he was a fascinating, world-wise and cosmopolitan companion to us all, the ultimate expat and world traveler, polyglot and sampler of all cultures; that he was the most loyal of friends to each of us, come hell or high water; that this or that quirk of his had become a shared legend among us. True enough, but that did not fully explain the anchor thing. Indeed, there was, I thought, an additional explanation, namely, that many of us may have done something which most people do with only a handful of personalities that have been of special importance in their lives: we have internalized Rudi.

In fact, if I am guessing it right, many of us have two Rudis inside our head. One is the extraordinary critic, who had such little tolerance for shortcomings or foibles or aberrations of any kind that he would deploy in their prosecution a causticity that few other mortals would dare even at their boldest. And thinking about it, Rudi’s honed practice of lashing out, at the slightest prompt, with one of his sharp, acerbic one-liners (and he was right on most of the times, wasn’t he) makes him a great inner companion: you hear inside your head his voice launching a barb at someone you’re dealing with, and you’d better be on the alert; what’s more, you now have a kind of an internal upper benchmark against which to pitch your own critical view. But there’s also the other inner Rudi -- the extraordinary esthete who so thoroughly loved life and all the beauties and pleasures, big and small, it carries in its flow: a bunch of fresh tulips, a lightning-fast visit to Marrakech, a new nightspot in downtown DC, an insightful article in The Economist, a feat someone achieved against the odds. To the best of such things Rudi -- quite discerning and generous when it came to appreciating life’s splendid little upsides -- would bestow his accustomed tell-tale epithets: a tomato and mozzarella salad would be celebrated as “surprisingly good” (étonnament bonne); a capable young colleague would be hailed as “gentil comme ca, et incroyablement efficace”; a glass of pino grigio with family and friends on the terrace in Les Issambres would elicit a heartfelt “ca, c’est le vrai bonheur”, and so on.

In a way, the first inner Rudi helps us spot the nonsense and calibrate our reaction to it, while the second inner Rudi helps us notice and appreciate the good things in life, those that in the mad rush of our lives, we might otherwise all too easily fail to see for what they are worth – gold.

And for the many of us who have made our lifelong friend Rudi in this way a true part of ourselves, he will live on and continue to be the anchor that joins us all up.

Fare well, Rudi, it was a great privilege to have been chosen by you as one of your friends.

October 25, 2010

Dear Fanfan, Sophia and Edmond,

We have such fond memories of meeting Rudi when we all first arrived in Washington in January 1970, and then a year or so later meeting Fanfan too. We wish for all of you the strength to deal with his loss. Rudi was for us a great friend with a memorable, warm, direct, and unique personality and a dry wit, whom we will never forget. Our thoughts are with you.

Paul and Elin Knotter, Vienna, Austria

marie-claude

October 25, 2010

Chers Fanfan, Sophia et Edmond. Merci de partager ce bel album de photos avec ceux qui restent et qui sont les amis de Rudi et aussi les votres. Il est tellement present sur celles-ci, et on le retrouve tel qu'on l'a connu....il y a "quelques" annees! Pas prets de t'oublier Rudi, tu restes dans nos coeurs.
Je pense bien a vous. marie-claude

October 25, 2010

Mes condoléances vont à la famille et les amis. Que Jéhovah Dieu être votre refuge en ces temps de crise. "Ne vous étonnez pas, car l'heure vient où tous ceux qui sont dans les tombes de souvenir entendront sa voix et sortiront"-John 5:28,29

Aude & Olivier Delsupexhe

October 25, 2010

Nous pensons bien fort à vous Fanfan, Edmond et Sophia.

Le souvenir de Rudy arpentant les rues de Paris et ses musées au pas de course restera à jamais gravé dans ma mémoire tout comme votre présence en Bretagne à notre mariage ! Il va beaucoup nous manquer.

Nous vous embrassons tous les trois,

Aude et Olivier Delsupexhe

Jikke van der Krieke

October 25, 2010

Ver weg, in dat spannende Amerika, gingen mijn ouders op bezoek bij "Uncle Rudy", vooral bij thuiskomst was het een feest van Levi's, Maple Sirup en verhalen over grote shopping malls..... De man die daar vandaan kwam moest wel "Larger than life" zijn, en ja, dat was!
De eerst volgende keer dat ik uit eten ga, knip ik mijn vingers en zal ik iedereen vertellen dat Hollandse "Gezelligheid" vooral betekend dat je lang op je eten moet wachten ;-) en zo is het maar net!!! Lieve Rudy, ik ga je missen!
Dikke kus!

Christian Kaps

October 25, 2010

When I think of Rudi I realize what a privelege it is to have know him for my whole life, and I sorely miss him. No matter whether I was a child, teenager, or adult, Rudi never treated me with anything but love, kindness and respect and was always good for a joke.
Rudi, Fanfan, Edmond, and Sophia you are like family to me and T-Street like a second home. Thank you for that!

Tomas Chadwick

October 24, 2010

Fanfan, As a kid I got to be in many hospitals and I remember Rudy visiting and having long candid conversations. I will miss my friend and boating partner.

I send my deepest condolences.

Tomas R. Chadwick

Lucho and Pilila Arnal

October 24, 2010

When I met Rudy at the University of Munich, 50 years ago, I didn’t have a clue that our friendship would persevere through different continents and times. It is rewarding to think back and remember all the moments we shared, which are many. He is gone, but leaves an indelible image of a person unique in character, not many like him; always loyal, honest at all times, sometimes brutally. He was a cherished friend.
We share with sorrow Rudy’s loss with Fanfan, Sophia, and Edmond.
Your friends

Roberto Chadwick

October 24, 2010

Fanfan,Sophia and Edmond.It was during 1963 in Brussels when I first met Rudy.Since then there was a very close frienship that as time passed by,extended to all of you and my family.During these 47 years and in so many circumstances,Rudy made me aware of what a splendid person he was.Sensitive,generous and kind plus a sharp intelligence,professional honesty defined him.Rudy loved his family,his work and his many friends.For Rudy,life was always a moving feast and a wonderful experience.
For me Dominique and our children he became family. That is why we will never let him go and his smile,his voice and his image will remain forever.
Roberto & Dominique Chadwick

robert schelke

October 24, 2010

Oh Rudi, what have you lived your wonderful life in a rush and how shall I miss you.
When you called me again some 5 years ago, after a blackout of over 60 years, I was so happily surprised.
To meet my old elementary school friend again from Oegstgeest has been a highlight ever since.
During our luncheon meeting at one of your favorite restaurants on K street, we both filled in the gaps from those 60 years and after that Greta and I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Fanfan and you children rather frequently at you Georgetown home.
Amazing how little your character had changed over the years. You were very active then and still when I met you again in DC, always on the run, almost like you were already late.
Your constant travels around the globe often included a stopover in your old country, The Netherlands, to visit old friends and your parents grave in Katwijk.
They will be so happy to embrace you again and help you to finally relax.
Rob Schelke
Atlanta, GA

Alex Drees-Gross

October 24, 2010

I am very sad to say goodbye to Rudy. I will remember him, not as my colleague from FIRST, but much more so as the good friend he became. I will miss his wit, his honesty, and having coffee with him in the MC atrium. I always referred to Rudy as the Straight-talker and knew that's what I would get if I asked his opinion, or even if i didnt.

I admired Rudy for his endless interest in travel, languages, and the world. And I will always remember the cobalt blue painting with a white stripe that he painted and hung in his office. To me it was just like him: bright, unique, warm, and direct.

I send my deepest condolences to Sophia, Edmond, Fanfan, and the whole van der Bijl family.

Jeannette Rassam

October 24, 2010

Fanfan and children my deepest condolences with the loss of Rudi. I wanted to share a memory of you Fanfan and Rudi one year in early spring when you had just arrived in the US. We came to visit you in your home in Georgetown I believe it was, and you had picked a branch of a dogwood tree and put it in a large vase. It was beautiful.
Jeannette Rassam (Groen)

Monti Koelle

October 24, 2010

Rudi has been a fixture in my life since earliest childhood and I have many fond memories of him throughout the past four decades. The world will be a different place from here on without him.

You will be missed, dear friend.

October 24, 2010

Voor Rudy
"Zijn jullie nu thuis?"
Altijd onverwacht Rudy op de Rechtboomssloot in Amsterdam.
Altijd prachtige bloemen,
altijd uit eten,
altijd vol belangstelling naar ons en onze kinderen,
altijd veel vrolijkheid.
Altijd zo welkom geweest, dat zullen wij zo gaan missen.
Fanfan Sophia en Edmond feel welcome anytime!
Greet van der Krieke

Rudi enjoying a luncheon at Elphant & Castle , DC - one of our FIRST luncheons in 2010.

Patricia & Kevin Kelly

October 23, 2010

I just do not have adequate words to express the loss of my former co-worker. When he told me in person about the bad news in lieu of travelling to France, I was unable to believe the real truth--better to say I was in a denial phase. I met Rudi 4 years ago at FIRST. Our personalities clashed but it was not a barrier to grab cups of coffee to discuss the daily office environment in a friendly and professional way and to talk of his travels and our trips to my country (my husband and I). I feel so sad and his loss is greatly felt. I miss him and will continue missing him so much. I am still not understanding his departure in a very short period of time. I saw him in June before my departure to Guatemala and he was amazingly in good shape. My sincere condolences to his family of whom he was always talking about them very proudly. My prayers are with Rudi.

Rudi sharing one of our multiple FIRST Initiative luncheons

Patricia Kelly

October 23, 2010

Christoph Koelle

October 23, 2010

Good bye, my friend.

Willem Struben

October 23, 2010

I knew Rudy since we both joined the World Bank at about the same time, but only got to know him better after he and I joined the Partnership for Transparency Fund as volunteers, again at about the same time. I then got to really appreciate his great intellect and typically Dutch sharp sense of humor. Unfortunately, this was only for too short a period. I wish his family lots of strength.

Rudi & family

Marouane Hanbali

October 23, 2010

We love you!

Rudi et Marie

Valerie Hanbali

October 23, 2010

Chère Fanfan, chère Sophia, cher Edmond,

Quelle triste nouvelle pour nous tous. Toutes nos pensées sont avec vous cette journée.
C'est aussi un soulagement de savoir Rudi dans un monde sans souffrance.
J'ai connu Rudi il y a 15 ans en recevant une boule de neige sur mon manteau au Gets et Marouane me disait au même moment :"je te présente mon oncle..." ensuite j'ai appris à connaître un homme charmant qui faisait rire mes enfants en se baignant tout nu et qui nous accueillait toujours avec un grand sourire et des bisous sur sa terrasse. Toutes ces petites choses vont nous manquer...
Sachez que nous sommes là pour vous.

je vous embrasse tous les 3 très forts.

Valérie et famille

Dessin Marie

Marouane Hanbali

October 23, 2010

Dessin loïc

Marouane Hanbali

October 23, 2010

Bougies de Sainte-Maxime

Marouane Hanbali

October 23, 2010

Ann Heile

October 23, 2010

Rudy, you were one of a kind! The world will miss you. My deepest condolences to the van der Bijl family.

Helene

October 23, 2010

Don Rodolfo is somebody you can never forget because he never misses a chance to let you know what he thinks of you (often not much !) and at the same time how much he cares about you...For that reason he will always be my BFF !

Maria

October 23, 2010

I don't have words to tell you how devastated I feel and how much I think of all of you. Your New York friend, Fanfan, was absolutely right in her description of Don Rodolfo: believe it or not to me he was the sweetest guy and he always kept me on my toes, otherwise he would let me know in no uncertain terms. I appreciated him (and loved him) the moment I met him (and you) in Washington and I feel a part of me has gone with him. I find dreadful the idea of no more surprise visits from him. Just this afternoon I looked at all the pictures we have of him. Almost all of them with a big smile. He has been so lucky to have you all around him. We can only hope it can happen to all of us when our time comes.

Gerda Remmelenkamp-Ramp

October 23, 2010

Duizend maal dank Rudy voor alles wat je me de afgelopen tijd aan aandacht en vriendschap gegeven hebt. Ik wens jullie, Fanfan, Sophia en Edmond heel veel sterkte met dragen van dit verlies.
Liefs, Gerda

October 23, 2010

Lieve Rudi en familie,

Ik vond het altijd erg leuk om je in Amsterdam te ontmoeten. Zal je scherpe humor en mooie verhalen missen!

Heike van der Krieke
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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