Years ago, Henk, who was the director of TU/e-spin-off SyMO-Chem, and I embarked on a professional journey to jointly serve industrial parties. The combined expertise and infrastructure of the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) and SyMO-Chem had great potential to tackle industrial research challenges. I thought it would be beneficial to discuss how we could jointly attract companies. I set out to discuss this topic with Henk. After some smalltalk, I shared my thoughts. Without hesitation, Henk said, “I am not going to do anything to make us more attractive to the outside world. If they need us, they will find us.”  

I was a bit surprised, but then again also not, as I knew who he was. We continued our discussion and reached a good outcome on how to practically arrange our collaboration. This was typically Henk! He trusted that his bold words would not push me away and that our friendship could withstand his reluctance to go with my flow. He always stayed true to the essence of matters. He did what he considered important, without any bells and whistles. What you see is what you get! Many of his friends can account for this trait of Henk. 

Henk mastered the essence of life like no other person I know. He remained the same in many aspects as when I met him thirty years ago. He also kept on living in his modest apartment during this period. He collected only the bare necessities to live his life. When one enters his apartment, you step back in time. Why collect new things around you when the current stuff still works? “Nonsense!” he would say. The beauty of his simplicity comes to mind when you think of how he stayed true to what is important to him. 

His humor was legendary. Once during a holiday with friends in Spain, he accidentally said “cinco conjos” instead of “cinco cañas,” when he wanted to order 5 pints, causing quite a laugh and a surprised look of the bartender. At another occasion, again in a bar, a friend poured beer on someone standing next to him and then pointed to Henk, who laughed out loud because of this practical joke. Spending time with friends, whether in a group or one-on-one, was a cherished part of his life. He always brought out the best in us! Just the thought of going somewhere with Henk or having him visit us instantly brought a smile to our faces. 

Henk grew up in a large family and we often talked about it. A few weeks ago, I said: “Henk how nice that you grew up in a large family”. He looked at me and said: “NICE??? It is FANTASTIC!!, Monique” Even in the difficult moments at the end of his life, he remained his humorous and sharp self, helping us forget the sad situation when we visited.  

Henk, you were one in a billion and we enjoyed every second with you. It will take a while to grasp that you are no longer with us. You were a captivating personality and a living example of how little one needs to live a happy, grateful, and fulfilling life. This is something that your dear friends will cherish forever. There is a big gaping hole in the hearts of all who were close to you.

But sadness is surely not the only thing you leave with us. You leave us with gratitude that we were lucky enough to be your friends. Lunch at the TU/e or the Friday afternoon drinks in Eindhoven city with your close male friends, will be no more. No more talking about or visiting a tribute concert on Bob Marley in the Effenaar. We will see you in the little things in life and will keep your memory alive. Henk now we pay a tribute to you. 

Monique Bruining is Managing Director ICMS. The views expressed in this column are her own.