With teardrops running down my face, I bid you farewell. It is with great sadness and deep regret that I inform you of the passing of my Dad. My Dad passed away on Sunday, December 27.
My father passed away peacefully in his sleep but I am so grateful I spoke to his deepest soul that evening while he was holding and squeezing my hand.
Burying my father this Saturday was one of the hardest things I ever did. But I am happy he’s back home, in the village where he lived for almost 95 years. And I believe he’s reunited with my mother, sister and brother, up there.

I know you are listening out there, somewhere. There are no goodbyes. May you rest in peace, my dear Dad. Your memories will never be forgotten.
º 11-03-1925/† 27-12-2020
Oh, I am so sorry to hear this news. What an end to an already bad year. That’s a great photo of your dad. Had he really just polished off all those puddings? 🤣
Love to you from all at Le Château, including starving Catorze. 🖤🐈⬛
my sincerest sympathies to you Herman on the loss of your dad. may God grant you peace in your heart and give you emotional strength, during this very
difficult time. I am truly sorry. hugs and love. laura
Sending sincere condolences to you, Herman. It’s never easy saying goodbye to a beloved parent, but to factor in the year we’ve had and Christmas too, well, my heart goes out to you. Take care. xx
Sincere condolences to you. May his soul rest in peace. Parents are live form of God. It is not at all easy to say goodbye. May God bless you with the strength to bear this moment of grief.
Take care.
Herman sometimes there just aren’t any words to express how we feel but I just want to say how my heart aches for you at losing your Dad. I know what an extraordinary man he was and how important he was to you – I loved hearing about him and those annual visits he’d get as the senior member of his village. Speaking as one who lost both parents years ago no indeed they are never EVER far away from us. In our hearts they stay and wait patiently for us to one day join them – in a MUCH better place. Teddy and I send you big hugs…..I truly mean that.
Much love, Pam and Teddy too
My deepest sympathy I’m the loss of your Dad. May your memories sustain you. 🌹
Herman I’m so sorry for your loss.
Herman, I am sorry for lost.
So sorry for your loss, Herman. But bravo to a dad who lived so long and with relish and kindliness as your photo shows.
I’m so sorry.
Herman, I am so sorry. One is never completely prepared for this kind of loss, even when we know it is coming sooner than later. What a gift that you could be with your dad and speak to his soul that last evening, and what a gift that your relationship with him was so special overall.
I am so sorry for your loss, Herman. Your touching post about your lovely father brought tears to my eyes. It is always too soon to lose a beloved parent. I am so glad you had some precious time with him at the end. And, for sure, you will meet him and everyone you love again one day.
Everyone here at the farm sends their deepest sympathy for the loss of your father, Herman, and he will join the cherry tree garden. Your Dad isn’t far away, just on the other side of the veil with your mother, sister, brother, Mr. Bowie, Glippie and Mrs. Jones. Out of sight but not out of mind, they are only a thought away. 💙🌈🐾
Your memories will always be with you.
Much love, Herman. Your posts about your Dad have warmed me greatly (I was not lucky in the parents department, and it restores by faith in humanity when I see what that relationship can be like). I think Mr. Bowie might be greeting him for you, too.
I am so sorry Herman. Thank you for sharing your Dad with us over the years.
I have no words good enough to say how sorry I am to hear about your dear dad’s passing. I know how close you were to him and can’t imagine your sadness now. It’s good that you know that he’s with your mother and siblings, in his village, where the officials would come to honor him each birthday with a special celebration. Love and warmth and peace to you as you grieve. Remember to take good care of yourself.
My condolences, Herman, Although we never met, I knew him from all the years I’ve followed you. I will miss him too.
I am so sorry for your loss. I believe they are all together and you will see him again when you leave this earth. XO
I am so sorry for your loss. 😕 Not the best way to start the new year, but hopefully you can take some comfort in that you were able to spend that last day with him and that he is with other family members now. Tigger and I send our deepest condolences. ❤️
Very, very sorry for your loss.
So very sorry for your loss.
Slaap zacht lieve Ba, vind de rust en liefde, waar je ook bent ❤ …
Oh Herman, that is the saddest of news.We send virtual hugs and love xAx
Dear Herman, Please accept my condolences on your loss. Your dad appears to have been a sweet and dear man. My dad died on December 26 many, many years ago. He was only 76. It is so difficult to say, “good-bye” at anytime, but particularly difficult during the holidays. May your memories sustain you. With love, warm hugs and prayers, Janet
Sad end of the year for you. It takes a lot of courage to face the departure of one’s parents, but they are always so close to us in each of our actions. Courage to you.
Your daddy was greedy…
Dear Herman, so sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry for your loss dear Herman and thinking of you at this time.
Deepest sympathy for the loss of your Dad, Herman. I am so sorry.
Sorry for your lost, my thoughts for you.
We all send our deepest sympathies and hold you close in our hearts. We know he is now with the angels and feeling spry and fit looking down with love. Prayers and purrs from us all
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father recently. At least you got to be there.
The news, the words, are so sad, dear Herman. But what a wonderful picture of your father. A great, great tribute. Well — I hope the dark days of winter will keep you cocooned in your grief, that you may stay warm and protected for all the time you need. And spring will come.
What a dear and precious man. The photo is heartwarming, and yes he is smiling and watching over you now.
Lo siento, I am so sorry. May 2021 bring us all back into the sunlight. It’s been a long year.
My dear Herman, our hearts are full. Thank you for sharing your dear father with us; his birthday celebrations, the journey to his home…all the ways you helped us know him a little. You are graced with that moment of being one with a person’s soul as they move from this world to the next. I shared that with my brother at the moment of his passing. I cannot ease your grief, but willingly share in the knowing of it. Much love, Christine (and Bagheera)
…alas, I was logged into my defunct blog …but I know you understand
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father, Herman. He will ba always with you.
Kristiina and the family.
Sending you love, strength, and peace from across the miles. I have enjoyed getting to know your dad via your posts and photographs and know that you are experiencing a profound loss right now. He was a special man who touched many lives. Thank you for your sharing him with us. I am glad you were able to have some sacred time with him in his final days, it is so important. May peace be with you, Herman, and your entire family.
Prayers as you mourn your Dad. As you say, he is with so many who loved him too !
Oh Herman, there are no words to heal your broken heart. Life with those we love is a gift we keep with us forever. I’m so glad you were there to hold his hand. What a sweet photo to share. Sending love to you and all who knew and loved your dad. xK
Dear Herman, I have already expressed my condolences fort the loss of your dear father through our email conversation. My heart goes out to you in the pain you are going through. ” Paws up from my cat Moshu.
I am so very sorry, dear Herman, to hear about the loss of your beloved father. It has been such a pleasure getting to know him through your blog posts. I wish you courage and good cheer as you adjust to life without the physical presence of your father.
Herman, I’m glad you had a good relationship with your father, and those good times together will stay with you, comfort you, yes, bring tears, and will be your cherished memories as long as you live. I’m, sad for your loss, and send condolences and hugs on the passing of your father. It was a terrible year for us all, but loss of a parent is difficult even when the parent has lived a long life like your Dad did.
I think the hardest part of the loss of my Mother and Father was when something I thought they would find funny came up and I caught myself thinking I should tell them about it when I saw them that day. I still have those moments, years after they died, yet now the moments bring a smile to my lips, maybe a tear or two, but the joy of knowing they had wonderful senses of humor and that that is some of my in heritance from them.
Hugs and condolences on the loss of your Father, Herman.
My deepest condolences. You and your father are in my prayers. I’m sure he is at peace now, which I hope gives you some peace as well knowing he is now with your mom. God bless.
Many condolences to you. I hope you are well.
I am so sorry, Herman. I was just getting to know a bit about your Dad. I hope your memories will help to console you and help you to deal with the sadness and grief. My Mom has been gone since 1987 and I still want to call her. To be there and hold his hand as he passed… I hope it fills your heart with peace. I will be wanting to visit posts about him, I have read so many comments about what a wonderful man he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am so sorry 😦
Please accept our sympathy.
So sorry about your loss.
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear Dad, Herman. Losing a parent leaves a void that takes quite a time to fill, but hope it is a comfort to you that you took such a good care of him and have precious moments to remember. Your Dad is a young and strong man now somewhere in this endless Universe, and has all eternity ahead of him. Hugs, my friend. My heart goes out to you.
Condolences, love, and peace.
So sad news. My most sincere condolences, dear Hermann. In the photo your dad looks so mischievous and cheerful. Kep him in mind just like that.
I am so sorry after reading your last post that your Dad has since passed on. Sincere condolences and my thoughts are with you as you go through this very difficult and sad time. He was a remarkable man and I really enjoyed reading about him and his birthday celebrations each year. I am glad you got to spend a lot of time with him and I would like to think that he met up with our beautiful Bowie waiting at the Rainbow bridge.
My heart goes out to you! So glad you were able to spend soulful time with him before his departure! Sending a hug.
life is often cruel and this is a fundamental event that unfortunately hits very deep…My great regret and let time heal it a little….
Sending you lots of love and kind thoughts as you mourn your father. How wonderful that you were able to be with him during his final moments and that he was aware of your love and presence until the last.
Oh Herman, I am so sorry. I am glad that you were able to visit with him and be with him. It sounds as if all of your family is together now (all of my immediate family are gone, too). Try . . as hard as it may be . . to not squeeze Jimi too hard. I know, I’ve gotten a few grunts from my girls while I love on them in my grief. Hugs to you.
My friend, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My Dad passed away ten years ago and I miss him every day.
So very sorry to read this.
Sending heartfelt condolences to you.
Take good care.
Much love.
Melanie x
What a beautiful full life and heartfelt tribute…I understand Herman sending you peace, light and love ~ hugs hedy 🤗💕
Oh no. I’m so sorry. Thank you for being there for him when he needed you the most. So many don’t have that gift.
Herman, I am so so very sorry about your dad. I know how close you were. He’ll be with you for the rest of your life and beyond. I like to think he’s having a wonderful time with the other members of your family, including Bowie. And thank you for sharing your dad with the rest of us, it was a privilege to get to know him. Many condolences to you, and I hope you have many loving and supportive people around you at this difficult time.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Herman, I was very sorry to read about your loss. My father died the day after Christmas many years ago. I know he waited until after Christmas just for us. Sounds like your dad did that, too. I know he’s looking over you and the memories will flood your heart and mind. Take time for yourself. Grieve in your own way. And whatever you do, keep Jimi close. Hugs to you from Pam, Hemingway and Steinbeck.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Losing a parent, no matter when, is so very hard. I hope you can take comfort in your memories.
Oh Herman I’m so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your dear Dad and sending love.
This is terrible. Our parents are so dear to us. Just cuddle up with Jimi and remember that you have friends.
Thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Deepest condolences.
Oh no …..
My sincere condolences
I send you lots of positive waves to endure this bad time
I’m so sorry, my sincere condolences. I un derstand very well, in these last years I lost my parents and two brothers, the last on November 20th, 2020. But as you say, we should see it as a farewell, since they are always in our hearts.
Wholeheartedly with you.
Hello Herman…just thinking about you and Jimi…in an online meeting for work and Belgium was mentioned regarding transporting marrow and stem cells during Covid. Of course I thought of you…wondering how you are feeling. Also think about you as we have started watching “Professor T”…we do need subtitles but I find that my German and French lessons seem to be paying off- all these years later. Ah well, all our best, Christine and Bagheera
My sincere condolences to you. This is a wonderful tribute post to your father.
So sorry for you loss.
So sorry to read this post Herman, I know how close you were to your Dad and it makes me happy to know you were with him at the end. I know this will leave a big hole in your heart but try to fill it with happy memories. Hugs to you xxx
I am still thinking of you. I am so sorry your Dad died. How terrible. I can tell he was a fine person and attentive to your needs. We are all here thinking of you, hoping life will seem almost normal again. It is a catastrophe.
Herman, I am so very sorry for your deep loss. I know your father was a wonderful person.
Oh Herman, I am so very sorry I missed this sad news. You have my deepest, heartfelt sympathy and hugs from across the ocean. I know how much you loved your dad and that he was a positive force in your life. I am coming up on two years since mom passed in her sleep, and I still miss her. You will miss your dad too, but the lasting memories live on forever. Peace to you in the weeks to come. ❤
Dear Herman, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am glad that you were with your Dad right near the end and that he passed peacefully in his sleep. Now he can rest easy along with your family.
You are lucky to have had so many good years together (my Dad died in 1994) and these loving memories will sustain you in the months and years ahead.
With Love from Sicifi
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how close you were, and you must be devastated. Take care of yourself.
I am sorry for you that your father is gone. Your father is in peace and love. I whish you all the best with Jimi, love Susanne
Your tribute sings deeply of your respect and love for your father. For your family, really. With much sympathy to you Herman. May Jimi comfort as a kitty can, holding tears as they fall. Marilee and Olive.
Your spirits are forever entwined, and you know he loved you, and still does, as deeply as you loved and still love him. My deepest sympathy to you and your family, and all those who knew him all through his long life. In these winter days, snuggle with Jimi and some chocolate and revel in your memories. Sorry I didn’t see this until a month later.
So sad. I am so sorry Herman. Sending you my sincere feelings and a strong hug.