Dear fellow marksmen and markswomen,
We regret to inform you that our long-standing master of ceremonies, Henny Hoppenbrouwers, passed away on Thursday at the age of 82 after a serious illness.
“If you seek me, seek me in your hearts. If I have found a place there, I will always be with you. (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry).”
Henny was one of the defining faces of the EGS for over 30 years. Most of us were accompanied by him at our investiture into knighthood, always with a friendly smile and often with a twinkle in his eye.
He was the first point of contact for the new European Majesties and accompanied them on their journey.
The Brabant marches at the European meetings, which he organised with great care, are also unforgettable.
Right up to the end, he had the well-being of the EGS at heart and therefore asked for a successor to be appointed in advance of the spring meeting in Udenhout, as he already knew at that point that he only had a short time left.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday, 24 July at 2 p.m. in the De Drie Zwanen auditorium of the Zegestede Crematorium, Rucphensebaan 93A in Roosendaal.
The meeting point is the reception hall of the crematorium, where mourners can sign the book of condolence. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to offer personal condolences to the family in the crematorium’s lounge.
The funeral service can also be followed via livestream
Login code: cNGf52 (PLEASE NOTE: pay attention to upper and lower case letters).
With Henny’s passing, we have lost a dedicated marksman, a staunch European and, above all, a friend who will always be missed by us and the EGS. We remember him with great gratitude for allowing us to walk such a long stretch of life’s path together.
Our thoughts are with his family, whom we wish much strength and support during this difficult time.
We are united in faith and hope to see him again.
‘May the road bring us together – and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand’ (Irish farewell greeting)
With silent greetings
Peter-Olaf Hoffmann
Secretary General and Chancellor EGS