On 17 August 2024, Egbert Hermsen died at the age of 74. He was of great significance to Huntenkunst. For a long time, he devoted himself fully as a volunteer of our organisation. He made sculptures himself and so he felt at home with us as an art organisation. There was a natural interest. He was a lover of the visual arts. He had an appreciation for beauty. His work betrays his delicacy and the pleasure, which he had in making sculptures. With Egbert, one noticed how easily, how tactfully and amiably he interacted with people. This made him extremely suitable to take our volunteers under his wing. An indispensable group for us as a volunteer organisation, which is why he did important work. The volunteers were in good hands with him and he maintained a good relationship with them. His saying was ‘Volunteers should be cherished’. Their meals were taken care of perfectly and stylishly under his leadership. For that, he could call on his sister Mient. Sociability was important to Egbert and he encouraged that among his people. He was people-oriented. A good team spirit was everything to him. In addition, he was a skilled administrator. Many organisations would have liked to have him as a board member. We were happy he became a board member of our foundation. It was pleasant meeting with him and his input was much appreciated. As an expert, with his experience he automatically sensed what was feasible and what was not. Dutiful and full of responsibility, he took on his task. It was a setback that he was physically unable to continue and was forced to resign. Illness put an abrupt end to his function within our foundation. His life even had to be feared. This must also have been a major setback for Egbert. On the contrary, he was completely focused on serving the community. Even though that demanded a lot from his health. He already had a drastic medical history. In 2002 he received a donor lung and 2007 his remaining lung was removed due to cancer, so his life continued with only one donor lung. He became intensely involved in the donor organisation. Through lectures, he told his story and underlined the importance of donating. In doing so, he made an example of himself, thus demonstrating the importance. His is the sculpture ‘The Climb’. This National Donor Monument calls special attention to donating. His commitment to many social activities did not go unnoticed. In that context, he was appointed member in the Order of Orange-Nassau. In addition, he was surprised with the Golden Climbing Reversal Pin. The pin was awarded to him for his efforts to generate interest in donating. We too owe Egbert many thanks for what he has done for us. We wish his wife Anne and his children a lot of support in dealing with the great loss.
Harrie Schenning
Chairman