What a sad day, not only did I loose a great colleague, but also a friend, will miss having a beer or 2 with him, while discussing his many ideas on how to do things better in order to win our campaigns... an non-stop idea machine at times.

Greenpeace lost a great activist, and I'm sure MSF will miss him too.
He was a key person behind the scenes during many of our Greenpeace activities, Antarctica, Anti-whaling Tours, Moruroa campaign, Brent Spar, Amazon, ships tours, many of our biggest challenges/ campaigns, a very smart and efficient technician... but also a great guy to have around and so much more.

Once Hans believed in the project, for sure if related to whales, you would have to hold him, as he would overwhelm you with all his energy to try to make the project a success.

I'm not so good in saying goodbye to friends... I will miss Hans.

Hans to me was all about commitment and mischief -- I always saw him as this smiling elfin creature in the radio room, 100% there for the cause, 100% loving the job of getting in the face of the whalers, the polluters, the despoilers. He was so fluent in the technologies that he worked in, he could bend them to do astounding things. And in an organisation that loves to discuss and debate, he just put his head down, and got things done.

Elves are not supposed to die. He's going to be so missed.

I wish I had known Hans....seems the best do die young..leaving us behind to carry on...heart broken by their loss...when I am
feeling like this...it's like my soul almost wants to die, but I would miss this beautiful world of ours...I would miss my friends...I would miss the manta rays and diving with whale sharks...I would miss my friend the leopard shark...my guide into the deep blue...

Japan is selling dead whale ingredients to France. The company name is Sisley Paris. They make skin products with dead whale ingredients. They must be stopped.

Hans,
I know you are gone, I only spoke to you 2 days ago. I hnaded the RO role to you in Sri Lanka and you handed it back to me in Bali. You gave me advice and strength. Im not sure where i need to go now but you were a rock for me. I will miss you deeply. My best wishes to Hinh and is there is anything i can do than please let me know.

Go In Peace Hans.
Love,
Slade

"I've engag'd with men of souls,fit to refrom the ills of all mankind" When Otway wrote these words, I'm sure the inspiration came from one like Hans.

Hans,
You're going to be missed. Even if I did have to steal the one Johnny Cash cd that you insisted on playing over and over again in the Rainbow Warrior's radio room, while we were in the Tasman Sea in 2005. I'll also miss his prodigous snoring, his contagious impish sense of humour, and his utter dedication to the job.

Fair sailing, Hans.

Hans and I worked together since Hans joined Greenpeace in 1990. From the start he showed himself to be a very talented radio operator - still one of the few fluent in Morse Code - all the range up to software programmer. We worked together on several "special projects" as he called them. Very high tech stuff, very front end. He certainly overflowed with ideas and oodles of energy. At the same time, he was almost always smiling and had a happy disposure. It was difficult to get angry with him, and was the driving force for both technical and social outings among the "techies". Not only that: he was indeed bold and heroic, some would say: crazy. Whatever the superlative, he will be missed to like no other in the RO and actions team. Farewell, Hans!

Mentor, colleague, friend. From the Congo to the Southern Ocean, you'll be missed comrade.

A long time since we spoke. But, next time I get to Dublin, I'll head down to the Dockers and raise a Guinness or two and think quietly of the day and an evening we spent there putting the world to rights.

Wish I could find that beer mat we wrote all of the answers on.

We are gutted to hear this news, thanks Hans for the good times we have had together, the beers, the meals, the chats. We will miss you and right now we are drinking a beer (in true Greenpeace style) for you and talk about our memories of you, there are loads!
The road goes on forever and the party never ends....
So long friend!
Darren & Cyndi

Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Hans knows he was one of those people who's presence was enough to lighten any situation and make you smile. I have many fond memories of Hans in the old GPI office in Amsterdam - working on the sneaky sneaky stuff and always smiling and laughing. Good talks, beers and always laughter. Such a huge loss for everyone who knew him. A truly peaceful man - I'm glad to have known him, if only for a while.
Fare thee well Hans, we will miss you.
Marcixo

It was a great pleasure to know and sail with Hans, we will remember him as a good man. Too early to leave this place and with many more projects to finish, he was always busy helping in many dark corners of the Earth. Good luck and God's blessings to him and his family.

Very shocking, very sad. Always a joy to work with, or to encounter, under any circumstances. Hans, we'll miss you. I'm sure you'll figure out a way to make all those halos flash 'no nukes'.

S

Dear Hans,

Hats off to you sir. Intelligent, funny, full of resources and extremely committed. An example to all of us. So many trips together. You will be dearly missed.

DSW, OM

Shit Hans, i heard from you on monday and you sounded so good.
Tonight Pete and Jon are at Diego Garcia and you were so proud of them.

I'm sure they will dedicate their action to you

I hope you don't mind if i share your last message to me with all your
friends

From: "Hans Monker"
To:
Sent: Monday, March 03, 2008 3:52 PM
Subject: Re: Musichana arrived

With Linh it's just great. We're on a recce job and she is my
(volunteer) interpreter and assistant. When we get back to the
island she has her familiy - and I love them too - and I have
some friends to socialize with, only need a few.

Still happy I took the decision to move out of Holland. Though
Linh wants to get back there and my father is getting on so maybe
if I land a super job for a change then we'll relocate - it would
only be for a while.

The dream is a piece of land and build a nice home on it.
Getting really expensive now, Phu Quoc.

Gotto always have a project going...

Best thing in a while though is that I swapped three drugs for
one: beer + coffee + cigarettes all gone, drinking tea now. Will
fill the beer gap with fruit shakes and juices. I'll drink so much
of it it'll come out of my ears but won't touch beer anymore.
ciggees had to go, simple, so therefore coffee too. Glad it's all done.
Of course in the end I'll get a shrimped liver because of all the
tea or something, but at least it's great to start the day around 0600
full of energy, rather then 0900 with cotton wool in the head.

Hey man take care ik zie nu pas dat ik in het engels heb zitten schrijven.
Ff douchen en dan aan de slag!
Het ga je goed,
Hans

I am going to drink a cup of tea in your honour, although i hate the stuff

Farewell my friend this one is hard to take

I sailed with you for a few weeks on the Sirius in 1989, Hans. My mate Ed just told me the news. Salut.

Hans,
You were a gentle bear of a man.I will always remember all the fun and mischief we made. I can't believe we won't see your smiling face again. Will remember you always,
Rose

I don't even know where to begin. This is such sad and shocking news. So many memories from such great voyages together, but there is one above other that I will always remember. It was my third trip to Antarctica; Hans' first. We were in Andvord Bay in the Antarctic Peninsula, and it was the most amazing sight. I stood out on deck and Hans joined me. "How am I ever going to tell people about this?" he said. "How am I ever going to describe it? All I can do now is go to the Moon." That night, we all gathered on the heli deck, and listened to whale song, singing our own songs as Hans strummed on the guitar.

We spent much time plotting in various radio rooms on different ships, my friend, talking seriously then pausing, looking at each other, and bursting into giggles as we considered the consequences of our actions. After that first voyage, there was never an expedition when I didn't lobby to have you on board. You worked hard and you laughed hard, sometimes at the same time.

Dammit, you were too young and too good to go. But you will live forever, in our hearts and in our memories, and in the stories we will share and pass down.

Dear Hans, you brought so much joy to work (and so much Johnny Cash to the lounge!!!!) that will live on within each of us who had the honour to know you.
Thank you for all that you gave to us. xx

Am gutted , so sad ........................So many fun times, so many times that broke the rules( internally and externally!!) Dont know what to say... Its true that that GP should mourn such a man, none better in passion, skill and warmth.Am thinking of nothing else right now. Uma saideara pra vc brother.

sorry -My last message was pish ...Am gonna have to think about what to write.....Sorry .... Really sad

Ahh Hans...
far too many Johnny Cash songs had yet to be sung, my brother.I never liked the iconic americana until I heard it from a foreign perspective. I remember playing guitars at the quayside bar in Melbourne after giving shit to the Nisshin Maru et al. down south. Man, you couldn't get away with spontaneous jam sessions at a bar here. Nobody asked us to leave the bar. We just sat there with cold, well-deserved pints and played to our hearts' content in the scorching Aussie sun. Somewhere between the time we arrive the time we go, lies a reason we were alive, but we'll never know...But we can surely speculate Hans, and we have a lot of material to go through.
peace.
Jesse

Where do I start? What a beautiul human being! Can you imagine, if every one of us were like you, what a world this would be! Perhaps perfect... Oh Hans, you saw potential in me that nobody else saw, .... Oh dear, perhaps it's best you rest....

I met Hans when I started working on the Warrior back in 2005.. He was my friend.. He taught me so much.. He believed in me and gave me so many opportunities.. It was thanks to him that I started working in the Radio room, and learned to love his Johnny Cash Music.. Together we ripped open electronic gadgets and laughed together and dreamed up fantastic plans.. I loved his sense of humor.. Hans, I'm glad I had a chance to see you again in Amsterdam, even if it was just briefly.. I'm going to miss you so much my friend..

How about we name a whale after him?

Fair Winds,
Abri (Shellback Name : Beluga)

Hans, mate..
I didn't expect this..

Thanks for believing in me my friend. When I met you on the RW back in 2005 you taught me so much.. even how to love Johnny Cash! without you I would never have been where I am today..

I remember how we laughed and dreamed up fantastic ideas in our just slightly less than neat radio room :)

I'm glad I saw you again in Amsterdam .. Even if it was just so briefly.

I will never forget you!
I'll have a bit of a good-bye for you on the shores of the atlantic here in the cape tonight..

Cheers Hans!
Thanks for everything my friend

Hans, mate..
I didn't expect this..

Thanks for believing in me my friend. When I met you on the RW back in 2005 you taught me so much.. even how to love Johnny Cash! without you I would never have been where I am today..

I remember how we laughed and dreamed up fantastic ideas in our just slightly less than neat radio room :)

I'm glad I saw you again in Amsterdam .. Even if it was just so briefly.

I will never forget you!
I'll have a bit of a good-bye for you on the shores of the atlantic here in the cape tonight..

Cheers Hans!
Thanks for everything my friend.

Abri - Shellback "Beluga"

Hans,
I can't believe you left us! But we will meet again in the place you are now, someday for sure! And have a beer or a tea together ;)
Was great to get to know you and work with you. Great time in the amazon, amsterdam and Bangkok , so much fun!
voce continua presente em nossos coracoes.

Hans,i'm still shocked. Hard to imagine your off this little potato.I'll miss and remember the good conversations, motivations all with a unique sence of humor, light and kindness. A tear drops, good to know we got some good people on the other side to.
Your spirit lives on.
Love

dear all..this really hurts me a lot and want to tell all who read this..have lost one of my best friend,a brother and my travel companion..sorry been late to write but spend all day crying and talking to his wife in vietam.it really hurts as i was suppose to go to phu quoc to meet him..the day before he left to heaven i spoke to him for 40 minutes and he was very excited..but weak.he was happy that i was finally going on HIS ISLAND.told him that i met a beautiful french girl and he said whats her name..i said fleur..he cou;dnt stop laughing.i dont know what energy told me to call him..it was around mid night.few hours later he was gone..but i can still feel his spirit around me here in goa. india..it was for him that i got an opportunity to sail on the rainbow warrior..it was my first time outside india.hans..i will really miss you..

Trop triste, trop moche. Hans, tu es parti beaucoup trop tot - Chantal et moi apportons a Hinh tout notre reconfort, elle connait le chemin de la maison si le coeur lui en dit.
Adieu, incroyable visiteur - portes-toi bien pour toujours.

I’m shocked like all of us. But I’m happy that I got the chance to meet Hans and that I could spend some time with him. I will always remember Hans and I’ll miss the stories of all his adventures.
My thoughts are with his family

Shit Hans you weren't supposed to do this to us! It's way too early for such a beautifull giant of a -young- man like you to go.....
I have been thinking of you and your beloved wive Linh so much lately. Been planning to visit you both in Vietnam, to meet her & her family and to share a beer with you, which i'd would've to supstitudte happily for a fruit juice.
It would've been all good & full of fun & loads of laughter, times to reminiscind about the good ol'days on and off our ships, me "slaving away" in the galley/cooking plenty "strong" food & you cooking up innovative radio/coom's stuff amid all the other "deep & meaningfull" conversations we shared about how we could & should change the world .....and Greenpeace for the better....
I always loved you man, you where so often there to come up with wonderfull, weird & wacky but also very practical ideas and supported me in my "struggles" with the internal fabrications of this great organisation which we both have this tumultious love/hate relationship with.

I'll miss you my,
dear bother/friend
in (non-violent) arms.

It's sad you passed away so suddenly, but i know you died a happy man. A happy man finally living his dream with a beautifull -loing- wife on a wonderfull isle, in Vietnam, far away from the "maddening crowds" of Holland.
You lived life to the fullest & loved what you did + gave always more then was expected.
You died way to early mate, but at least you died in your prime - happy man-, sharing your last moments engaging in one of your favourite passtimes (eating), together with your beloved wife.

I would just about say, what better way is there go then at such a moment, but for the sorrow i feel for your beloved wife Linh and your Dutch + Vietanese family and other whanau (extended family + friends)

I'll miss you bro'! We all will!
You'll always be remembered with love and kindness.

Cheers to you bro'!

Love,
Rien
peace

Always such a luxury to sail with or catch up with you! Your earthy, loving intelligence has been a great inspiration and reassurance for me.. I find it quite hard to come to terms with not being surprised by your face for a while.
Dank je Hans,
liefs Marieke

Hans, the memory of the stories, the laughs, your snoring at night strait trough walls and decks, your mumbling while make a repair in an impossible corner on the bridge, I enjoyed being there with you. The pleasure was mine as well mine.
Recht zo die gaat! (Zo dus Hans... recht, niet meer naar stuurboord nu...)
Hoi!

Hans, Your devilish grin is eternally etched in my being. We crossed paths too few times since our first meeting on the way to moruroa some dozen years back where you labored madly to prepare for a last stand in the radio room. You're sorely missed, my friend.

Reading the other post , I'm not surprised to see that we all learned something very important from him , I know very few people I can say that about, now its up to us to keep his unique positive philosophy alive ,by trying to implement what ever little piece of it he gave to us into our own lives, ciao Hans,
Ted Hood (your favorite bosun)

Dear Hans,
I am gutted , I don’t believe in god but sometimes I wonder if he does take the best first. I cried, I am crying -you were patient, kind, clever, never, ever lost your temper and always willing to help, always thought the best of anybody or any situation. Man you had just got your life together, got married, had a baby – my heart goes out to your family.
I had so many, many good times with you – you were a gem – a man in a million. A gem of humanity and I loved you .

Welterust, mijn schatje

Lena

It was a great experience sailing with you Hans and I always enjoyed a chat over a coffee on the bridge. Greenpeace is a better place from your years of commitment. My warm condolences to your family..

It was a bit longer than 1 month that i sail with you. I also hope to sail with you again as well as visit you in Vietnam. I'm sad that it will never happen again. Hope you will stay in peaceful and have a good care of your family. I want you to know you are one of my best friend on the trip.

Noom

Hans you were always go go go and now you’ve gone, left me wondering where on Earth? I hope you have good reception… maybe give us a hand tracking the Japanese whalers if you can. We’ve just had a great ‘last trip’ on the Rainbow Warrior all the way to Bali and now you aint coming back no more no more. If it thunders overhead I’ll know its you up there. Did I tell you that you snore? Time to delete your name from my address book (God, that’s final) no need for it anymore. Goodbye dear Hans Monker, may your journey continue in love and peace.

mikemate

pls, pls God , give back my husband for me. i will change with you everything i have,even my life. oh,my honey, my wonderfull husband. why? why? everything just finish like this. we have so many dream still not yet do it. why you go and live me alone huh hans?
i don't want like that . can you come back with me hans, please?

I had your marriage card for long time on my desk and many people asked me what it was. Though I do not read Vietnamese, I told everyone what it was. He was so happy with Linh. What a terrible loss.
Hans worked in many missions as radio specialist for Medecins Sans Frontieres. He went not only as a technician. He was always there as a motivated and enthausiast person, involved in every aspect of working for a better world. Hans, please guide us from wherever you are now!

Jaap

I am shit at this, saying goodbye. I have seemed to have done it alot in the last few years to GP friends. Hans, you were the rock I stood on many times. You kick started my GP life and I will always thank you for that. Sirius 94, Spar 95 - you made that happen, working day and night, so many ideas, Tahiti 95...you were the man. Crazy shit all day and night. Always fun to be in a tight spot, the tighter the better. Touched by all the people leaving messages on here. We are the ones left behind that need to keep those memories so alive. Trying to explain to a certain danish man that the woman he is taking to his hotel room is in fact a man!! Never cried so much that night in Tahiti, I am smilling now because of you. Go well my friend and I will always remember you.

We were 3 dutchman on the island of Phu Quoc. Hans, my son and me. Now 1 of the 3 musketeers is gone. It's very very sad and our thoughts are with his young wife Linh and his family in Holland. What a loss too for Greenpeace. We wish Linh, his family in Holland and also the people of Greenpeace strength to get over this great loss. Rest in peace Hans and watch over us.

Louis van Eijk

Hans-

Numerous campaigns, tens of thousands of miles of deep water under the keel, great times in the radio room and wheelhouse, horrific times witnessing what we were there for.... One of the times with you that remains dear to me was not sailing, nor working, but while in Melbourne and jamming together for beers while sitting outside at the local cafe after hours.... You will be sorely missed - and always remembered.

Monker, gone?

We used to joke that when a GP ship hit port Hans should be locked in a cupboard and only let out long after departure. Why? He was always getting into trouble on shore, mostly hilariously so. Who else would buy two camels in North Africa and then not know what to do with them! Who else would be brought back to the ship by the police to verify his identity – twice! Who else would fall into the drydock in Barcelona from the Sirius – twice! Who else would have to be rescued by the French coast guard – twice – when he attempted to sail a yacht from Holland to the Med.

But once he was let out of the cupboard he was awesome.

I remember the 1990 dive accident on board the Sirius in the North Atlantic. He and the doctor saved a divers life. I have the perfect image of him in the telephone kiosk size radio room working the Satcom phone to the rescue center in Falmouth and Madrid in between receiving specialist medical advice whilst at the same time working VHF to a French patrol plane sent to drop drugs and at the same time working – no imploring – a Spanish navy boat to send a helicopter (eventually having to talk them in). All this whilst working a Russian freighter in Morse code to send a bottle of medical oxygen. And all done without panic.

As usual he was the unsung hero of one of so many GP activities he was involved with.
He will remain my favourite RO.

Monker gone? Yes, but definitely not forgotten.

Ah, Hans. What a wonderful fellow. What sad, sad news.

I was lucky to get to sail with Hans on the Southern Ocean trip a few years ago and spent many many evenings playing crappy guitars, singing off-key, endlessly debating/speculating/complaining/ about the character and deeds of the notorious Paul Watson - and of course the notorious Ourselves - usually heatedly and hilariously, and competing with and against him in an insane version of poker in the lounge of the Esperanza. Usually all these things would end with more guitar playing. What a fantastic spirit - such a sweet, sweet soul - who was serious and passionate and inquisitive and engaged and all the time taking obvious delight and wonder and joy in life as his normal, daily experience. He was a sage, pixie, monk, cowboy, bard and philosopher all rolled up in one, and he never ceased to surprise me: I'm from Kansas and the boy knew more Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson and other Country and Western songs on his guitar than I do. It's such a treat to find such a strong musical spirit in someone. He was passionate about many things and wasn't afraid to demonstrate that passion. I'm so sad that we won't cross paths on this world again - Hans, do please at least try to keep the guitars in tune on the other side.

nathan

The Earth has lost a defender; humanity has lost an inspiration and many have lost a dear friend and colleague. I had the luck of working closely with Hans on a number of occasions and bellied up to many a bar with him, too. His refreshing optimism, quick wit and passion in what he was doing were infectious and always motivating.

“Snoopy Dog? Roger that!”

Um grande abraço amigão! Vou sentir sua falta.

Adieu Hans,

You really got me by surprise.
The best surprising SMILE we ever got from our finest RO and buddy on board or where ever you came him across.
Your body left us on your long journey,but your with spirit we will always travel with us.

So Long! Maarten

Now Hans, look at all the e-mails. Yes, you can be proud, very proud.
In 45 years you lived a marvelous life. In service of human mankind; in service of our planet and her seven seas. Yes, Hans, you did well, very well.
Thanks, Leo.

R.I.P Hans,

A fine gentleman, and a pleasant optimist.
I'll miss testing Tigers in the market with you. But for all the time put in, we never found a bad one.

We'll do our best to take care of Linh and your Phu Quoc family.
Fair seas my friend,

Jimmy.

Hans, You told me more inspiring stories about Rainbow Warrior than any of the media spins that were sent our way in India before the ship arrived on its maiden voyage on our shores.
Hans, You taught me more about using technologies for doing 'good' than all the rhetoric I have heard since.
Hans, you always wrote back and honestly told me off whenever I came up with crazy ideas that I would not dare share with others.
Hans, you always wrote back, wherever you were, however silly my messages or queries were.
And last few days I have been feeling like shit for not spending more time with you in Jakarta, for not responding to your last message coz I thought you were kidding when you wanted to know about the latest security protocols.
I wish I could say the usual - our paths will cross again - our sign off. You are going to be missed buddy. Big time.
shai

It's really deeply shockign to hear about Hans' death...it's very hard for me to believe that such a strong, clear-minded, brainy techno but engaged with the world and alive person is no longer with us. Hans was fantastic to work with as an RO, but also as a fellow crew member and holder-up of the bar in A'dam.... I am glad that he lived such a full and fulfilled life; he must have packed in more adventures and stories than most people do in several lifetimes.... but it is tragic that he died so young, so happy with Linh and a baby on the way.

Stephanie Mills

The photo of Hans in the radio room is exactly as I remember him. Wearing a slightly dodgy shirt and a big, warm, cheeky grin in the middle of weird gadgetry. All he needs is a guitar.

A few of us had pints of guinness in his honour here in Melbourne and spoke to his friend and partner-in-gadgetry Neil on the Espy over the ditch.

The man was just lovely and I will miss him (I can even remember his insistence that I sing waltzing bloody matilda all the time with fondness:)).

Dear Linh,

I am so very sorry for our loss, which I find it hard to come to terms with. My name is Rens Willet and I write to you from Spain. I am a friend of Hans’ going back very nearly thirty years. Ours is a history that commenced long before our years together at Greenpeace, and it is one that has flourished long after. I met Hans through our studies at Marine College. Also, he lived with me and my family (with Grace O’Sullivan and our fantastic daughters, Emer, Irene and Momo) in Holland, and when we worked together on the boats we often shared quarters. I can personally attest to the fact that Hans’ snoring was unforgivable, while his guitar playing was so beautiful it had the potential to reduce people to tears. Truly, it was one of my greatest pleasures in life to have practiced music, and to have performed, with Hans on a regular basis. Also, the generosity of his spiritualism so often touched me at difficult moments in my own life.

Me, together with so many of our friends, whom I have recently been in contact with over Hans’ unexpected death, deeply regret his loss and share our sympathies with you and your family. As you know, Hans has such a wide circle of friends that are spread all over the world, so, it seems an impossible task to gather us all together in one place at one moment to pay our respects and to commemorate his passing. Since Hans was the most clever electronics, communications guru, whom I personally have ever come across, I think it would be a good idea to honour him (and many will agree with me, here) by using technology to organise such a ceremony. The most important message that I abstract from this sad event is: That it is of vital importance that we soul-mates remain in contact. If you think it is a good idea to commemorate Hans’ passing via technology, then please do get in touch and we will endeavour to organise this ceremony.

Above all else, the lesson that Hans has repeatedly taught us, over so many years, is that we are obliged to live life to its fullest. And, for those of us who have know Hans so intimately, his life was always one of service. With that well-learnt lesson in mind, I wish to draw our world wide community’s attention to the fact that two of Hans’ friends have recently been imprisoned in the Indian Ocean; they being, Pete Bouquet and Jon Castle. I am not aware of the state of their imprisonment or of their well being. So, if anyone could inform me of their how-abouts and whereabouts, and if anyone can inform them of the sad news of Hans’ passing, I would be extremely grateful.

Yours sincerely,
Rens Willet (Spain)

Bob Hunter talked about the Mystics and the Mechanics. Hans was certainly a Mechanic, one of the very best of those behind the scenes techno-geeks (and I use the term in its most complimentary form) who work wonders with minimum resources. But he had a bit of the Mystic about him too. He looked deeply into the real meaning of what personal action can accomplish and dedicated himself with great good cheer to the causes he believed in. It was an honor to know him and to call him a colleague. He will be truly, deeply missed.

Lieve Hans and your friends because you had so many, many times I want to write to you, or better said , say something to your family and friends to express how warm and fine it was to have you around, if you where not around you where still here , anyway with me, and this many times after I heard you are not among us anymore I start to cry , Yes deeply Still still,,, you where a brother to me and we shared so many ,on so many ways and vessels and occasions.PFFF,just talk about drinking coffee out of a glass or a stoned cup, it took us ages to find out, it was 1998 that time, what is time.It was november I got this mail from you, it is in dutch , full with fun , honesty and all,

Nouwuh Fransjow,
nog wel ff wachtuh hoor uh,
we goan d'r wel voor, maarrrrr, kwil
tog aiguhluk eerst ietje meer voetjes aon
de gront kraiguh snappie? Maar goed,
kan zijn, ik voel het aan muh sterruh,
dat we dit jaor een babietjuh kraiguh,
Linh wil het heel graag en ik ook en nou ja,
dan hebben we een klein monkertje er bij,
of je kunt het net zo goed een klein
nguyen-thi-tje noemen, die dan natuurlijk
loods wordt en in nederland tankers van
rotterdam naar hamburg gaat brengen en
op een goede nacht zo ergens tussen oud en
nieuw want dan is het weer altijd zo lekker bij ons,
of moet ik zeggen bij jullie, dan gaatie bij die
eilanden daar harderstarboard wattie niet moet doen
maar dankzij dat monkernguyentje hebbuh we dan
weer 'n zuuderzeej.......

leuk zo'n nachtwacht - gelukkig liggen we zo veilig
dat ik wel steeds even de radio hut in mag. nog
maar een bakkie scoren
het ga je goed,,,,,

Yesss you wanted to go for a baby , But, well Hans that makes it even worse , YOU WENT TOO early, we share this with eachother and it seems to be reality, almost not acceptable, BUT its thruth.
Lieve (lovely*Hans and friends & family, How nice was it to have Hans around us and to have the illusion that he is still alive, he is in our ........................give it a name & a place , it will take a long time , With many LOve Frans

Dear Hans,

I am sad but also pissed off that you left this side - I know you liked it so much. You really took care of life and what it had to offer. Ever since meeting you the first time on the Rainbow Warrior in 1991, I have always got a smile on my face when meeting you again, talking to you or just hearing about you.

You did more to the world in your too short life than most others. You will be missed so much.

To the reggea nights on the pier in S.F.

Hans, you were the warmest welome on every ship, the keenest language student and the hardest worker that I ever had the privilege of sailing with. There is a gaping hole now where there was so much comraderie and laughter. My thoughts are with all those you left behind. You were larger than life - SARABA TOMO YO -YASURAKA NI
missing you terribly, John

Hans, Hans, to the radio room...

I'm so saddened to hear the news, my thoughts and feelings to your family Hans, and to all that knew and loved you.

We only had a few trips together, but I cherish those memories, and all your help in getting the pics off the ships.

As Johnny Cash would say, we'll "meet you further on up the road, further on up the road"..

Take care Hans,

Jeremy

Otsukaresama, Hans.

Takusan yattakara, yukkuri yasunde.

Zutto wasurenaiyo.

Arigatou.

peace.

Unbelievable, shocked I am.
The paths of our existence are unfathomable. I'll remember him as one of the good guys on this earth.
Hope to see you some time in eternity Hans.
Linh, I wish you strength and share your sorrow.

from hans m

This sad news hit us like a brick. It's so hard to believe we have lost such a warm and inspiring friend and colleague.
Guess this really is the last one for the road, Hans.
Adios amigo,
Gionny and Emma xxx

Hans, we'll all miss you Brother. I can't remember how many times we sailed together, different seas,different campaigns,different ships. But we had great times through out the years.
Thanks for everything you've done for our planet.
A role model indeed.
"Home is the sail,home from the sea"
Farewell my FRIEND.
Paul

Hans, we'll all miss you Brother. I can't remember how many times we sailed together, different seas,different campaigns,different ships. But we had great times through out the years.
Thanks for everything you've done for our planet.
A role model indeed.
"Home is the sailor,home from the sea"
Farewell my FRIEND.
Paul

hans san

takusan takusan takusan no arigato

kottino kotoha makasete ne

hans mitaina sutekina hitoga inakunacchatta kara kono sekaiha cho kanashinderuyo

tengoku made cho gokigen na tabiwo

mata rose issho ni utaoune

Some of my fondest memories of Manaus are spending the late afternoons and evenings with you, dear Hans. Your genius with all things electronic never ceased to amaze me, nor your humour, take on life and passion. Tudo de bom para voce meu amigo.

the last time I saw Hans he was heading off to get married. My heart goes out to you Linh - and I think I'd be safe to say that we all want your husband back.

It was always a relief to hear that Hans was going to be the RO on a ship - you just knew that everything would run so much easier with him around. And so much fun.

The world is worse off without Hans Monker in it, that's for sure.

Hans was one of the best people I ever met working for Greenpeace in my 14 yearsworking in the firm. In the time I lived in Amsterdam Hans was always one of my favorite people there. I will always remember that devilish smile, his incredible sense of humor and his enormous talent. But most of all I will remember his undying conviction and dedication to what is right. Looking at his picture today I was deeply moved and reminded of all the great souls that I had met in Greenpeace and Hans was one of the best of the best....

Be well my friend.....
See you in that pub in the sky and we will share a pint once again.

JR
Missoula, Montana USA

I remember sailing with Hans from Rotterdam to Panama on the Esperanza. It was a long trip at sea and one thing that I remember most about Hans was that he was always in a good mood. Always happy and smiling but at the same time always knew when someone was sad and always ready with a big hug to confort you. I remember saying to him many time that I would give him 10 dollars if he stopped playing Johnny Cash at 8 in the morning. We always had a laugh in the lounge in the Espy while having a beer.
Hans you will be greatly missed.

the next journey is the most beautiful, I wish you the best

Hans was a wonderful, warm, hairy, funny, and terrifyingly intelligent man. He taught me how to be a campaigner on the ships, how laugh in the face of adversity, and to marvel rather than rage at the lunacy of human beings. He reminded me that there is always hope and salvation, wherever you choose to look for it.

I love the photo of Hans in the RR on the Sunrise, it's just as I would like to remember him.

My deepest sympathies to his wife Linh, his father, and his Dutch and Vietnamese family.

Goodbye Walrus, we miss you, thank you for all your tireless efforts for the environment and human beings in crisis, and the happiness you brought us, in so many different parts of the world.

Shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden departure Hans, a genuinely great man.

I had the honour of sharing many memorable beers on ships with Hans and fondly recall his compelling wisdom (You want a pension? Get some land and learn to grow food!) and infectious, inspiring humanity.

The world is a better place for you having been here Hans, and you will be remembered as someone who made a difference. My deepest sympathies to Lihn, his family and extended family. Rest In Peace.

Chao Linh!
That bat ngo va that buon khi nghe tin Hans qua doi.
Thanh that chia buon cung em va gia dinh!
Linh oi, giu gin suc khoe nhe!
Hans, We will keep you in our mind and all the best for Linh.
Kim Tu & Andreas

When today I got a message from Grace O'Sullivan informing me of the death of Hans I could not believe it. Tons of memories of happy and exciting years with him come to my mind. I sailed with Hans during years in the 80's and early 90's, onboard the Sirius, the Rainbow Warrior, the MV Greenpeace. We sailed in many Mediterranean Sea campaigns, exploring new countries that now are an usual place to work for Greenpeace, and where offices were opened. He was instrumental to those successes. I remember Hans driving me crazy when, for instance, he decided to rent a moped in Greek Cyprus and crossing illegally to Turkish Cyprus during the night "to explore" while the Sirius was in harbour. Those were the worst political times in that divided country. That was him, daring, brave, efficient and fast as a radio operator (the best of all them, the best a campaigner onboard would like to have as a mate and as a colleague), allways full of good humour and jokes. I shared with him a cabin for months in the last trip of the MV Greenpeace to Moruroa in 1995. We barricated together in the radio room for hours until the French commandos managed to break in and stop him from transmitting. He greeted them with a cinical smile. I had seen and heard from Hans every now and then since, and I cant believe that I will not enjoy his jokes anymore. But he will be in the memory of all of us forever. Xavier Pastor

Fair winds and smooth sea mate.
Love
Cat

Hans mate, the world and our little paradise island are missing you too much man. This is so tough and unfair on us all do you know that?
Went with Linh to see you today - you didn’t half look pissed off but don’t be, my friend. You gave us all so much enthusiasm for life and what is right and strength and we will do our best to give that strength to your girl for her to get through this. Reading these pages you are missed and loved by so many that you know you were a special person. Your family must be so proud of what you have done in your life.

Gonna miss you mate,

Mike, Thien and young Jamie (so happy you met him and hugged him just before you went to Hanoi)

Hans, thanks for the almost 20 years of friendship and your great input to many, many campaigns that we worked on together.

You will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Goodbye my friend.

Oh no, Hans, it was so nice to sing together, when you said to me, making me blush, I had such a good voice....

It is such a hard blow...

Rosso

Dear Hans,

I will miss you so much. I will never forget your kindness and commitment.
You told me that I can wake you up anytime if there is any trouble on the webcam on
the Esperanza in 2006, whale campaign. And I had to wake you up in the middle of the night..
You were in the deep sleep... but as soon as you woke up, you gave me advice and sorted it out without complaining at all. I was impressed.
Your spirit is with us and my deep condolences to your wife and family.

Otsukaresama
Sakyo

Gday Hans!

I really dont know what i can add to all these beautiful stories, comments and tributes to what was obviously an amazing life! Most could even imagine doing a part of what you have done and achieved ....you still wernt you meant to go yet!

Though we have only known each other only since you have come to Phu Quoc Island I now feel as though I know you so much more reading all this above! Incredible guy!

I do remember a few years ago you spoke to me about opening a BOOK shop here and you were so passionate about it. I said to you that if that is something you really love then dontthink of it as a business venture more a passion venture, f&*% the money!

Well it didnt quite get there I know Hans but the least we can do now is setup a BOOK EXCHANGE at our shop (Buddy Ice Cream) in your honour and then a part of that dream you'll know has been achieved.

I hope you dont mind but I donthave any books in Dutch to start with but I am sure they will come flooding in after the grand opening!!!

Mate, from my wife, baby Kaitlyn and I we wish you much peace and happiness, wherever you may be I will see you one day for one more of those aussie songs with all that slang and humour! You were always willing to get the guitar out on a whim! :-)

To Linh, deepest sympathies, we will always be there as friends for you. Hans has so many friends because he was basically a terrific person in all respects and we grieve with you for your loss.

Our deepest sympathies also go out to Hans families in both Holland and Vietnam.

R.I.P Hans
Rohan & Duonghy & Kaitlyn

Hans, it has been years since we last sailed together, if I remember right it was on the Pig to Svalbard and you ended up with a couple of broken ribs after a midnight run on a skidoo, never a dull moment with you around, you will be missed.
Vi Ses Jan

Hans, my dear, you are the very one who made me gain trust & love in people again. I owe you that. You taught me how not to be afraid of myself, to break free and wander around enjoying the best of life in freedom, love & happiness. I'll be always glad for having you in my life and for all your trust and support at all times. Last time we said good bye, few years ago, we promissed to see each other again sometime. You owe me that, mate! I only like Johnny Cash when you sing it!

Really sad I cannot visit you in your island. Miss you f***ing much, copy that?

Condolences to Linh & Family. I bet Hans is in a good place, singing loud.

Paz, Amor e nos vemos um dia, meu amigo*

hans hard to belive you are gone now. i had so many laughs with you and you allways made everybody feel welcome in the radio room. thanks for all the good times. all the best my friend
martin

Dear Hans,
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear you'd gone. I will always remember locking you in the deepest cabin on the Syrius so you and Rene could send the footage off while being boarded - and then forgot you were there! But, dear Hans, you were always smiling, always committed and enthusiastic whether in the office or on the ships. You are greatly loved and will be greatly missed. But I know you will smile at us with that twinkle.
Fair winds, Hans - and thank you. Paul

Hans, it was a shock to find out that you’re no longer with us. There are so many good memories of you, especially working together with you in Congo where you played a very important role in setting up our sleeping sickness programme. You did so with endless energy. It was great to work with you, always a laugh ready, always interesting conversations, sometimes losing you when those conversations became really technical. Swimming in the Congo River, travelling by dug out, getting the data over HF going, drinking a beer at the end of the day, fixing the electricity, working with the national staff and all those other things, it was great doing this with you. We were still going to drink a coffee, next time you would pass through Amsterdam, sadly, sadly this will not happen. Wish you could set up a radio there, so at least we could speak…I will miss you, this world will miss you.

Hans was a very warm and social person who loved you all very much. As his brother i know this for sure. His suddenly departure is too hard to carry so i must give it over to GOD ALMIGHTY in CHRIST NAME.
Thank you all for your kind words and may God bless you.

Rob

Dear Hans,
Sweet, nice, involved and stubborn..... Once more I will hear you playing " The Rose" on your guitar, and think of you and Linh.

Lieve Hans
Vaarwel!
Love Nienke

Hans you were a pleasure to know and work with. Your inspiration will live on through any of us. Thanks for everything.

It's so hard to accept when a true friend is gone. I shared so many wonderful times with Hans, from endless campaigns to hitch-hiking through NL & Germany together to get to Taize monastry in South France where we laughed and prayed and sang into the small hours. He was such a deeply spiritual person and so committed to Greenpeace and to Humanity. It has truly been an honour to have met Hans. I will never forget him and know he will shine down on us all, together with Hamid, Felix and all our dear departed friends.

Reading all these comments is so heart warming. I am sure Hans is reading them to. If there is one person who can surf the web from heaven; It is Hans.

Ik mis je man.

Frank kamp

I'm going to miss you heaps, can't believe we won't be able to see you anymore.

It was an honor to have know you and you'll be greatly missed.

Sad, so sad to see you gone. We'll miss you so much.

I never had the privilege of working with Hans and am sorry that I never will because of all the good things I heard over the years. My heart goes out to family and friends.

What a person, what a smile,it could melt icebergs.
Hans I miss you.I wish you were still here. I want to see your name on the crew list again. Whenever I did I knew there were good times ahead.Your rebirth will be hearalded with great rejoicing from everyone you touched in this life.

its taken a while to sink in.... such a wonderful adorable man. i loved sailing with you.. always made me smile. Such warmth and positivity, so utterly likeable and clever. Am lucky to have shared the southern ocean with you.. tears are now flowing.. goodbye and strength to your family.. death is hard but inevitable- sure does remind us of the important stuff.. thank you hans .. your life was a truly meaningful one.

Hans
One of the sweetest people i ever had the pleasure too meet. I could really do with some of his uplifting words or perhaps a good sing-a-long right now.

I will miss you.

Hans;
No te conocí mucho solo me entere de tus historia el día de hoy.-
Eso me da mucha tristeza porque se que no pude saver mucho de vos y las hazañas por las que pasaste. De seguro estaras en algún lugar recibiendo todo lo que nos diste a nosotros y mundo entero.

DESDE BAHIA BLANCA, BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA.

PAZ Y AMOR AL MUNDO ENTERO.-

BRUNO GIAMBELLUCA.
INFORMACIÓN GENERAL EN BASURA CERO BAHIA BLANCA.
BRUNO.BASURACERO@HOTMAIL.COM

WWW.BASURACEROBAHIA.BLOGSPOT.COM

Last memories of Hans: having dinner in our garden, swapping tall stories with Walt and making plans how to find the Japanese whalers this time. You told us about your work in Congo. Interesting for us, but also for our kids.

Then, always planning a next trip, either with MSF, GP or a holiday with his father.

So full of life, ideas, plans. Optimistic, full of energy.
We will remember him and he'll turn up in the GP-memories and tall stories. Hans cannot be forgotten.

To Linh, his father and other relatives: my condolences and I wish you strength to deal with this loss.

Dear Hans,

If you could read all the wonderfull things relatives and friends write about you,you would know for sure you were a blessing to all of them and will be missed.Not just because of the friendly and loving person you are,but also for all the good and hard work you have done.

My condolences to Linh and all of Hans'friends.
Love,Osi

Hans

Reading these comments and having known you for such a short time it seems I have no right to call you friend, but friend you are.

You will be missed; A cold beer and slice of pizza will always be waiting at Norbert's.

To Linh and remaining family, my condolences.

To the last journey..

Georges

Hans Monker,
his office table is next to me away back in 1990
Hans, selamat jalan

Topo

Hans

I thank life for meeting you...
One of the greatest encounter I could dream of...
Fair winds and following seas
I, we, will miss you
So long Mate

Alain

Hans Monker was a very fine collegue and friend. While working in an ICT department we had great laughters over writing our programs and the projects we did together. But I remember him most a someone with whom I could talk about life and faith. Playing his guitar on my home's balcony while singing and chatting... great. I hold the Bible based hope to see him again in the resurrection of the dead (Acts 24:15) and continue our friendship.

Peter

Hans was a great colleague and friend. An adventurer and an idealist... Someone who followed his ideals and dreams. It was always great to meet Hans.

Last December I planned to visit Hans on Phu Quoc Island to meet Linh, see the place he was living, and get a free Pina Colada in his new Bamboo bar. Bad timing, because I just let him sail on the Rainbow Warrior during that time.

Since both of us are lovers of the Asian tropics, we expected that there would be plenty of opportunities to meet in the near future there.

Unfortunately Hans now suddenly passed away. Today we'll have a memorial here, and on the first Greenpeace ship Hans sailed on. Many great stories will be shared... Not only today, but also in the near future.

Fair winds Hans, We’ll miss you deeply…

To Linh, the family, and all friends over the world: I wish you lots of strength.

Justin

Dear Hans, its truly a terrible day for the environment that you have passed on. The laughs I had with you in the wee room on the fifth floor in Amsterdam were because of your work to expose the bad guys (on most occasions with me BNFL and Cogema) thank you for making our work possible over so many years - so very much missed you will be - and peace to you and your family - shaun burnie

'Life isn't good enough..
but Mr.Hans Monker doing a good jobs not for them but for him'..and he is a hero for his soul in flowers of immortallity..

by love,
- MM LIle - at 21.43

I will always remember you Hans when you were on the Brent Spar as RO sending out Dave Sims' photos that were to become one of Greenpeace's most successful victories. It was the first 'digital' picture action and you were there day and night battling with the low powered modem from a disused platform in the North Sea getting the pictures out. I had never met you, just this voice on the telephone from the Spar telling me more pictures being sent. I thought then and still think now about people who work from the heart. You are one of those people Hans. A true hero for the world!

Hej Hans,

thanks for all the good times. Looking at this page is a wonderful trip down memory lane,seeing names new and old but not forgotten.

Hope you get the same feeling too...
Sail on Hans

Klas Wihl

dear Hans, its been a very long time since i saw you.. infact a long time since i have been on any ships... but you are firmly in my memory bank on those trips in the southern ocean...life can be very unfair, and take people far too early....and those ocean voyages that we have been fortunate enough to share are definite privileges, travel well in your next journey.....
sarah

Dearest Hans,

You always did go ahead of us all exploring and searching. Regretfully you had to take this biggest journey so soon.
I will miss the 5 hour jam sessions and the endless laughs, I just hope God or Buddha knows all the words to Johnny Cash if not they will learn soon enough I guess. Maybe a duet!
We always compared our endless travel stories as we wandered, I will look forward to comparing again when next we meet.

Travel well my dear dear friend I will miss you till them

Peter Sandison

Hey Hans, they say the best go early,,, can only figure there is a need for you for some kinda mission else where than here, a need greater than ours.um, our love goes with my friend, it is an absolute pleasure and privilage, so till next time mate, blessing and peace brother go well, granty.

On behalf of the Greenpeace Sailing Family not only the Crew but all those who were privileged to sail with Hans. I offer our sincere heart felt condolences to Linh, Hans' family and his non Greenpeace Friends.

We share and feel your great loss. For Linh the void left now is unimaginable knowing you had the loving devotion of Hans.

Hans loved everyone and everyone loved Hans. His well known positiveness in almost all situations made him so well liked. Always the character to raise the hearts and feelings in dark times. He had the ability to feel and find the good in everyone and bring that to the fore. Sometimes it even rubbed off on me.

We all knew him as a traveller, a back pack with a change of clothes never much in the way of possessions, material that is, but always with an open heart and mind. As a Radio Operator he was the best, truly committed to the cause, what ever one he adopted. "Its just got to be done" he would say and off he would go to get it done, what ever way he could where ever it was. I don't think there was a place in the world that Hans would not go for the causes he chose.

Hans contributed to most of the successful campaign tasks for the last 2 decades since his first voyage on the Sirius. In many instances his critical technical contribution was the difference between success and failure. Only an RO would understand. Many of his technical highlights only a few share the true understanding of the brilliance of his contribution. He would bubble with excitement when "it worked" or as in one example; In the Southern Ocean dancing only in his underpants very early one morning outside the radio room, "we've got them we've got them". Not the best site at 5 in the morning, none the less they were some of his finest hours at work.

After hours as a crew member he was the entertainer. Not only for his guitar playing skills in the lounge of the ship or in the bars ashore. He was the source of many a fun conversation recalling the stories of Hans' days ashore. From Skidoos to scooters Hans could fall off what ever he hired, rode or climbed. He survived all of it, every crazy thing except himself.

We love you Hans and will miss you very very much.
Rest in peace, go where ever you are going with all our support like you gave us.

Fair winds friend
Great sailing with you

Your Greenpeace Crew Family

See you in the that radio room with the grand view, we can chat about the things we were going to do from our seats in the window 73's OM

We've only just found out that Hans has gone. Why him?
We'd known him and Linh for only a few weeks but quickly felt like they had been lifelong friends. The memories of the hours we'd spend downing Tigers, singing and laughing under the stars in Phu Quoc or later, in Saigon, Hans borrowing a street musician's guitar so that HE could entertain HIM, or, wrapped up against the cold in Cat Ba, demolishing piles of shrimp AND the fact that he knew all the words to 'Rock Island Line' will live on.

We'll miss him and our hearts go out to Linh.

Neil and Tamami

I know Hans very good. I asked him several times to do some work for ANP (The dutch news agency). He never let me down. He offen told the stories about all the trips he made for Greenpeace and in Africa. He was a special but very, very nice man. I just heard from a old collegea (I'am retired from ANP) that he died. It was a birg shock for me because I knew him more than 10 years. He offen told me about the Far East he loved so much and about India. He is the man who told me to go there one day. I wish his wife all the best although it is a few month ago but again I just heard about. I will remember you Hans as the always smiling man who was always there when we needed you. Hope you sail on the best ship there is.
Cees de Jongh, Holland

I don't know Hans,but i know Linh.
Linh, I wish you strength and share your sorrow

“At the side of a friend, water turns to wine”

A Fare-well poem for Hans Monker.

More as the boyfriend of my friend.
More as the captain once of a little ship called “Springer”
More than a passionate Greenpeace-activist
More as the best travel associate in several countrys (F, Ukr, Es, Us, Pl, Nld, Ma)
More as a streetmusician
More than the biggest Johny Cash Fan
More

Link:
Jesus turned the water into wine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQUcCaWN3Ck

Thanks for your passionate, your cordiality, love and songs. Like: “Hard time make you strong” (I sang this so often, buddy- “and don`t you know, he will always care, even when the rain fall”) Never forget your : Bridge over troubled water, by Simon&Garfunkel. “Sail on Silvergirl”... (yes there are some silver hairs in meantime:-)

Link: Bridge over troubled water
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI6LSPzOOhU

Thanks for your non-settledness, like Christ was. Thanks for your friendship, care, solicitousness and to relieve the distress lovelessness of this world, and always in the field for the good, for his ideals and dreams. Thank you for your funny tale, stories for reflection, fisherman's stories. Thank you sharing the love for music to communicate and to impart .
You was an exampel who knew your talents and gifts, realize/recognize them, live them and was going to bless other people with them.

http://www.abc-vietnam.org/html/foerderer.html

I was blessed to know Hans, and still remember when I met you the first time through my friend for a hitchhike tour to Friedrichshafen (Lake Constance), the first time I slept in a bare brickwork, it was cold and damp. In this Oct/Nov weekend you and my friend fall in love, in the year 1989. Also we met in this weekend a lot of knew people from Eastgermany for the first time, it was around the history Fall of the Wall in Berlin. (But also fall the wall between Southgermany (Swabian) and the guy from the Netherlands for more than 10 years and a great time for a lot! of people, who shared precious time with him. Personell I thank God, that I met both of them. I was blessed and perpetuation and custody. Remembering several journeys, a easttour over Polen to Ukranine, Kiew and Odessa also, a tour from France to Spanin to Marokko. Then a Journey in the United States: meeting in New York, playing guitar on the Empire State building, earning 1 Dollar. Travlling to San Francisko and working as a voluntary for Greenpeace. Meeting there my cousin Clemens and a friend Bernd. Drinving by car to the death vallay, cooking in the car. In Marocco I packed my rucksack and went back to Germany. This was for me a kind of Good-bye to the kind of travelling, not from his heart. My search now was more to find a destination then to travel. Met him the last time in the year 2000 for an hour before his train leaves, 8 years ago. I started E-mail Korrespondence in 2007- and 08. We was looking forward to see as again, I would be very blessed to meet your wife Linh one day somehow. I wish her strenghts, friends and care in this hard time of mourning the loss of her husband. Also my deepest sympaty for all the familiy members, one both sides. Meeting the father from Hans once and his younger brother Eddi with his wife. In the netherland, restoring the ship long time ago. The following E-mail was one of the last ones and I will share Hans and his routs for the Christian way to belive- with ensurance you are playing now Johny Cash in eturnety with all the angels to gloryfiy our Father in Heaven who sent his son Jesus Christ to die for us, and our sins at the cross of Golgota. You did it.
Last E-mails in beginning of the year, I did not receive an answer anymore....
By accident and wondering to hear not from him the whole summer I gave in Google:
Hans Monker Greenpeace and my big joy to see the photos went by reading into a shock afterward. It was a Thank you- E-mail for the time we shared together, I never thought this would be a goodbye E-mail, also a Thank you for bringing me home safely from the Staates, I was in a mental very weak circumstance.

This E-mail shell give Glory to God and his words in the Bibel,
like the seeman takes the compass to the sea.
One of the last four E-mails
***************************************************************************

03.01.08 09:14
Dear Gertrud,
Thank you so much for the beautiful card that you sent. It came at just the right moment. I hadn't read the Bible for a long time. Linh and I were just packing up our stuff to set off for a long trip to Asia, but perhaps to be in Holland in months. Up until last year, the first thing I remembered to pack was a small Bible, but I forgot it this time. A bit of writing on the wall: don't forget Me...I won't of course, but your card let me be reminded.

So you see...you never know which purpose or purposes were planned for someone, just gotta trust that there is one.
Much love and how about meeting someday soon.
Hans
ps. and of course all the best to you and for you...that goes without saying, right?

***************************************************************
„Our hearts are restless, until they rest oh God in you” Augustinus

Rest in peace
In deep mourning, love and and gratefulness for friendship.
Gerdi / former Trudy