Mirko, you were the first Dutch person I met in Stavanger and I liked you straight away. ´Zo lekker gewoon´ as we say. Always up for a chat whenever I dropped by, I´ve always felt at ease around you.
I also remember so clearly the day during last summer you came by and told Andreas and I you were sick. You were so positive and I thought `Wow how can he bring just shitty news and still be smiling´. And even though every time I saw you after that you became a bit thinner and more grey every time, you always remained positive towards me and perhaps the rest of the world too. I knew you couldn´t possibly feel that way all the time, because let´s be honest - having cancer sucks big time - but I never saw you being down. I know you continued working and everything and I admire you for how you handled it all.
You´ve left behind two amazingly strong and kind children and dear Stacey who is going through everything like a champ. You are missed so much, but you won´t be forgotten so in a way you´re not gone. Wherever you are now...rest in peace or rock on dear Mirko, rock on.
Stacey my thoughts are with you all every day. Your message of the 26th, where you mentioned that he was just so tired in the end, reminds me of a Dutch poem by Toon Hermans that I want to leave with you. Love you my dear friend.
Sterven doe je niet ineens,
maar af en toe een beetje
en alle beetjes die je stierf,
’t is vreemd, maar die vergeet je,
het is je dikwijls zelfs ontgaan,
je zegt ik ben wat moe,
maar op een keer dan ben je aan
je laatste beetje toe.
Skriv et minneord
Carlo and Miranda
2019-01-13
Dear Stacey, Jens and Julia,
I have known Mirko for most of my life and keep good memories of him. We played tennis together in out twenties and had great times for many years. Together we have experienced beautiful things on and off the tennis court. During that time, we also lived in the same apartment building in Heemskerk and spent many evenings together talking about life and enjoying a glass of wine. I remember him always being friendly and generous and having fun with his many friends.
Even though we spoke each other less in recent years, it immediately felt like the old days when we met in Heemskerk. It was always a pleasant surprise when he suddenly popped up from Stavanger. We will miss him dearly.
From the moment we heard that he was sick again, we followed closely how he was doing and always hoped for a positive outcome. We were shocked when we heard that he passed away that quickly. Our heart cries and realize that we lost a great friend way too early. Life can be so hard and unfair.
It is a great loss for you, Jens, Julia and his parents. Our thoughts are with you in this very sad time.
Mirko, it was so great to know you. Everytime I was in Stavanger, you showed me the beauty of your new country and we had always a good time.
This feels so unfair, you have fought until the last. My warmest thoughts and sincere condolences to Stacey and your beautiful children. You spoke with so much love and proud about your family, I wish them all the strenght in the world..
To me you were more than a colleague, you were a friend. I'd like to thank you for that. May you rest in peace.