Everardus Johannes Hofstede (Eef)
30 December 1924 ~ 4 April 1998
My father was a gentle man with much love for his children and grandchildren. A father and grandfather everyone would wish for, a wonderful storyteller and rolling over the floor while playing with you. He was always fun to be with.
Although he was not a person to stand in the spotlight he could in his work as a museum caretaker talk and teach most strongly about culture and history. It was like he became a different person with his deep passion for folklore and culture.
He liked his own space at home and was either quietly reading a book or his newspaper. His beautiful garden was a place he loved working in, he never forgot to give the birds who visited this peaceful garden something to eat. My father was very good with his hands and always busy in his workshop, many neighbours came to him for help and advice. He was also an artist and although he did not have much time to paint and draw, his skills can be admired in the beautiful things he made.
He nursed my mother during her illness with love and tenderness and nothing was ever too much for him. Although his life was lonely after my mother died he continued to share his caring nature with all his children and became mother and father to all of us. He died very suddenly and silent, as silent as he was as a person.
He has always been my best friend and I so much enjoyed our talks about culture, music, art, life and faith. I miss him every day but I know he is still close to all of us. I feel so grateful to have had such a wonderful father.
What I cannot say or write will stay with me deep inside. Maybe not heard but somewhere in a tender darkness is something more valuable than words.