Peter's Path - Remembering

Remembering Joke Bruijs

hello@peterspath.net (Peter) — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Joke Bruijs, the Dutch actress, singer, and cabaret artist, passed away on 16 September 2025, at the age of 73. She had fought Parkinson's disease for years.

As a fan, I knew her from her role as Nel Kooijman in Toen was geluk nog heel gewoon. I also enjoyed her shows with André van Duin. One day, I met her at the hotel where I worked. She was kind and pleasant. That chat made her real to me.

Bruijs started young. At fifteen, she won a talent contest. She sang with bands and appeared on TV. She married Gerard Cox in 1977. They starred together in Toen was geluk nog heel gewoon, a hit for fifteen years. Later, she worked with André van Duin in theatre shows. She acted in soaps like Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden. Her warm voice and sharp wit lit up stages and screens.

She leaves her partner, Frits Landesbergen, with whom she shared life since 2004. She also leaves her daughter, Leontien Cox, from her marriage to Gerard Cox. Their grief is heavy, so soon after Gerard's death</a>.

Joke's laugh in Toen was geluk nog heel gewoon still brings smiles. Her songs and roles shaped Dutch entertainment.

Thank you, Joke, for the joy and warmth. Rest in peace.

Remembering Robert Redford

hello@peterspath.net (Peter) — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Robert Redford, beloved actor, director, and Sundance Institute founder, passed away on September 15, 2025, at 89 in Utah. As a fan, I fell in love with his films Spy Game</a>, All Is Lost</a>, Three Days of the Condor</a>, and The Last Castle</a> since watching them. His intense yet calm presence made every role unforgettable.

Redford rose to fame as the Sundance Kid in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and earned an Oscar nod for The Sting (1973). He directed Ordinary People (1980), winning Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture. His Sundance Film Festival, started in 1981, launched films like Reservoir Dogs. Through the Redford Center, he backed environmental storytelling.

Thank you, Robert, for stories that inspire. Rest in peace.

Remembering Gerard Cox

hello@peterspath.net (Peter) — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Gerard Cox, the Dutch singer, cabaret artist, actor, and director, passed away on 13 September 2025, at the age of 85 in Mijnsheerenland, Netherlands.

As a fan, I knew him best from his role as Jaap Kooiman in the TV show Toen was geluk nog heel gewoon. His performance in that sitcom, which ran for 15 years, brought joy and laughter to many homes.

Cox rose to fame with his hit song 't Is weer voorbij die mooie zomer in 1973, which topped the charts. He starred in cabaret shows and films, blending humor with sharp insights into Dutch life. His work in Toen was geluk nog heel gewoon, an adaptation of The Honeymooners, showcased his talent as Jaap Kooiman alongside his then wife Joke Bruijs as Nel.

Cox’s roles, like Jaap’s everyday struggles and wit, stay with me. His songs and shows shaped Dutch culture.

Thank you, Gerard, for the laughter and music. Rest in peace.

Remembering Charlie Kirk

hello@peterspath.net (Peter) — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Charlie Kirk was tragically assassinated on 2025-09-10, at Utah Valley University. His death at the age of 31 has left a profound void.

Charlie’s debates were a highlight for me. I admired his ability to engage opposing views with calm and respect, turning heated arguments into thoughtful exchanges. His “Prove Me Wrong” campus tours were a joy to watch, inviting students to challenge his ideas and often shifting perspectives, not just of those debating him but also of viewers like me. His commitment to civil discourse shone brightly in a divided world.

One quote of Charlie’s that resonates deeply is:

When people stop talking, really bad stuff starts.
When marriages stop talking, divorce happens.
When civilisations stop talking, civil war ensues.
When you stop having a human connection, with someone you disagree with, it becomes a lot easier to want to commit violence against that group.
What we as a culture have to get back to, is being able to have reasonable disagreement, where violence is not an option. </blockquote>
This belief in the power of conversation over conflict defined Charlie’s work. He didn’t just preach ideas; he lived them, fostering discussions that encouraged understanding despite disagreement. I agreed with many of his standpoints, but what I admired most was his insistence that dialogue could bridge divides.
Charlie’s deep faith in Jesus as his Lord and Saviour was a cornerstone of his life. He often spoke of how his Christian beliefs guided his mission, drawing strength from scripture to navigate challenges.
Charlie leaves behind his beloved wife, Erika, and their young children, who were the heart of his personal life. His devotion to his family was evident in the way he spoke of them, always with love and pride. The pain of their loss is unimaginable, yet it is a consolation to know that Charlie is now with our Lord, resting in the eternal peace promised in his faith.
Thank you, Charlie, for showing us that faith and conversation can overcome division. Your life was a testament to the power of words and the grace of God.
Rest in peace.

Remembering Frederick Forsyth

hello@peterspath.net (Peter) — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Frederick Forsyth, the master of geopolitical thrillers, passed away on June 9, 2025, at the age of 86. He left behind a legacy that captivated readers like me and redefined the genre. As a fan of his books, I know the heart-pounding excitement of his stories, where every page felt like a mission report from a secret operation. Forsyth blended meticulous research with relentless suspense.

Born in 1938 in Ashford, Kent, Forsyth’s life was as thrilling as his novels. He was a Royal Air Force pilot, a Reuters correspondent, and even an occasional MI6 operative. His experiences fuelled his stories, which felt like they came straight from classified files. His debut, The Day of the Jackal (1971), was written in just 35 days and revolutionised thrillers with its icy precision and gripping tale of an assassin targeting Charles de Gaulle.

Forsyth’s genius was his ability to weave real-world detail into fiction. With over 70 million copies sold worldwide, his 20 spy novels didn’t just entertain; they made me feel like I were peering into the shadowy corridors of power.

As a reader, I cherished how Forsyth’s prose was sharp, never wasting a word, yet painted vivid worlds of mercenaries, spies, and global intrigue. His stories weren’t just thrillers; they were masterclasses in storytelling, rooted in the realism of a man who’d lived the life he wrote about.

His passing marks the end of an era, but his words live on in every reader who picks up his novels. Thank you, Frederick, for the sleepless nights and unputdownable tales.

Rest in peace.

Remembering Bill Atkinson

hello@peterspath.net (Peter) — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Bill Atkinson, a brilliant computer scientist and software engineer, passed away on June 5, 2025. He left an incredible mark on the world of technology, especially for Mac users like me. As someone who uses a Mac every day, I’m feeling the legacy of Bill’s work all around me.

Bill joined Apple in 1978 and became a key part of the Macintosh team. He created QuickDraw, the graphics engine that powered the Mac’s revolutionary user interface. Beyond the Mac, Bill co-created HyperCard, a hypertext system that let users build interactive apps by linking “cards” with scripts. It was like the early version of the web, inspiring countless developers and creatives. His ability to blend technical precision with an artist’s touch made technology feel fun and accessible.

As a Mac user, I see his software or ideas built on it; every time I open an app, resize a window, or sketch an idea. His work made my Mac’s interface feel like second nature, turning complex code into something that feels like my own.

Bill Atkinson’s passing is a reminder of a man whose genius quietly shapes my daily experience. He didn’t just build software; he created a way for technology to empower and delight.

Thank you, Bill, for making our Macs a place where creativity can thrive.

Rest in peace.

Remembering Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas

hello@peterspath.net (Peter) — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 17:00:00 +0000

The Bibas family's story has left an indelible mark on countless hearts, not just in Israel but around the world. Shiri Bibas, along with her two young sons, Ariel, aged 4, and Kfir, just nine months old, were abducted from their home during the horrific Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. Their kidnapping, particularly the haunting image of Shiri clutching her redheaded boys as they were taken, became a powerful symbol of the brutality inflicted on innocent civilians that day, and of the 251 hostages dragged into Gaza.

For over 500 days, their fate gripped a nation that prayed for their safe return, with their red hair inspiring orange balloons, illuminated landmarks, and a collective hope that refused to fade.

Today, February 26, 2025, that hope was replaced by profound sorrow as Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir were laid to rest at Tsoher Cemetery near their home in southern Israel. The funeral was a private affair at the family’s request, attended only by close relatives and friends, yet it drew thousands of Israelis who lined the 60-kilometre procession route from Rishon Lezion to the cemetery.

Mourners waved Israeli flags, held orange balloons, and carried signs reading “sorry,” their silent presence a testament to a shared grief that transcends words. Yarden Bibas, Shiri’s husband and the boys’ father, who was also abducted but freed earlier this month, delivered a heart-wrenching eulogy. He spoke of his love for Shiri, his “mi amor,” and his regret at not being able to protect his family, asking them to watch over him from above.

The ceremony was steeped in raw emotion, with eulogies broadcast live across Israel, allowing a grieving public to join in mourning. Shiri and her sons were buried together in a single casket, an eternal embrace reflecting the bond that defined their lives and the tragedy that ended them. Nearby lie the graves of Shiri’s parents, murdered on that same fateful day, compounding the family’s loss.

For many, the Bibas family’s fate encapsulates the pain of a nation still grappling with the aftermath of October 7, a wound deepened by the knowledge that, despite forensic evidence pointing to their murder by captors in November 2023, their bodies were only returned this month as part of a tenuous ceasefire deal.

Today, as their community and country bid them farewell, the memory of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir remains a poignant call for justice, unity, and the safe return of those still held captive.

Remembering Opi

hello@peterspath.net (Peter) — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 17:00:00 +0000

Opi, the father of my father, died today. He was born in March 1936 and lived to the age of 82 years. He worked as a pastor for many years.

He was a remarkable person who was not ashamed of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. </blockquote>
He liked silence and disliked noise. I share the same feeling. We both found peace in quiet moments. The last words he spoke to me were to find a wife. He said them with care.
We had heated discussions about theology and doctrine. We did not agree on everything. He taught me much through those talks, even when we saw things differently.
His faith guided his life. He served others with kindness and devotion.
Rest in peace.

Remembering Omi

hello@peterspath.net (Peter) — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 17:00:00 +0000

Omi, the mother of my father, died today. She was born in April 1942 and lived to the age of 74 years. She was the fun grandma that everyone in the family loved.

On our family holidays, she always wanted to join the activities with the grandchildren. She rode rollercoasters with us and screamed with excitement on the big drops. She played laser games and ran around trying to tag everyone. She joined in water fights, card games, and long walks on the beach. Whatever we did, she was ready and eager to take part.

Her energy never seemed to fade, even as she grew older. She told funny stories from her youth and made us all laugh. She baked treats for us and shared them with a big smile. Her pears stewed in red wine were famous among the family. We all looked forward to tasting them at gatherings.

She held an unquestionable belief in God and Jesus as her saviour until the very end. Her faith gave her strength and peace throughout her life.

Family gatherings felt brighter because of her spirit and kindness.

I will miss her dearly and think of her often.

Rest in peace.

Remembering Steve Jobs

hello@peterspath.net (Peter) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Over a million people from all over the world have shared their memories, thoughts, and feelings about Steve. One thing they all have in common, from personal friends to colleagues to owners of Apple products, is how they’ve been touched by his passion and creativity. </blockquote>
→ apple.com/stevejobs/</a>
Steve Jobs, the brilliant co-founder of Apple, passed away on October 5, 2011. Every time I use a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, I am connecting with the legacy of a man who revolutionised technology by combining art and innovation.
Born in 1955, Jobs co-founded Apple in 1976 with Steve Wozniak, driven by the belief that computers could unlock creativity. His vision led to the creation of the Macintosh in 1984, a machine I adore for its user-friendly interface and sleek design, marks of Jobs’ obsession with simplicity and elegance. The Mac’s graphical interface, inspired by his time at Xerox PARC, made technology feel personal, a canvas for my ideas.
Jobs’ genius wasn’t just technical; it was human. He championed products like the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, which transformed music, communication, and computing. As a Mac user, I feel his influence in every smooth swipe, vibrant display, and seamless app. His work at Pixar, producing beloved classics like Toy Story, showcased his talent for storytelling, while his return to Apple in 1997 sparked a revival with the iMac, iTunes, and more.
I cherished the way Jobs’ creations blended into my life; intuitive, beautiful, and inspiring. He wasn’t perfect, but his relentless pursuit of excellence made my Mac more than just a tool; it’s a spark for creativity. With over a billion devices sold, his vision shaped the world.
Thank you, Steve, for making technology feel like magic. Your legacy lives on in every Mac we love.
Rest in peace.