Barendrecht February 16, 2021
Osu,
Already a year has passed without our Shihan Loek, my best friend and my beloved husband.
A difficult year, full of pain but also with many beautiful memories. Memories in which karate plays an important role. I love listening to the stories about what Shihan Loek has meant to many karateka’s. You have to know that all of you meant a lot to Shihan Loek as well.
For example, the Flash mob on his 80th birthday made a big and moving impression on him. Seeing all of you in our backyard, he looked at me with tears in his eyes and said: “Those guys really do love me!” You could not have given him greater respect that day! Shihan Loek cherished this moment until the end. It is hard to put his feelings into words. “Incredibly proud” and “deeply touched” are words that best describe these feelings.
He took you all in his heart. You are the reason why he protected Kyokushin so fiercely with heart and soul: loving but strict and including everybody.
He showed his love for others also in difficult times. For example, he called Edwin van Trooijen on the evening before Edwin died. They cried together because neither knew what to say. Also awarding Jack van Gils his black belt touched him deeply.
There are many stories and events that made Shihan Loek the man he was. Strict in his karate but above all compassionate and sincere for the people around him.
The deep truthful friendship Shihan Loek received when things became more difficult for him, has supported him and me enormously. This is what life and Kyokushin are about.
I am so glad that we together, with family, friends, and karateka’s from all over the world, were able to give Loek the farewell he deserved. When I look at his beautiful memorial monument my heart fills with pride.
Family, friends, and I still miss our sweet, cheerful, caring, and naughty Loek every day. If I could say anything to Loek it would be: Thank you for letting me miss you so much.
To all of you, I would like to say: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your friendship and support.
Adriana Hollander
