Henk Vonhoff was great
Over the years, Vonhoff has played an important role in the SRRC’s development. He was a great man in all respects, with a warm heart for the seals. He also understood my reason for doing this work, without attaching any ulterior motives or benefits. Besides that, he was an advocate of freedom and taking responsibility; maybe because he was a former NJN member (Dutch Youth Association for Nature Study).
He was involved in all important events surrounding the SRRC. He was present at every first stone-laying. At one of the parties that we organized, at which Prince Bernhard and Vonhoff would always be present, he remarked: “The SRRC is the building with the most first stones.”
I always called him “Mr. Vonhoff.” You could not call him “Henk.” We especially enjoyed the visits to the SRRC, when he would bring his mother. She was a great woman; then, Vonhoff would be just her son.
He was very involved in the work with the seals. It was from him that I received my decoration of Officer in the Order of Oranje Nassau and the Nieuwsblad van het Noorden award; he was always there. I remember a discussion I had with him about whether or not to charge an entrance fee. In those days, entree was free and we had asked for money from the province. The first question that was asked was: “Why don’t you charge an entrance fee?” I explained to him that we liked our visitors to give their own voluntary contribution: To take responsibility for what society causes and not just placing the blame at someone else’s door. He looked at me and said: “I agree with you completely.”
I remember this man with much respect and admiration and will miss him terribly at future festive events. What must we do, now he will be unable to lay the next first stone?07-27-2010 Source: SRRC Lenie 't Hart
