Jos Brink

august 18 2007

Jos Brink died today.

July 26 it was announced that he was diagnosed with cancer of the intestines, with metastases in his lungs, lymphe and leg.

Yesterday we got the news that he was kept in an artificial coma to give his body the chance to recover from 3 operations.
It went through my mind he might die, before being able to say goodbye to his partner and friends. But I just couldn't believe he wouldn't recover.
In my life he was an ever present inspiration.

He was the guy that revived the art of musicals in our country.
His voice, his presence, his pronunciation... he was such a strong personality on stage, and such a good friend of those he worked with, that he was able to bring the best out of all.

He was able to bring their skills to such a height that we were able to get international appreciation.

But he was so much more.
He was a gifted writer, wrote 40 books. Maybe even more.

He was a charming and enthousiastic presenter. Being himself on stage gave others the opportunity to stay the way they were.
He created many spontaneic events.
When he wanted to congratulate our Queen with her birthday he kissed her like a good friend.
He was the first to kiss her in public and she enjoyed every tenth of a minute of it.

Who would have thought that the shy, well dressed boy who announced the Beatles, Roy Orbison and many more would be so talented?

He was not a person who lived for applause only.

Because he felt he wanted to bring balance in his own life and the lifes of others he studied theology and became a pastor. When he wasn't on stage, he was helping people deal with life, and he was not afraid to be with them during their last days and moments.

I feel so sorry for his partner and his friends.
I can only hope that they will feel his energy and strength when they remember him.

He was one of the big and the good ones, and he died far too young.