Last Friday, I found this message in my mailbox:

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
From:             fx2@rambler.ru
Subject:          [DTLC] Death of Pieter Dereuver
To:               dtlc@helios.net
Date sent:        Fri, 07 Jun 2002 13:13:57 +0400
Send reply to:    dtlc@helios.net

Dear list subscribers,

I hate to be the messenger but I've just found out horrible 
information.  

My friend, who is also subscribe of DTLC, Pieter Dereuver had died 
yesterday because of heart attack during Ladoga 2002 Trophy event in 
Russia, near by St.Petersburg.
http://www.4x4club.spb.ru:8101/ladoga2002/index.html

I would like to express my deepest regrets.  

Pieter Dereuver
pieter@dereuver.demon.nl
6 June 2002
HDJ100, HZJ74
 http://lj7.chat.ru/Pieter.jpg 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
From:             "Andrey Nechaev" (fx2@rambler.ru)
Subject:          Re: [DTLC] Death of Pieter Dereuver
To:               w.j.markerink@a1.nl
Copies to:        sudbin@fss.ncport.ru
Date sent:        Tue, 11 Jun 2002 10:30:08 +0400

On Tue, 11 Jun 2002 00:21:59 +0100
  "Willem-Jan Markerink"  wrote:
>On  7 Jun 02 at 13:13, fx2@rambler.ru wrote:
>
>> Dear list subscribers,
>> 
>> I hate to be the messenger but I've just found out horrible 
>> information.  
>> 
>> My friend, who is also subscribe of DTLC, Pieter Dereuver had died 
>> yesterday because of heart attack during Ladoga 2002 Trophy event in 
>> Russia, near by St.Petersburg.
>> http://www.4x4club.spb.ru:8101/ladoga2002/index.html
>> 
>> I would like to express my deepest regrets.  
>> 
>> Pieter Dereuver
>> pieter@dereuver.demon.nl
>> 6 June 2002
>> HDJ100, HZJ74
>>  http://lj7.chat.ru/Pieter.jpg 
>
>Hi FX,
>
>Have you heard more details yet, or can you give me the email of 
>someone who can? (hopefully someone who speaks/write a little 
>English?)
>Did you receive this information by email, or by phone?
>  
>I have checked a few contacts through his (former) employer, 
>HP/Agilent. Sadly I was, just like you, the first person having to 
>tell them this tragic news.
>  
>Thank you so much for sharing this info with us....we might never 
>have known this otherwise.
>
>Will write more, including an 'in memorial' letter, soon, once I have 
>all the details sorted out (I didn't even know how old he was, or 
>whether he had any children (he appears to be 47, no children, but 
>married (I knew that)).
>
>I even hesitate calling his wife for more details, afraid that I 
>once again might be the first having to tell this to her....
>(I assume the Trophy Organisation a) did that, and b) tried to hold 
>back the news until his wife was notified, perhaps through the Dutch 
>embassy?)
>
>Please let me know if you learned anything new/more in the meantime, 
>keep us posted.

Hello Willem-Jan,

I am cc-ing this msg to Andrey Sudbin (nick Kirasir), who might know 
more.  I've find out this info by reading Russian 4x4 WWW board.

Here what Andrey Sudbin wrote:

Pieter had died almost instanty (in a matter of second), at the small 
food shoop (grocery store) at some small Karelian town (region of 
Karelia) on hands of Ladoga Trophy participants.  Cars were moving 
from base camp to the next designated race track.  They have decided 
to stop at the store to buy some food.  Pieter was among them.  
The person, who was standing behind Peiter's back in the line at the 
shop, when they were buying food, witnessed: suddenly, he became weak 
at legs and stared to fall on the floor.  He was catched and held by 
standbyers, there had happen to be a doctor at the shop.  Medical 
Emergency (Paramedics) car had arrived in 2 minutes to the shop.  He 
was not alive at that time.  The heart.
I've seen him the day before after a long race.  He looked great and 
nothing seemed to happen so traggic.  

 http://www.iplabs.ru/GRRR/jeep01.jpg 

Willem-Jan, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any 
assistance.
My regrets,

Andrey Nechaev
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I met him shortly before he bought his first Land Cruiser, his company car in Belarus, and managed to infect him with the Cruiser bug like few people before....soon thereafter he gave up on his initial plan to buy a cheap ex-military US-truck for playing at home, in the Netherlands, and a Cruiser for the real dirty stuff was ordered....no detail was too complex, no modification too difficult, no discussion too long, and waiting for the right accessory to come along, used or new & just released, was all in the game....he soaked up information in an amazing pace, made friends around the globe, and often came back to me the next day, week or month, with new information and experiences, stuff we all might not have known about without him. Hardly a trip to Belarus where he didn't send me links and pictures of amazing vehicles he just had seen, and had to share, from all around the world. I witnessed your knowledge and experience grow, day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year, and it made me happy, even proud, to have such a fellow Dutchman around on several mailinglists and newsgroups. And we didn't have to meet for me to imagine your smug grin when you found something new and exciting to look at, or to play with.

And despite his overloaded agenda while working for HP/Agilent as a business-unit manager, plus his habit of driving up to Belarus from the Netherlands in his Land Cruiser, instead of by plane, both tiresome and dangerous, he still found an amazing lot of time on the Net to help other Cruiser freaks and travelers around the globe with information. You soaked up the Net, and became part of it. Our passion became your passion, and you happily passed it on to newbies.
With your death, the Net has lost a great polyglot, for whom borders didn't seem to exist, neither for importing the best gear, nor for traveling, or helping others. Trying to imagine what your expertise and contacts must have meant for your local Belarussian clubmembers as well, is probably impossible.

I will also always wonder why we never met in real life; we tried several times, but our agendas never seemed to match for a decent time together; even while we were, in global perspective, not living very far apart....but we always postphoned it to a next, better time....should have taken you up on one of your invitations to join you in Belarus for some kind of tour, trophy or expedition. Oh well, the last time I nearly accepted such a kind of exotic invitation from someone else, a tripto LeSotho, a coup broke out there....gotta be carefull what my plans provoke....;))

Dear Pieter, life on the Net will never be the same without you....in all my 8 years on the Net, you were only the first fellow Dutchman to be so actively & and consequently present in most of the 4x4 & Cruiser-related mailinglists and newsgroups. It will be damn lonely out there without your participation, stories and humor.
You were not only unique because of your combination of Cruiser passion, dedication and knowledge, but also because of your eagerness to learn as well as share & educate others, around the globe. On 6/6/2002, the Cruiserworld lost one of its finest members....your death has caused deep sadness around the globe, from north to south, from east to west.

'You lucky bastard', was the opening of one of my first mails, when I learned where you were located, and what company car you 'had' to drive, and even could play with in the neverending Belarussian dirt.
Now I will have to end all this with 'you poor sorry bastard'. You were only 46, you had so many travel & expedition plans still ahead of you....but it just wasn't meant to be.
Only half a year after you completed your HZJ-74 and trailer to off-road perfection, while giving it another good workout, in the Ladoga 2002 Trophy. You even gave up your wellpaid job at HP/Agilent around the same time last year, and started your own truck-related import-business, turning your passion into profit.
You died in your harnass, while wheeling, doing what you liked doing most, living life to the fullest.
May your wife and family find some strength in that to overcome this terrible loss.
(for those not knowing, he had no children (actually a bit sad, great spirits like him should live on into a next generation))

Goodbye my dear friend, it was an honor crossing your path, and sharing your passion.
Thank you for expanding our horizon, and challenging our imagination, like few people before.
You were a prime sample, almost archetype, of homo ludens, 'playing man'.
Your kind spirit and humor will never be forgotten, till the day I die.

If there is a Cruiser Heaven, you belong in there....may the Cruiser Gods provide you with vehicles that even you can't break, nor drown. Promise me you will tempt them....show them there are better ways to cross water than by Arch....;))

PS: as if you came back just one more time, to tap me on the shoulder, pointing me yet one more time to new information, while I was browsing & googling the messages you posted on the Net in the recent past, I learned about that new TDi engine for the HDJ-7x. Thanx buddy; whenever that model makes it to Europe, I will tap it gently on the hood, call upon the Cruiser Gods, and whisper your name. Heck, you probably would have broken and/or drowned it anyway, just like you did with your two previous Cruisers, so perhaps I will receive a honking horn in return, from a Cruiser in distress....;))

PPS: maybe we will soon hear stories from sailors around the world, having seen not a flying Dutchman, but a submarining Dutchman, snorkeling at high sea....;))
(chase them!....:))

May your kind spirit live on forever, in all those that had the privilege to meet you, in person or on the Net.

Goodbye Pieter, and keep a spare seat for me up there!

Addendum:
After talking to his wife Lidwien, I learned that he died at the same age as his father, 46, also because of a heart-attack....extra tragic for his mother, who is still alive.
She also told me that his HZJ-74 was a not only the result of selling off his HP/Agilent stock-options when he left that company (I knew that), but also acted as a late birth-day present, ordered on 3 october 2000.

The above In-Memorial was posted to the following mailinglist discussion forums:

Diesel Toyota Land Cruiser mailinglist (DTLC@helios.net)
80-Series Cuiser Owners Online List (80scool@yahoogroups.com)
Toyota Land Cruisers of America mailinglist (Landcruisers@tlca.org)
55-series mailinglist (fj55@tlca.org)

plus the following Usenet newsgroups

alt.autos.toyota
rec.autos.4x4
uk.rec.cars.4x4
aus.cars.offroad
alt.fan.landrover
nl.auto
nl.reizen
rec.travel.air
rec.travel.europe

Pieter has set foot in all these lists & newsgroups in the last few years, either by posting or by spirit/reference.

From:             fx2@rambler.ru
Subject:          [DTLC] Death of Pieter Dereuver
To:               dtlc@helios.net
Date sent:        Fri, 07 Jun 2002 13:13:57 +0400
Send reply to:    dtlc@helios.net

I hate to be the messenger but I've just found out horrible information.

My friend, who is also subscribe of DTLC, Pieter Dereuver had died yesterday because of heart attack during Ladoga 2002 Trophy event in Russia, near by St.Petersburg. http://www.4x4club.spb.ru:8101/ladoga2002/index.html

I would like to express my deepest regrets.

Pieter Dereuver
pieter@dereuver.demon.nl
6 June 2002
HDJ100, HZJ74
http://lj7.chat.ru/Pieter.jpg

From:             adwesley@hotmail.com
To:               dtlc@helios.net
Subject:          [DTLC] Death of Pieter Dereuver.
Date sent:        Fri, 07 Jun 2002 20:11:57 -0700
Send reply to:    dtlc@helios.net

My condolences to all of Pieter's friends and family! How terrible!

Andrey, perhaps propose to the event organizers that they re-name the event "The Dereuver Memorial Ladoga Trophy."

Sad Regards,

Alan

From:  "Paul Huber" (PH1@p...)
Date:  Fri Jun 7, 2002  6:28 am
Subject:  FW: Death of Pieter Dereuver

My regrets to family and friends,

Paul
Anchorage, Alaska, USA

> -----Original Message-----
> From: dtlc-owner@h... [mailto:dtlc-owner@h...]On
> Behalf Of fx2@r...
> Sent: Friday, June 07, 2002 1:14 AM
> To: dtlc@h...
> Subject: [DTLC] Death of Pieter Dereuver
>
>
> Dear list subscribers,
>
> I hate to be the messenger but I've just found out horrible
> information.
>
> My friend, who is also subscribe of DTLC, Pieter Dereuver had died
> yesterday because of heart attack during Ladoga 2002 Trophy event in
> Russia, near by St.Petersburg.
> http://www.4x4club.spb.ru:8101/ladoga2002/index.html
>
> I would like to express my deepest regrets.
>
> Pieter Dereuver
> pieter@d...
> 6 June 2002
> HDJ100, HZJ74
>  http://lj7.chat.ru/Pieter.jpg 

From:  Ronny Gabrieloff (ronnyronnya@y...)
Date:  Fri Jun 7, 2002  9:15 am
Subject:  Re: [80] FW: Death of Pieter Dereuver

From:  "bozza4president" (bozza4president@y...)
Date:  Sat Jun 8, 2002  7:14 am
Subject:  Re: FW: Death of Pieter Dereuver

--- In 80scool@y..., "Paul Huber"  wrote:
> The below was received on the DTLC. I know that Pieter was a great
> participant on this list also...
>
> My regrets to family and friends,
>
> Paul
> Anchorage, Alaska, USA
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: dtlc-owner@h... [mailto:dtlc-owner@h...]On
> > Behalf Of fx2@r...
> > Sent: Friday, June 07, 2002 1:14 AM
> > To: dtlc@h...
> > Subject: [DTLC] Death of Pieter Dereuver
> >
> >
> > Dear list subscribers,
> >
> > I hate to be the messenger but I've just found out horrible
> > information.
> >
> > My friend, who is also subscribe of DTLC, Pieter Dereuver had died 
> > yesterday because of heart attack during Ladoga 2002 Trophy event in 
> > Russia, near by St.Petersburg. 
> > http://www.4x4club.spb.ru:8101/ladoga2002/index.html 
> > 
> > I would like to express my deepest regrets. 
> > 
> > Pieter Dereuver 
> > pieter@d... 
> > 6 June 2002 
> > HDJ100, HZJ74

RIP.

Bozza
[Japan]

From:  "yasar oz" (mersa8@h...)
Date:  Sat Jun 8, 2002  11:11 pm
Subject:  Re: [80] Re: FW: Death of Pieter Dereuver

Yasar
[Cyprus]

From:  "P.Renate Haupt" (alfaw@f...)
Date:  Sun Jun 9, 2002  1:04 pm
Subject:  Re: [80] Re: FW: Death of Pieter Dereuver

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: yasar oz
> To: 80scool@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, June 09, 2002 7:11 AM
> Subject: Re: [80] Re: FW: Death of Pieter Dereuver
>
> Is he our Pieter on the list?I can't believe.
> I'm so sad that I can't express myself in words
>
>                  Yasar

Pieter was the Pieter on our list, I know and had met Pieter, enjoying his company for the last time only a couple of weeks ago when I was on my way back from Eastern Europe - his death came as a big shock to me - when I last saw him he seemed the picture of health, so it was a shock to me - I couldn't believe it either. I believe he was only a couple of years older than me.

So, I miss him, nobody else seems to but then, he was a a good friend of mine.

Very sad, I'll miss his contributions

Renate

From:  "James Yatras" (jyatras@b...)
Date:  Sun Jun 9, 2002  3:34 pm
Subject:  Re: [80] Re: FW: Death of Pieter Dereuver

He certainly provided an insight into the 4x4 scene in a part of the world where a lot of us will never venture, and I'm sure many others will also miss him, but the nature of the list probably prevents everyone posting their sympathies.

A good bloke all in all.

James.

From:  "Mike Kear" (mike@m...)
Date:  Sun Jun 9, 2002  7:51 pm
Subject:  Re: [80] Re: FW: Death of Pieter Dereuver

One of the great things about this list is the diverse background of everyone on it. It was great hearing from Pieter on his experiences and keeping us up to date on what was going on that region.

Between this and Faron rolling his truck, makes we want to spend a little more time with my family.

Will definitely miss him.

Mike

From:  "Craig Huxley" (c_huxley@b...)
Date:  Mon Jun 10, 2002  3:57 am
Subject:  RE: [80] Re: FW: Death of Pieter Dereuver

> -----Original Message-----
> From: yasar oz [mailto:mersa8@h...]
> Sent: Sunday, 9 June 2002 4:11 PM
> To: 80scool@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [80] Re: FW: Death of Pieter Dereuver
>
>
>
> Is he our Pieter on the list?I can't believe.
> I'm so sad that I can't express myself in words
>
> Yasar
>
>
>

From:  PaweЁ GСrski (pol@g...)
Date:  Mon Jun 10, 2002  9:40 am
Subject:  Pieter

pawel
HDJ80

From:             "?????? ???????" (sudbin@fss.ncport.ru)
To:               
Subject:          Re: (Fwd) Re: [DTLC] Death of Pieter Dereuver
Date sent:        Wed, 12 Jun 2002 04:47:01 +0400

> Hi Andrey & Andrey,
>
> Thank you so much for these details, it really is a great relief
> knowing that he a) was not out there alone when he died, and b) he
> received the best medical treatment possible, instantly.
> In the mean time I found his Dutch phonenumber, so that I can contact
> his wife to send her my condoleances, and see if I can provide her
> with additional information, if needed.
>
> Andrey S., do you know *when* his wife was informed about Pieter's
> death? I assume each participant had to leave sufficient
> contact-information in case something bad happened, but I am not sure
> how this was handled (directly or perhaps through the Dutch embassy;
> so that they involved Dutch police to inform Pieter's wife
> personally, instead of by phone).
>
> I am also working on an 'in memorial' letter, and thinking about a
> condoleance register on my homepage....perhaps printed-out/bundled in
> the end, and give this to Pieter's wife....I don't think she knows
> how much Pieter meant for us on the Internet, might be some comfort
> for her knowing we loved his contributions on the Net so much.
> (he wrote a lot more on the 80-series Land Cruiser list than on
> DieselTLC-list, but also on various newsgroups, travel & 4x4)
>
> Thank you both so much for your help thusfar, this is one of the most
> touching examples of global human interaction on the Net.
>
> (this message CC'd to Augustin Codiyan and Igor Kuharenko, two
> ex-business friends from Pieter)
>
>
> --
> Bye,
>
> Willem-Jan Markerink
>
>       The desire to understand
> is sometimes far less intelligent than
>      the inability to understand
>
> 
> [note: 'a-one' & 'en-el'!]

I know, that Pieter had a lot of really good friends both in Russia and in his natieve country. I knew Pieter not only by Inet and not once met him on offroad trails. In this trophy-raid I was fulfilling my journalist duties, and my article in the monthly magazine "4x4 Club", covering the event, will be devoted to his memory. Sorry, but I can't answer Your question concerning how and when his wife was informed on what happened. This question may be sent to the organizers of the event, The St.Petersburg 4x4 and Offroad Club. Their mail is offroad@kodeks.com . And when writing the memorial letter please mention, that Pieter had a lot of real friends in Russia, and all of us are terribly shocked out - my pure english doesn't allow me to say, what I want to say. I don't know, if it will be right to tell this to his wife, but to You I can say, that I wish to die in the way Pieter died - in the battle, on the hand of friends, without smelling hospital odours for months. So If You have some questions - don't hesitate to ask them. You can also write to Alexander Fedin aka Zubr. He was not a participant of Ladoga trophy, but also knew Pieter very well and can tell more what Pieter was for Russian offroaders. His e-mail is zubr@infort.ru Always at Your service Andrey Sudbin aka Kirasir

Date sent:        Sun, 16 Jun 2002 01:34:35 -0700
To:               w.j.markerink@a1.nl
From:             Drexx Laggui (drexx@i-manila.com.ph)
Subject:          Pieter

(I replied to "fx2", the original bearer of sad news. but I wasn't sure if it was received...)
================================================= June 7, 2002 (UTC -7)

Pieter is gone? I am saddened by this news. I often think of how it was to off-road in Russia, with Pieter, and then send pictures of his crazy stunts to the mailing lists, as he would have done... Now I realize it's too late. He was very helpful to me, answering my newbie technical questions about UZJ-100 and off-roading in general, both online & offline. And he was funny too.
He will be missed.

I too, would like to express my deepest regrets.

Drexx Laggui
San Jose, CA, USA

FROM: "Jim" (jimshire@iprimus.com.au)
SUBJECT: Re: In Memoriam Pieter de Reuver
DATE: Sun, 16 Jun 2002 20:25:54 +1000
ORGANIZATION: iPrimus Customer - reports relating to abuse should be sent to abuse@iprimus.com.au
NEWSGROUPS: alt.autos.toyota,rec.autos.4x4,uk.rec.cars.4x4,aus.cars.offroad,alt.fan.landrover,rec.travel.air,rec.travel.europe

We have lost a dear friend. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Vale, Pieter

--
Cheers
Jim
http://home.iprimus.com.au/jimshire
Free training courses at
http://www.systemx.biz/index.lasso?num=1031116709

From:             "Bob Garrett" (robertgarrett@earthlink.net)
To:               (w.j.markerink@a1.nl)
Subject:          Re: In Memoriam Pieter de Reuver 
Date sent:        Sun, 16 Jun 2002 08:40:18 -0500
 

I never had the pleasure of meeting Pieter in person. However, by reading his e-mails over the past several years, I feel as if I knew him. His posts to this list provided a look at a part of the world that many of us may not have had otherwise.

My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.

Bob Garrett
Tornado Alley Cruisers
Shawnee, KS

To:               80scool@yahoogroups.com
From:             Phil Postmus (ppostmus@comcast.net)
Date sent:        Sun, 16 Jun 2002 00:22:52 -0500
Subject:          RE: [80] In Memoriam Pieter de Reuver
Send reply to:    80scool@yahoogroups.com

There are tears in my eyes and a heavy heart tonight. Pieter was one of a kind and will be missed tremendously on this list. Your words are kind, modest and true to the heart.

With great respect,
Phil Postmus
Supercharged 94 FZJ80
Franklin, TN. USA

Date sent:        Mon, 17 Jun 2002 10:13:38 +0200
From:             Alexander Wohlfarth (netzmeister@buschtaxi.de)
Send reply to:    Alexander Wohlfarth (netzmeister@buschtaxi.de)
To:               w.j.markerink@a1.nl
Subject:          pieter

Dear Pieter - we will miss you! We will keep your humour, your cooperativeness, your technical experiences and your many, many contributions in kind remembrance.

And be aware: someday we╢ll join you up there - and then you╢ll have to explain all your heavenly reconstructions!

My sincerest condolences to his wife, his family and his friends.

Alexander Wohlfarth
[www.buschtaxi.net]
- Der Netzmeister -
- - - - - - - - - -

Direct links:

Message Board (I)
Message Board (II)

Pictures (I)
Pictures (II)
Pictures (III)
Pictures (IV)
Pictures (V)

Date sent:        Sun, 16 Jun 2002 22:02:15 -0700
Subject:          Re: [80] In Memoriam Pieter de Reuver
From:             Doug Miller (dmiller@fliptag.com)
To:               (80scool@yahoogroups.com), (w.j.markerink@a1.nl)

In deepest sympathy,

Doug Miller
USA

(copy to Pieter's email)

Date sent:        Mon, 17 Jun 2002 11:30:10 +0400
Subject:          photos of Pieter
From:             Andrey Polegaev (andreyp@actis.ru)
To:               (w.j.markerink@a1.nl), Andrey Nechaev (Andrey.Nechaev@ru.eyi.com)

Sincerely yours,

Andrey Polegaev
Art Director
Email: andreyp@actis.ru
Phone: +7 095 234-0009

From:             "Jim & Vicki Hassi" (jvhassi@attbi.com)
To:               (landcruisers@tlca.org)
Subject:          RE: [LCML] In Memoriam Pieter de Reuver
Send reply to:    landcruisers@tlca.org
Date sent:        Sat, 15 Jun 2002 21:12:57 -0700

Jim

From:             Daniel MЭller (info@erfttech.de)
To:               
Subject:          Pieter
Date sent:        Mon, 17 Jun 2002 19:35:29 +0200

I knew him as a good friend, we had a lot fun together.

I will remember him my whole life!

Toyoholiker

(Daniel MЭller)

From:             "Dmitrijus Apockinas" (d.apockinas@griffonbank.com)
To:               (w.j.markerink@a1.nl)
Subject:          Pieter
Date sent:        Tue, 18 Jun 2002 08:23:04 +0100

I received sad news about Pieter the same day he died by SMS from my friends participating in Ladoga 2002. I was, all Lithuanian off-roaders were shocked when we heard this terrible thing happened to Pieter. I felt guilty, because we planned to participate in Ladoga event together, having common camp, mechanics, etc. One week left to the event I had urgent job to do and I flied to Dominica to do it. Therefore I did not participated in the event, may be if I'll be there nothing will happen to him.

First time Pieter came to Lithuania in 1998, all Lithuanian off-roaders remember Pieter after this shootout: http://www.4x4.lt/images/gold/images/15_jpg.jpg .

First time I met Pieter in Vilnius (Lithuania) in September 2000. You know it was interesting feeling when you just met person and you feel like he was your best friend for last 15 years. After this meeting we met many times, every time when he was in Vilnius or I was in Belarus. He helped me to prepare my first TLC KZJ73. With this car I participated in few events in Belarus together with Pieter. Photos are here: http://www.angelfire.com/de2/offroad/mg.html (Pieter is in camouflage coat helping me to flat the tires). Thanks to Pieter's suggestions for the selection of tires, with this car I won 7th place in "raid" group in Ladoga 2001!

Last year I started preparation of another car for races and Pieter helped me a lot with accessories and parts. We tested my Zooki and his brand new HZJ in Lithuanian forests: http://www.angelfire.com/de2/offroad/sk2002/look.html/ . Also in March this year he helped me to organize off-road race near Vilnius: http://www.geocities.com/tvariszine/ . Specially for this event he brought me ATV Yamaha Grizzly from Netherlands. When I asked him was it difficult to drive HZJ with loaded trailer to Vilnius he told me: "easier than to drink bottle of bear" :-))). We had so many things to do, so many plans......

I lost my good friend and I am sorry I wasn't with him when it happened...

Dmitrijus Apockinas
Vilnius, Lithuania

To:               w.j.markerink@a1.nl
From:             "Dmitry A Leonov" (DLeonov@beeline.ru)
Date sent:        Tue, 18 Jun 2002 11:30:18 +0400
Subject:          Pieter

Dmitry(Moscow)

Foto from "Zubr 4x4 Trial" (Winter 2002, the Tula area) - http://horda.ru/4x4/8.jpg

From:             "Gornostaev, Andrey(REEMOW,MARK)" (Andrey.Gornostaev@reemtsma.ru)
To:               "'w.j.markerink@a1.nl'" (w.j.markerink@a1.nl)
Subject:          Pieter - In memoriam...
Date sent:        Tue, 18 Jun 2002 12:36:29 +0400

I met Pieter only several times on our off-road competitions. And the first thing that comes into my mind when I think about Pieter is his smile. The smile of a man with big and kind soul. And his soul was that big indeed - the soul of a man that helped everyone always and everywhere. People like Pieter are warming and lightening our world. And this world appears to be much colder and darker when they are gone. This is not correct that Pieter gone so early... This is unfair... We will remember him... We are missing him a lot... My sincere condolences to his family and all his friends, to all of us...

Andrey Gornostaev nick Diver, "Jeep" and "4x4" conference at www.auto.ru, Russia

P.S. - Here I'm attaching few pictures of Pieter from our competitions in Russia. They are not mine - (c) Tomcat and Sklo - but they were in my computer 'cause I liked Pieter very much. Here they are.

Привет, Willem-Jan,

Я встречался с Питером всего несколько раз, на соревнованиях. И первое, что я вспоминаю, говоря о Питере, это его улыбка. Улыбка человека с большой и доброй душой. И она у него действительно была такой - душой человека, помогавшего всем, всегда и во всём. Такие люди, как Питер, согревают и освещают мир вокруг себя и, когда они уходят, мир, увы, становится беднее и темнее. Это не правильно, что Питер ушёл так рано... Это не справедливо... Мы будем помнить его... Нам будет не хватать его...

Андрей Горностаев nick Diver, конфа Jeep

Pieter 01.jpg
Pieter 02.jpg
Pieter 03.jpg
Pieter 04.jpg
Pieter 05.jpg

Date sent:        Tue, 18 Jun 2002 10:55:51 +0300
From:             Andrey Ryabushenko (Andrey_Ryabushenko@unitest.com)
Send reply to:    Andrey Ryabushenko (Andrey_Ryabushenko@unitest.com)
Organization:     Unitest Ltd
To:               w.j.markerink@a1.nl
Subject:          In Memoriam Pieter de Reuver

I'm from Ukraine and knew Pieter as our CIS country manager and 4x4 driver... I was shocked when received information about Pieter's death because i was invited still in winter to be a navigator with Pieter at Ladoga-2002.

Have got couple photos, which you can place in the Internet.

piet_two.jpg
piet_14.jpg
piet_17.jpg
piet_8.jpg
piet_28.jpg
pietaai4.jpg
piet74nl.jpg

Thank you and Best Regards,
Andrey Ryabushenko
E-mail: Andrey_Ryabushenko@unitest.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
          .                      "Unitest Ltd"             
          .              Authorized distributor of
    .     o     .           AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES  
      o   o   o              www.tm.agilent.com
        o O o           TEST & MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT 
 . o o O     O o o .        Ukraine, 01025, Kyiv
        o O o                6 Olesya Honchara St. 
      o   o   o              t.   +380 44 235 7812 
    .     o     .            t/f. +380 44 235 5175 
          .                       ICQ#25768512    

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From:             "Bernhardt J., DP ITS, AAB, BN" (J.Bernhardt@deutschepost.de)
To:               "'w.j.markerink@a1.nl'" (w.j.markerink@a1.nl)
Subject:          Pieter
Date sent:        Tue, 18 Jun 2002 19:59:56 +0200

with the greatest sadness I had to notice the death of Pieter. Unable to express my feelings I'd like to utter my deepest regrets. May he cruise in heaven.

RIP

sad regards

Johannes

From:             "Mick Barson" (ickbar@southwest.com.au)
To:               "W. J. Markerink" (w.j.markerink@a1.NL)
Subject:          Pieter
Date sent:        Wed, 19 Jun 2002 10:30:54 +0800

Deepest Condolences
Mick Barson

From:             "Wilhelmina van Daal" (ivada@planet.nl)
To:               (w.j.markerink@a1.nl)
Subject:          Pieter
Date sent:        Thu, 27 Jun 2002 21:54:05 +0200

You might be surprised to become an e-mail from a person you don't know.
My name is Wilhelmina,Maria,Jacoba van Daal. I am a sister of Pieter's mother. Pieter was my godchild. Pieter and I went together to Australia in 1972. By now he has seen quite a lot of the world. It is a pitty his life ended so suddenly on such a young age.
I read some of your sites and like to inform you about some details.
Pieter was born at Oss and died in Olonetzj. Ravenstein has to be written as I did in this mail.
That's all I like to inform you, maybe not important news but nevertheless.
Thanks for the "In Memoriam" sites.
w.m.j.van daal
ivada@planet.nl

From:             "Marianne van Daal" (simon.tinnebroek@wanadoo.nl)
To:               (w.j.markerink@a1.nl)
Subject:          Dear  Willem-Jan Markerink,
Date sent:        Sun, 14 Jul 2002 20:31:03 +0200

You may think I am rather late in reacting to your memorial page for Pieter de Reuver.

To introduce myself: I am Pieter's mother, 73 years of age. In 1954 I married Pieter's father, a year later gave birth to my first and only child and again after a year my then husband- who was 19 years older than I was- and an exceptional man with many gifts and talents, suddenly died . √ heart-.
> After 13 years of widowhood I married again with Simon Tinnebroek.(also a fine man)
We were both shocked and very distressed when Lidwien called us. We immediately went up to her.
She was so very sad, disconsolate. Later on she gave us the address or code to find the memorial page you opened for Pieter and also helped us to find the photographs.
Thank you very much for your kind and friendly words about Pieter .I'd like to thank everyone who send a mailing to your page. It feels good to know that Pieter had a lot of friends all over the world who let us know they liked him and were sad when they learned about his sudden death
I printed all the pages and read them over and over again. It gives me a good feeling with all the kind and warm words about Pieter. It is a great comfort to me.
If there will be written more about Pieter e.g. in your monthly magazine could you please send me a copy?
Once again, thank you very much. You have helped us a bit in these sad and sorrowful days.

Marianne Tinnebroek ( Pieter's mother..)

P.S.Lidwien wrote the text for the memento cards which were handed out in the church and the crematory.
She also chose the music for the service in the crematory. Very fitting for Pieter (she spent a whole night on it.)
Simon spoke his memories of Pieter since he came in his life. They had a very good relationship.
I can mail them to you if you like.
m.t.

From:             "Marianne van Daal" (simon.tinnebroek@wanadoo.nl)
To:               (w.j.markerink@a1.nl)
Subject:          Memories of Pieter, by Simon Tinnebroek
Date sent:        Sat, 14 Sep 2002 05:44:07 +0200

Dear Pieter,

You were just 13 years of age and I was 39 when we became intensely involved in each other's life. And being aware of these facts you would expect that we had ups and downs in our relationship. What else would you expect! And where would that not happen?

We had the advantage of an unspecified relationship up until then and both of us preferred to discuss matters in a debate, even if at times somewhat heated and often philosophical. And it did not matter much about what subject. It could be about social justice. Jan Marijnissen was at time locally already offering his views on social problems, which suited you well to your train of thoughts. And you already had strong views on educational problems. And being just a teenager one had to expect discussions on sexuality. The T.V. series of "Open en Bloot" (Open and Naked) was a must for you, despite the fact that Marianne was not too keen. But we did watch it and then had enough discussion material for hours after. That often went on till after midnight! And that has been the basis of our relationship throughout all these years; An honest, in depth discussion. And this resulted in a deep respect for one another.

And we had at times a difference of opinion about the gravity of subject, such as the first day, when the three of us had been to school. Marianne had cooked an excellent meal. Then came the inevitable washing up! I asked you to help drying up. You felt that the matter should first be discussed. I remember my solution:" All right, lets discuss it, but in the meantime let's start washing up, because that has to be done anyway!"

Right from the beginning I have known you to be exceptionally talented. But which teenager wants to show this off at school? With your Castro Cap you acted a tough guy, racing through the streets on your motor bike, not afraid of anything or anyone. But in fact you tried to hide your vulnerable and sensitive nature. Sadly you did this by indifference, acting tough and occasional cynicism. You wanted to be invulnerable for everyone and anything.

You wanted to have more financial independence. Which teenager doesn't? You were not afraid to take on a job during the holidays. Your good friend Chris van Rossum was instrumental in getting you a job with Bergoss in the preparing bobbins. When the looms you had to look after had some reserve, you felt you were entitled to sit down for a while. But it was made clear to you very quickly that you didn't get paid for sitting down!
That hurt your feelings enormously and we heard all about it in the finest detail that night. The job lasted exactly one week! Hartog also had vacancies for holiday work. That went somewhat better, because there you very soon were promoted to driver of their electrically driven transport carts. I still remember your beaming eyes, when you told us about that job.
The real "cool" holiday job was selling ice creams. Your friend Bob van Geffen got you a job with "Het ijsboerke" (literally "ice farmer"). And you often spent time during the holidays in Dongen with Auntie Gabriel and Uncle Bob and their children.

In the meantime you obtained your much desired drivers license. During an exam week at the HTS (Higher Technical School) in Den Bosch, you forgot the time and missed the train "by mistake". As it happened, Marianne's little car could still get you there in time. So like a bat out of hell you went through the Dorpenweg (Village road). A slight bend, ( I can still draw it blindfolded!) and the clay tracks on the road still provided clear proof of your struggle to keep control of the car and the snapped off tree told without words, where you came to a halt. And I saw on that spot, how deep the canal was behind that tree┘┘

After HTS you very soon found a job with Hewlet Packard. This firm has not only had in you a richly talented employee, but also one, who's focus was on the interest of his employer. From their side, H.P. also valued your capabilities and efforts and very soon you belonged to the select group of planners for Europe. After that you were given a most important task: the formation of a new action centre in Moscow. And if you have to know Russian for that job, then you simply learn that language! That became the start of a new period in your life. You became a cosmopolitan, who because of frequent travelling internationally and international contacts outgrew the Netherlands. Especially Russia with its spaciousness an d freedom attracted you. Russian became your second language and Russia became your second fatherland.

Although you were often abroad, I especially remember your care on moments that mattered. For Marianne you always had time to support and encourage her, when for example things were not going so well with me. And when Lidwien was not feeling too well, the intense worry in you showed itself. Your care for her was beyond reproach.

We also remember your contribution to the celebration of our 121/2th wedding anniversary. That story not only stood out through ingenious use of language, vivid sketches and mild mockery. It was a beautiful testimony of your love for us. And when I became somewhat emotional during our silver weddingcelebration, you noticed that immediately and stood beside me with your arm around me to console.

Then I remember my farewell at my school. You must have been, after days of meetings in three different languages, absolutely zonked. Yet you asked during the occasion leave to speak for a few minutes. You then painted me in a stream of words so accurate and full of love that the memory of that occasion still makes me blush.

And your care was also obvious during our preparations in moving to Oss. Despite the fact that you could hardly walk due to a bad infection, you still went uand down the stairs to complete the final jobs. And when we arrived in Oss, nothing was too much for you both to be of help to us.

You hated the word "stepfather" and did not see me as such. Were we the ideal stepfather and stepson? Of course not! But we did our very best to make the most of things. I am grateful that you allowed me to change my attitude from time to time, but it also makes my grief more intense.

On the "memory card" you made up for your father in law the slogan was: "Till we meet again". You put into words your belief in the hereafter, leaving aside the how and why. I look forward to that meeting, although, honestly, not quite yet. Hopefully it will be some years?!

Dear Pieter, we believe that your name is written in God's hand. In the house of our Heavenly Father there is room for many. I belief that in the meantime you have found your little spot. Thank you for everything, Pieter, also on behalf of Marianne and Lidwien. Farewell Pieter┘┘┘..

From:             "Marianne van Daal" (simon.tinnebroek@wanadoo.nl)
To:               (w.j.markerink@a1.nl)
Subject:          In the Crematory
Date sent:        Sat, 14 Sep 2002 05:54:38 +0200

Guide me home and How can I go on from Freddie Mercury/Mike Moran

Word of welcome by funeral director

Mathieu aks Simon to read his text.

Memories of Pieter by Simon

Mathieu tells why Lidwien chose for the music we will hear now

Memories from Cats

Annet reads the last text:

Pieter, the moment has come to say goodbye.
Your body will merge into the fire,
Fire which finds its origine in the sun;
the sun that rose today and will be here to morrow.
Every day again and again the sun will waken us
And bring you into our memories,
Every day ┘ until we meet again
There where you are now.

God, eternal Light,
Fire that leads us
If darkness fades our way.
Receive this man from our hands
And cherish him in your warmth.
Be with us all, now that we have to part from Pieter
Who is so dear to us and familiar.
We entrust him to the fire,
But in our thoughts and in our heart
We take him with us to our every-day life.
Pieter, you remain with us.
May our God of love give you peace. Amen.

Music from Russian monasteries. It ressembles our Gregorian churchmusic.

From:             "Marianne van Daal" (simon.tinnebroek@wanadoo.nl)
To:               (w.j.markerink@a1.nl)
Subject:          In memoriam
Date sent:        Sat, 14 Sep 2002 06:02:42 +0200

Pieter Maria de Reuver

Born at Oss 3-10-1955
Died at Olonetzj (Russia) 6-6-2002

After the funeral service in the Willibrorduskerk in Demen on June 18th 2002 the cremation took place in the Crematory "Rijk van Nijmegen" at Beuningen.

Pieter died at a far too early age. He was 46 years old, just like his father.
He died in the country he considered to be his second homeland. A country which gave him the space and freedom he searched for; where people lived he somehow felt akin with .He had a thorough command of the Russian language and he was sooner asked from what part of Russia he came then from which foreign country.

After having worked for HP later Agilent for twenty years with dedication and much pleasure he decided last year with regret that he needed to break new ground. He thought about it for a couple of months and then enthusiastically took up a new challenge.

He turned his hobby √ his Land Cruiser 4x4 wheel- into his work. And as Pieter couldn't do things by halves he worked for 100% to succeed.
You could see that enjoyed what he did. Unfortunately for him and for us the time to enjoy this new freedom was too short.

Everyone who knew Pieter will understand how badly we will miss him.
We profited from all his knowledge and that was much. No matter whatever you wanted to be informed about; his knowledge was extensive, he knew so much about so many things. And if accidentally he knew less about a subject he looked it up and within a very short time he got to the bottom of it .Pieter was a thinker.

A conversation with Pieter was always about something. He thought it a waste of time to talk about the little everyday things of life. A conversation should have contents, be interesting and he always hoped that new arguments would come up which he didn't know yet.
Everyone who had the courage to enter into a discussion with Pieter took upon him an almost impossible task.

Pieter we now have to give you up definitely. We hope that you will have more space and freedom now than this earthly life could give you.

Lidwien
Marianne en Simon

From:             "Marianne van Daal" (simon.tinnebroek@wanadoo.nl)
To:               (W.J.Markerink@a1.nl)
Subject:          GUIDE ME HOME
Date sent:        Sat, 14 Sep 2002 06:07:49 +0200

Where is my star in heaven's bough Where is my strength, I need it now
Who can save me Lead me to my destiny
Guide me back Safely to my home
Where I belong ┘Once more

Guide me back Safely to my home
Where I belong ┘Once more

But how can I go on?
How can I go on this way┘

HOW CAN I GO ON

When all the salt is taken from the sea I stand dethroned
I'm naked and I bleed But when your finger points so savagely,
Is anybody there to believe in me To hear my plea and take care of me?

How can I go on From day to day
Who can make me strong in every way. Where can I be safe Where can I belong
In this great big world of sadness
How can I forget Those beautiful dreams that we shared
They're lost and they're no where to be found
How can I go on?

Sometimes I tremble in the dark
I cannot see When people frighten me
I try to hide myself so far from the crowd
Is anybody there to comfort me
Lord┘take care of me.

How can I go on From day to day
Who can make me strong in every way
Where can I be safe Where can I belong
In this great big world of sadness
How can I forget Those beautiful dreams that we shared
They're lost and no where to be found
How can I go on?

Freddie Mercury/Mike Moran

CATS

Memory

Midnight not a sound from the pavement
Has the moon lost her memory
She is smiling alone.
In the lamplight the withered leaves collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan.

Memory all alone in the moonlight
I can smile at the old days I was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was.
Let the memory live again.

Every street lamp seems to beat a fatalistic warning
Someone mutters
The street lamp gutters
And soon it will be morning.

Daylight I must wait for the sunrise
I must think of a new life
And I mustn't give in
When the dawn comes tonight will be a memory too
And a new day will begin.

Burnt out ends of smokey days
The stale cold smell of morning
A street lamp dies another night is over
Another day is dawning

Touch me it's so easy to leave me
All alone with the memory
Of my days in the sun
If you touch me you'll understand what happiness is
Look the new day has begun.

Inbox Willem Jan Markerink                     
Message from Tommi 
sent to you on 11:17 am 19. June 2003     
Message title: Peter de Reuver

• Words on BuschTaxi.Net (German; click on 'Cafe Oriental' & 'Die Mitglieder des Forums')
• Picture of Pieter on BuschTaxi.Net
• Pictures of Pieter in Poland, about a month ago
• Picture of Pieter somewhere in Belarus
• Pictures on The-Heavy-Duty.Net (January 2002 meeting)

About the rally in which Pieter died:

• Ladoga Trophy 2002 (I)
• Ladoga Trophy 2002 (II)

From:  pieter@d...
Date:  Mon May 27, 2002  6:39 am
Subject:  Re: [80] TSL SX observations

> Again, if you want 35/36" tires all the time, 4.56s don't cut it.
>
> JH

Obviously the 255/85R16 Cooper S/T's are for sale (anybody from Europe interested - 6000 km run, no damages, spare new).

One comment for those that want to do the same on the 74/78/79 series: the front diff is a drop-in replacement, but for the rear diff you need to rebuild it (bearings, crown & spider gears from the original diff, carrier from the replacement one). The OE carrier was higher due to additional oil channels inside the carrier. Also have a generous set of shims available. Got an excellent contact patch, but the backlash remained slightly higher than spec, so decided that contact patch was more important than backlash.

Back to the topic: who else can help to coerce Interco in making more 16" tires? Choice is limited to two or three Bogger sizes, one or two TSL's and one SSR.

Anyway, as soon as I can find them, will try to fit a set of Boggers in 38x11-16 (in the spirit of Darrens axiom: if your tires don't rub, you can fit bigger ones).

Cheers, Pieter
HDJ100, HZJ74

From:  pieter@d...
Date:  Mon May 27, 2002  7:01 am
Subject:  Re: [80] [chat] Diesel - why would you want it - Darren started it again.

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "polandcruiser"
> > Why would one want a diesel?
> > It's the torque vs rpm, mate! Nothing beats a diesel, maybe electric
> > motors, but these are available only in RAV4.
> > Also, water resistance, and thirdly, availability of fuel and spares
> > anywhere in the world.
> >
> > Rgds,
> > Roman (UK)
>
> Torque vs rpm eh????
>
> so you like the little torque at high rpm of a diseasel then.
>
> Because my stock 1FZ-FE makes 20nm more torque than the
> 1HZ makes TOTAL.
>
> And yes, the poor old diseasel needs spares, bearings mostly....
>
> Darren McRae

Couldn't you satisfy your diesel-bashing needs in the US? You must be seriously addicted!

Why don't you come to Russia and take your Megawatt Machines with you. We'll find some nice swampy areas for you to demonstrate the benefits of high power at high revs and we'll either be enjoying the sound of a petrol engine (click, click, click) or you be digging in so fast that the Russians will say: gee, seems the guy didn't like it here, so he decided do take the shortest way home....

Since petrol is also cheap (USD 0.30/liter) I can afford to be generous: both vodka and petrol are on the house! Do bring your own beer, since last night Lithuanian customs confiscated the better part of the two boxes of beer that I wanted to bring in (official allowance is 0,5 liter - really backward!).

Cheers, Pieter
HDJ100, HZJ74

From:  "Pieter" (pieter@d...)
Date:  Wed May 29, 2002  1:32 pm
Subject:  Re: [80] Lightforce lamps - any good?

----- Original Message -----
From: "polandcruiser" 
To: <80scool@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: 29 ??? 2002 ?. 16:10
Subject: Re: [80] Lightforce lamps - any good?

> > > From: polandcruiser 
> > > To: 80scool@y... 
> > > Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2002 3:07 AM 
> > > Subject: [80] Lightforce lamps - any good? 
> > > 
> > > Hi all, 
> > > Is any one using them? Does the adjustable focus work? Will they 
> > > take some beating from flying stones? 
> > > Rgfds, 
> > > Roman (UK)
> > >
> --- In 80scool@y..., "Chip U'Ren"  wrote: 
> > Yes...I'm using the Lightforce 170' s and they throw a lot of 
> > light. The adjustable focus works good, but even better is a difuser 
> > lense they sell...can just snap it on and it still allows a pretty 
> > good pencil beam straight ahead, but also throws light out to the 
> > sides as well. They seem indestructable and shrug off stones, flying 
> > Walenda's and your general off road abuse. I went with the 170's 
> > rather than the 240's as the latter are about the size of a garbage 
> > can top, but if you don't care about that, the 240's will burn down 
> > trees. 
> > 
> > Regards 
> > Chip U'Ren 
> > '97 80 
> > Phoenix Arizona 
> > 
> Chip,
> Thanks for your post. I am also a bit worried that two 240s in front 
> of the rad grille may block air flow. On the other hand, for a 100W 
> bulb they put out as much light as it gets. I'll probably go for a 
> pair of 240s and four 170s or 140s on the light bar. 
> 
> Rgds, 
> Roman (UK) 

Have a couple of 240's right in front of the grille of the 74. Did not even notice a difference in temperature. Do order the dispersion filters as well, they really work.

Do seal them with silicone everywhere, they are not waterproof.

Cheers, Pieter
HDJ100, HZJ74

If you want to add your last words for Pieter to this page, send your message to: w.j.markerink @ a1.nl

Please do not hesitate to write in your native language other than English, whether it is Russian, German, Dutch or whatever, if you feel you can express yourself better that way. Or perhaps mix a few lines of English, with your native text, or a short translation of the essentials (like where and when you met Pieter for the first time, where you are located etc).
Remember, Pieter was a true polyglot too....and the language from the heart is universal....;))

I will of course try to update this page as frequently as possible, and read my mail several times a day, but if you haven't seen your contribution within 24 hours, don't hesitate to check things by sending me another email.
(please try to use the word 'Pieter' in the subjectline in all your messages to me)

IMPORTANT: if you have pictures online with Pieter on them, please include the URL!
This also on behalf of his wife Lidwien, who has very little pictures of him playing abroad, and who might also want some high-resolution versions of some of these images, or ordinary chemical prints in case of negatives/slides. I will provide you with her snail-mail and/or email address on request.

All this is the last thing I can do for Pieter, to remember him for the world, the world he loved so much.
Goodbye dear Friend.