Oskar van Dijk, RIP

YESTERDAY, we heard the sad news that our old friend and fellow musician, Oskar van Dijk, had passed away at 3am. He had fought against illness for many years and always with a spirit of great courage, but was finally admitted to hospital at the beginning of this month when his treatment was no longer effective.

I first met Oskar in 2004 and many of you here will remember him for his stylish appearance, dashing good looks, surreal humour, love of alternative music and the wonderful contributions he made to H.E.R.R. with his sublime cello playing. Saddest of all is the fact that he leaves a wife and young child, and my condolences go out to everyone who knew him.

As our dear friend looks out from a Constantinople sunset, we close our eyes and remember those deep bass strings that became his trademark and which gave pleasure to so many people. Farewell, Oskar, and thanks for the fellowship and lasting memories.