RIP Aart Brouwer

[Last Hussar]

I found what I think was his first post

http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,188.0.html

And, of course, his peerless profile signature

"No, I do not have Orcs, Riders of Rohan, Dark Elves, Skaven, Kroot Mercenaries Battle Tech, HeroClix, Gangs of Mega-City One or many-horned f****** genetic-mechanoid arse-faced pigmen from the Purple Pustule of Tharg T bloody M." (Harry Pearson, Achtung Schweinehund!)

[Leon]

Yep, that was his first post on the Forum.  I've just been reading through some of the older posts, and realised it was Aart who first put us onto I-94 for the decal range.  I found this one as well from back when this place was still new:

It just occurred to me that this is a great little (as yet) forum. It has a great crew, great input from all sorts of gamers, almost no spam or flames. And I pick up some useful snippet of info here every day.

Kudos to the team at Pendraken, and may we still have the same atmosphere when membership passes the 1000 mark.

Cheers,
Aart

[kev1964]

Very sad to hear this, my condolences to Aart's family, RIP.

kev

[Techno]

Totally shocked and saddened.
Like many others on the forum, I feel I've lost a friend, though I'd never actually met him.
Thoughts and deepest sympathy to his family.

Phil.

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

What can you say - we lose a valued member.

IanS

[sebigboss79]

OMG!

That is no way to go! Have not much to do with Aart but remember him as a decent chap in his posts.
Most sincere condolences from my side as well. The forum will definately miss him.

Roland

[Hertsblue]

It's always a shock when someone goes suddenly - particularly at a relatively young age. Like most members, I didn't know him personally, but hsi posts made him part of the community and we are poorer for his loss. RIP.

[Alan]

Very sad news indeed. I can only echo what others have said.

[Malbork]

What can I say?

Like most people have alreday said, I didn't know Aart personally, only through his posts here, but still feel his loss.

Really shocked to read this and my condoldences to his family.

[Chad]

As all of us I am shocked by his sudden death.

I read his last post only yesterday.

Leon, I think the suggestion that a forum condolence message on behalf of all members is an excellent idea. Can you do anything like this?

Sad loss!

Chad

[Le Manchou]

It's a very sad news, Aart was one of the most interesting member of this forum. I never met him but enjoyed his posts. My thoughts to his family. RIP.

[i_am_win]

Absolutely shocked. 55 is no age these days.

My sympathies go out to his family. RIP Aart.

[kustenjaeger]

A tremendous shame.   I always liked Aart's posts here.

I think the idea of a card is a really good one to show his family he was appreciated beyond those who knew him face to face.

Regards

Edward

[Sunray]

The only other gesture we could offer is to share the existance of this thread with the family and invite them to visit it.  If you as a forum agree,the invitation could be added to the card.

I have to say that in reading  all previous comments I know why Aart loved this forum.  It represents all that is good about wargaming.

Beneath the banter the is a respect for other members as we enjoy our mutual hobby of choice.  Aart brightened our lives with his wit and humour.

Nicely done fellow members of  Pendraken Forum. Nicely done.

[T13A]

Too sad.

I will miss his comments alot.

As others have already said, my thoughts are with his loved ones.

Cheers Aart.

Paul

[Rob]

I am very sad to hear this news. Aart was one of the first people to welcome me to the forum and he seemed to me one of life's nice guys. I never had the honour of meeting Aart but he was interested in the same periods as me such as TYW and also had books that I have got, so I did think quite favourably of him and would have enjoyed meeting him if the opportunity had arisen.

Thanks to Pijlie and Leon for letting us know about Aart. If it can be of any comfort to his family, please tell them know of the many friends Aart had on this forum who will miss him.


Goodbye Aart,

Rob

[Leon]

Leon, I think the suggestion that a forum condolence message on behalf of all members is an excellent idea. Can you do anything like this?

Yes, definitely.  I mentioned further up, if people can let me know what message they'd like including, either by posting it on here or by email, and I'll get everything sorted out.

[Chad]

Leon and other members may I suggest the following:

The members of the Pendraken Miniatures Forum would like to express their shock and sadness at your loss. Although we are diverse group and generally
only know each other via the forum, we like to consider ourselves friends with very similar interests.

As a forum member Art was such a friend and we are all saddened by his sudden loss.

We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Our thoughts are with you at this time.

Chad

[petercooman]

I would like to express my condolences too, and as already said, 55 is no age to leave on!

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Well said Chad.