On 6th April we lost him: Cor Schouten – Co-Founder, Board-member, Former Treasurer and the quiet, strong force behind the Havonos Foundation.
He stayed with us for as long as was possible, for longer than many of the doctors could have imagined.
We have nothing but admiration for his strength, and also the way in which he coped with the despair of his illness.
It is just not possible to put into words what Cor meant to the Havonos Foundation, the people and projects in Sri Lanka, and above all what he meant to his greatest pal, Sieni. His valuable, relevant and down to earth ways, combined with his sense of humour and irresistible energy, brought a sense of clarity and calm to everything he did.
Cor knew instinctively how best to smooth out the challenges that come with interpersonal communication as no other could. We are stricken, and are going to miss him terribly.
It was typical of Cor that, despite his breathing difficulties and pain that he chose not to cancel his next trip to Sri Lanka. But it was not to be.
A few hours before the end, he gave up the fight and said that he couldn’t go on.
Then Cor being Cor, and with sorrow and pain in his heart because two of his deepest wishes – to meet his second grandchild and to visit once again Sri Lanka were not going to be possible, he gave up his fate to God in the trust that he would be well received.
It is what it is and you can’t do anything to change it - that was Cors’ motto.
Our thoughts and sympathy go to his beloved wife, our Chair Sieni. Also to their son Sander, his wife Liesbeth and their son Noud, also to their daughter Esther. We shall miss Cor, but for them there is this gaping hole where he used to be. We wish them all good luck, support, strength and love.
Members of the Board of Havonos Foundation:
Ed van Houselt
Els Holland
Kumar
Sacha Koggel
Dana Kamphorst
Dear Sieni and Children,
I am extremely saddened by the untimely death of my beloved friend Cor. It is a shocking news for me. Cor is a loving person endowed with most human qualities as compassionate heart, generosity, love for the poor, sensitive and above all a human person. It is a big loss for Sieni and the children, friends and all who have known him and worked with him. I have stayed at their home many times and experienced their warmth love and friendship, I do really miss him.
Even last August Cor came to the Amsterdam central Railway station to fetch me. We had a pleasant drive home and enjoyed the company much. While with them I attended many functions of their harvest festival and was taken to different places by Cor and Sieni. It is very painful for me to think that he is no more with us. God who gave him a beautiful life, wife, children and friends has his own plans. He will certainly reward him in his Resurrection.
Cor, you were smart in everything, easing the heart that is heavily burdened and your smile will heal the wounds of many. Good bye my dear friend, May the Risen Lord Take you to his Presence in the company of his saints. Thank you Cor for all the things you did to our people in Sri Lanka during my Office as the Provincial Superior of the OMI Jaffna.
I extend my deepest sympathies to Sieni, to his children, relatives and friends. May He Rest in Peace. Well done faithful servant, you will enjoy the Master's Glory.
Fr.M.Paul Nadchethiram OMI