Hylke van Slooten Memorial Fund

Reflections of a mother, Marieke van Slooten

(Extract from speech given at Hylke’s Memorial Service held at Reed’s on 3rd May 2018)

organised in a pub in Amsterdam, just two weeks

Hylke was born in May 1987 as the youngest boy with three older sisters. We always warned the girls to be nice to him because we knew that in time he would become big and strong! And so it happened: the girls were very impressed with their tall, strong ‘little’ brother with whom you couldn’t mess.

He was a multi-talent: smart, a sportsman but also socially intelligent with leadership capacities. On the other hand he was very modest, so not everybody realised what a special person he actually was; he didn’t always stand up for himself when he actually should have. He didn’t have that in him. On the other hand, he was a perfectionist like everybody else in this family (sorry, it’s apparently in the genes) and so was not easily satisfied with all the incredible things he achieved, thus often ‘disqualifying’ himself. For instance, both captains of HGC and Schaerweyde hockey clubs have told me that only afterwards did they recognise what an influence he had had on them and the whole team, and how much they had join me whenever he could, I once came across a

learned from him. This is true leadership.

When we lived in England, Hylke and I used to travel during the holidays. We would decide what part of the country we would like to explore, get in the car with just a map (he loved map reading and was very and take off. In this way I think we saw more of this country than others in the family. Hylke’s hockey for England (U16s and U18s) also took us to many places, both locally and abroad. A good way to see more of the world: just follow the kids! With Hylke, what you saw is what you got; he didn’t pretend to be something else other than himself: he was just a very nice guy. He couldn’t believe how popular he was amongst the girls and other people as well, because he thought himself nothing special. But he was someone special who touched peoples’ lives. The last party his partner, Marijn, and he before he died was absolutely crowded with people of all ages from all walks of life which, I think, genuinely surprised him.

Once, when Hylke was already very ill, he said he didn’t want to die because he hadn’t had the chance to make the world a little bit better. That was his goal in life, especially after the time he spent in Kenya. He had loved his stay there and definitely wished to go back. He was frustrated that he hadn’t taken the opportunities to do so, because – then – he thought time was on his side. It wasn’t meant to be. Hylke passed away on 12th November 2017.

During my walks with the dogs, where Hylke would good at it, of course!) and a bed & breakfast book

bench at Newlands Corner with a poem engraved, which touched me. I have no clue who the poet is. Sadly the bench is gone now together with the poem. Luckily I had copied it.

The flowers talk, yet do not need an answer. The grasses sigh and yet they are not sad. The leaves are rustling, one against the other to tell of all the lovely days we’ve had.

Just think about how big Hylke’s smile would be if, together, we were able to fund budding Foundation hockey players in his name!

Remembering a Reed’s Hockey Legend

It is unquestionable that Hylke touched, and continues to touch, many people’s lives through his exuberant and passionate character; you only need to read the Obituary by Ben Edwards but, more importantly, the reflections of his mother, Marieke, to understand this.

In celebration of his love of life, Marieke and Dirk van Slooten have very generously set up the Hylke van Slooten Memorial Fund to pay tribute to their special son in a long-term and positive way. This fund will support children from vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds who will benefit from the care and education Reed’s and its Foundation can offer. Hylke’s parents will be offered the anonymous profiles of potential Foundation pupils from which they will be able to choose a child to support. Where possible, we will try to match the personality, skills and/or circumstances of the child to align with what we believe Hylke would have wanted.

We are asking all Old Reedonians who knew Hylke to help with this special and ring-fenced fund. A modest, but monthly donation will ensure that his name and legacy can continue into perpetuity. Through the generosity of his parents, the Fund is now able to support one Foundation pupil through their seven years at Reed’s – we’d like to grow this pot, so this number could be even higher. Just think about how big Hylke’s smile would be if – together - we were able to fund a whole hockey team through the Foundation in his name!

Occasion to celebrate – date for your diary

As part of Hylke’s love of nature and travel, his family are planning to plant several oak trees around the world as a tribute to him. One of these trees will, of course, be sited at Reed’s and our plan is to make this a celebration. So please put the evening of Thursday, 28th March 2019 in your diary now.

If you are keen to remember Hylke and be part of his legacy to make the world that little bit better, please sign and return the donation form at the back of this magazine or give Sharmaine a call on 01932 589490, as you might have other ideas as to how we can raise money for this fund.