There is a Greek proverb that suggests that we are able to sit in the comfort of the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.
I did not have the pleasure of meeting Ger personally, but as Managing Director of Weir Minerals Netherlands, I know lots of people who did, and I have heard lots of stories about him since I joined the company back in 2013. Many of these have been fondly recounted over the last few days by the colleagues and friends who’s lives he not only touched, but positively influenced.
There are common themes that give an insight into what a special man Ger was, and the high regard he is held by those people who were lucky enough to have known him.
Ger is always referred to as an open, warm and honest man. He was modest, but always carried a smile, and of course, his trusty briefcase. His approachable nature and great interest in his work and our company, meant that people naturally went to him with their questions. Because of this, he is seen as one of the greatest teachers within the long history of our business, selflessly giving the precious gift of time in sharing his deep knowledge of the GEHO pumping technology he was responsible for developing. His teaching was not limited to the Venlo team, he shared his knowledge world-wide.
I read an email from Australia this week, from a long standing member of the Weir family, who back in 1991, spent some time with Ger visiting Australian customers. This is what he wrote:
“I probably was driving him crazy like a little kid asking all the time – “But Why?”
Ger never failed though, and would always give me the in-depth full review of why this was done, what they have done since and plans he had for the future. He never held back in passing on the knowledge to others like me, and for this I am forever grateful to have learnt from the best in the business. My solid grounding and learning from the person who was “the brains behind the business” established a very strong link between me and Ger over the years.”
Another email, this time from the USA, had a similar message.
“I had the privilege of working a lot with Ger during the ‘90’s, during the development of the heat barrier pumps and the UpTime Valve technology for the Autoclave applications. He was a true gentleman, a friend and teacher – he will be missed”
Back to the Greek proverb…..Ger retired in 2009, yet the work that he did, and the learnings that he shared, have enabled us to grow from strength to strength. 2019 was the best ever year in the history of the Venlo business, made possible because of what Ger has gifted us. The GEHO pump and the GEHO brand have always represented high quality engineering, the best available anywhere in the world. Moreover, in Ger’s son Ralph, we have a new visionary, a safe and strong set of hands to keep us at the forefront of technology in the years ahead. All of this is the unique legacy that Ger leaves. The shade and shelter offered by the trees that he planted for us will help protect us from the uncertain times that we now find ourselves in, allowing us to emerge from this even stronger.
On behalf of the Weir Minerals leadership team, I would like to say thank you. Thank you Ger for what you have given us. Thank you Marij, for sharing Ger with the company for so many years. And thank you to the Van Rijswick family for allowing us to share these reflections at a very private moment for you all.
Ger, rest in peace.
Stuart Hayton
Managing Director
