The HERE family is loosing an important person. I am very much touched by this fact, because it shows us all how fragile life is and how much we all shall enjoy the time we have. My deepest sympathy to the family of Hans. All my thoughts are with you.

Firstly, I would like to send my deepest condolences to his family and close friends, I will be thinking of you over the coming days. I have known Hans since I moved to work in Eindhoven from the UK over 20 years ago, and then was lucky enough to work within his team at HERE/Navteq. You couldn't meet a nicer guy who was always genuinely interested about what you were doing and he loved to make fun of the British weather or culture. I travelled with him to both Tel Aviv and New Zealand where we had a great time, and there was never dull moment, and I don't think he stopped talking the whole time on the flight. Hans was not shy, that is for sure!
His amazing personality will leave a big hole in peoples lives, but I for one will always have very fond memories of him and think myself lucky to have spent time in his presence.
All my love and thoughts.
Barry

Quite a shocking and sad news to know Hans is not with us but his memories will remain forever. Peace be upon him. May God give courage to his family to face this time of sorrow and pain. My heart goes with you at this difficult time.

‘Herinneringen verbinden wat het oog niet meer ziet.’

Wat een schok en wat ontzettend verdrietig dat Hans zo plotseling is overleden. Hans kwam altijd heel graag op zondag hockeyen. Hij was altijd even fanatiek, maar ook altijd in voor een praatje of een lolletje tijdens bijvoorbeeld de koffie na het potje. Wat zullen we hem op zondag gaan missen!

Ik wens jullie heel veel sterkte en hoop dat jullie steun bij elkaar kunnen vinden bij het verwerken van dit verlies.

Lieve groet,
Marjolijn Spoel

My deepest condolences to Marja and the entire family. Hans will always be remembered by those lucky enough to have been touched by him as one of the very best. Not only as an outstanding collegaue in every way but also as a thoughtful, compassionate, funny, and overall special person. We met nearly 25 years ago and while we worked in different departments/ regions, we built a good friendship over many "refreshments" when our paths would cross. I know that he considered himself to be a lucky man to have a wonderful wife and family that he loved and cherished deeply. He will be missed by all of us.
Truly,

Tom

Ik was totaal verrast en vol ongeloof toen ik het nieuws hoorde, en kan het eigenlijk nog steeds niet bevatten. Je was altijd een gezellige en vrolijke collega die echt iets toevoegde aan de sfeer op kantoor. Daarnaast was er niemand die zo snel quotes goedkeurde als jij dat deed, ik hoefde je maar even een korte ping te sturen en het was voor elkaar.

Ook kijk ik met veel plezier terug op onze zaalvoetbal partijtjes. Jij ging dan meestal keepen, en o wat kon je dat goed! Ik kreeg het bijna niet voor elkaar om te scoren, tot diep in de wedstrijd een schot van de ver opeens binnenvloog via de paal.

Ik wil alle naasten, familie, vrienden, collega's, en iedereen die jou een warm hart toedraagt veel sterkte wensen in deze moeilijke tijd.

Rust zacht.
David

What a shock how immediately life can end and change! I met Hans this year the first time for the interview for my new job role and we were just joking last week in TS call... unbelievable what had happened. Wishing you strength in these hard times. My condolences to the family, Tanja from Munich

So shocked by this terrible news. I'll always be grateful that I had the opportunity to be part of Hans' team at HERE.
We had many, many laughs but Hans was also so incredibly knowledgeable and always reliable for good advice.
He had a gift for putting people at ease and always showed an interest in what was going on in your corner of the world.
We will really miss him.
Sending love and best wishes to Hans' family.