May 10, 2024 Pieter J C Vedder's Memorial Service

 On exactly the day that WWII started in The Netherlands—May 10 of 1945—we held a meaningful Memorial Service for my Pieter.

Most has been chosen by Pieter himself and got listed in his Last Will as such.

Shortly before the service started...

Fresh white fragrant stock got delivered as they were Pieter's favorite flower.

He told me of growing them with his Dad in the greenhouse for use at the annual Sacraments Procession. 

I've used the fine silk batik tablecloths, gift from Indonesia in 2004.

Center cloth covers the cremated remains.

Turned out they fit perfectly with the chairs in the loft and with the carpet.

Indonesia meant so much for both of us so this was Perfect!

Left photo shows brother Toon, me and Pieter in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Toon's daughter Myriam was here with me and helping me set up everything...

Myriam was Pieter's only Goddaughter!

Christy's from East Dublin did such an excellent job in arranging these white stock or Matthiola incana inside a white vase.

Pieter J.C. Vedder

April 29, 1929 – April 30, 2024

Don't forget to turn on CC = Closed Captions!
Pieter's Requiem Choice
Pieter had requested in his Last Will specific music to be played at his Memorial Service.That also included a request of participation from my former chancel choir music director, Michael Dwain Little and our former Pastor Keith Goodlett.Catering a full luncheon would be done by Roy Grenade.The usual technician handling the two big video cameras and the sound board with different microphones to be turned on during Michael Dwain Little's organ play and chanting... was not present during the Memorial Service.We can never go back and do it over again and it sure was painful! We had it so well planned, set up and worked out. Oh, the book for registering names was not at the entrance of the Church but on a side table in the fellowship hall where the lunch was served.She never used the cameras the way she was supposed to do. Only showing the front pews on the right side of the Church...But after cutting out the spots without image or sound, I got this.Dear long–time friend of both of us, Gil Gillis, who used to run the local TV station agreed to use the photos that I'd prepared for showing. That too was NOT done, only a few during the luncheon.Pieter's favorite piece of music Adagio (Albinoni) that strikes a chord...Also, Mozart's Lacrimosa (Tearful) was one of Pieter's favorites and he himself sang often DIES IRAE A Capella with some other boys from the impressive 100–member choir in Groessen, The Netherlands.It just is SAD, that some insignificant people abused their power for denying my very humble, but larger than life Pieter, his final wishes.Knowing that from Heaven, Pieter still is pleased with Keith Goodlett and Michael Dwain Little's efforts to adhere to his Last Will.Kathy Jones as soprano, as requested by Pieter.Also dear friend Mary Louise Goodie McRae added to that in a touching way.

Mozart's Lacrimosa (Tearful) was not audible...

It has such a depth of human emotions and thus transcends all languages and cultures!

See link below post.

I Believe, Mark A Miller

I believe in the sun, I believe in the sun, even when, even when it's not shining.

I believe in love, even when, even when I don't feel it.

I believe in God, I believe in God, even when, even when God is silent.

Indeed, the final Musical Moment – Hungarian Dance #4, Johannes Brams very much reflected the way we both lived...

Music is the shorthand of emotion~Leo Tolstoy quote

Thank you

Words cannot express how grateful our family is for your generous support, encouraging words, and thoughts and prayers. Your kindness will always be remembered with deep gratitude.

The Family of 

Pieter J.C. Vedder

If you would like to provide a memorial donation,

checks can be made out to Mariette Vedder for 

the Leprosy Project in Indonesia which was near to his heart.

Related links:Lovely White Stock & Baby's Breath from Trader Joe's | previous post by meMozart – Lacrimosa | YouTube videoGregorian Chant : Dies Irae (Lyric Video) | YouTube video as the microphone was OFF when Michael Dwain Little played it on the organ and chanted it...I Believe SATB – Mark Miller – CGA1310 | YouTube video and SATB = Soprano, Alto, Tenor, BassMy Pieter went to Heaven on April 30 | previous post by me and THANKS for your replies!!!Our Final Easter Together | Previous post with link to Father Seán Coyle from Dublin, IrelandHusband Pieter was the 3rd VEDDER Ensign Bearer in Groessen, The Netherlands | This shows another image of Pieter in his historic uniform, tailor made for him in Amsterdam. Gil Gillis found it the most impressive photo...Pieter a Former Motorcycle Guy ALWAYS Remained one at Heart! | previous post by me1958 Tragedy for Pieter's Mushroom Friends in Zichen-Zussen-Bolder in Belgium | United Again!

Feeling carried by LOVE from around the world and countless private messages 💞

Since Pieter's passing I have regained 2 kg or 4.4 pounds — weighing now 45.3 kg or 99.8 pounds.

In the end of March I was 45.9 kg or 101 pounds

A True Love Story NEVER ENDS | previous post by me...

My Pieter went to Heaven on April 30

 

This photo I selected for his obituary as it embodies him so perfectly!

A happy and humble man 

Pieter J.C. Vedder SCIENTIFIC PIONEER in Commercial Mushroom Cultivation and Education passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at his home.

Pieter was born on april 29, 1929, in Duiven, the Netherlands during the Great Depression, the youngest son of three. He was baptized the same day in the Catholic St. Andreas Church of Groessen. There he was a member of the Church choir, from his youth on.

The war years left a deep impression on Pieter's entire life. Being evacuated and finding the house half bombed when they returned home, as well as the glass greenhouses in shards. Pieter's Dad grew peaches, plums, grapes, and tomatoes under glass.

Pieter played the accordion for the recording of a spoken letter to his two brothers who were deployed in Indonesia during the national revolution.

Training partially interrupted for his military service, from 4 October 1950 to 1 February 1952. Graduated in 1957 with university education in Wageningen, for horticulture and horticultural engineering, with excellent grades. Pieter also had a degree in teaching.

In 1957 he became assistant A of the Research Station for Mushroom Cultivation.

In 1961 he published his first publication Modern Mushroom Growing; 5 more editions followed.

In 1962 he became an instructor and head of the Education Department and was involved in the establishment of the Center for Mushroom Cultivation Education.

Pieter's Dad died on April 21, 1967, so he knew that his youngest became principal!

By 1978, his book had been translated into 5 languages and was called a unique achievement by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Directorate of Agricultural Education. Total of 9 languages now and has been called the MUSHROOM BIBLE.

Pieter was very active as a Committee Member for Youth Affairs, in the municipality of Horst.

Also, as Chairman of Youth and Nature

Member of the Board of Housing and Management, Venray–Horst region

Member of the Dean's Financial Committee of the Deanery of Horst

Member of the Diocesan Financial Commission Limburg

Pieter was a member of the Rotary Club Venray, since May 11 of 1976 and President Rotary Club Venray 1978/1979

Honorary President Rotary Club Royal Forest of Dean in U.K. 1978/1979

Rotary member Montebelluna, Italy

Rotary member Dublin, Georgia and Paul Harris Fellow 1996/1997 now Honorary member for several years.

In 1982, Pieter received the Sinden Award from the Mushroom Growers Association in the U.K.—the highest accolade in the Mushroom Industry.

Worked for Campbell Soup International as Vice President Training and Development from August 1983 to March 1989.

People to People Citizen Ambassador in March/April 1987. Pieter, being a world renown mushroom expert, got chosen for joining a group of 10, to visit Universities, lecturing and making field trips on behalf of the Mushroom Industry. His employer Campbell Soup did fully cover his expenses.

Head of the Technology Division at Fungi del Montello in Italy from 1 March 1989 to February 1990.

Dieng Djaya in Indonesia from 1 March 1990 to April 1992 and until 2001 as a consultant.

International Consultant with partner Mariette from 1992 to 2004 and only then time for our own house and garden. Pieter played the Es–trumpet and trombone while in the military. Pieter also played the organ for the Catholic Church, and he played the accordion. Music was one of his hobbies, as were photography and gardening. He also loved cycling and did so on his E–bike until April 7, 2024

In 2020, we together self–published our book 'modern mushroom growing 2020 harvesting' for print on demand worldwide. In this way, Pieter's intellect has been preserved and thousands more can benefit from it. Quite proud that it is listed in the U.K. as a university textbook.

Thus ends an intensive but very humble life, focused on Commercial Mushroom Cultivation Education and also a life of always being there for others and often pro bono. We both have always been very committed to lifting the stigma around leprosy, something Princess Diana did so intensely. A biblical disease of people who have no voice. We visited the same leprosy hospital near Jakarta, Indonesia that Princess Diana did visit and helped raise funds for those voiceless.

Pieter was a great supporter and board member of the local Heart of Georgia Community Concert Association and the Dublin Association of Fine Arts, Inc. Under his leadership and diplomacy, the two merged.

Pieter's Dad died in 1967 and his mother in 1989. Middle brother Toon in 2006 and eldest brother Thé in 2012. He has an adopted daughter Liz Vedder in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and foster daughter Anita Anggraeni in Semarang, Indonesia. His goddaughter and niece Myriam with daughters Sanne and partner with great–great niece Bobbie, Lotte and son Auke, and niece Judith (Hems) and great–niece Nienke.

His wife of over 40 yers, Mariette VandenMunckhof–Vedder

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday May 10, 2024 at Dublin First Methodist Church.

Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Dublin Chapel has charge of the arrangements.

Related links:

May 10, 2024 Pieter J C Vedder's Memorial Service | post about Memorial Service

Our Final Easter Together | wrote my final letter to Pieter...

Silver Clock and Oak Wall Clock repaired by Pieter | earlier letter to Pieter

Pieter's Music Booklet from WWII Era | how Pieter learned to play his first accordion

Fond Memories of my Paternal Grandmother and Mother–in–law who were BEST Friends

Had these images for a long time but I myself was not able to remove some 'wild' background...

June 1983 at the terrace of Pieter's eldest brother's home... in Horst, The Netherlands.

From left to right: Pieter's Mom in wheelchair, my Paternal Grandmother (they were BEST FRIENDS and sang in the choir), me and my Mom to the right. 

Ingrid from Meezer's Mews & Terrieristical Woofs ←click on link—even framed it...

Me with my Paternal Grandmother

And in a frame...

On April 5, my dear Mother–in–law had her 129th Birthday in heaven.

On April 11, my dear Paternal Grandmother had her 231st Birthday in heaven.

Mom did fill in for her when she died in 1984 and sang in the choir till her death in 2015.

Very special memories!

Now it is only me singing in the chancel choir as soprano...

Related link:

Angelic Beauties | Ingrid's post about them

Patriotic Service // Dublin FMC | May 21, 2023

     Of course this year I could not lend my soprano voice for this performance but proudly share it here.

My Pieter managed to go and he sure enjoyed it—even more so after all we've been through and still are going.

Sorry, when I finally wanted to view this myself, as I was able to, it had been changed to private by one brilliant person because of issues with the cross and flames—and that 21 days AFTER performance!

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Well, it seems back but with very weak sound...
ENJOY
Pieter J.C. Vedder is seen under fern, below flag...

Dad's Unique Royal Dutch Singers' Association Certificate for 80 Years Singing

 Yes, exactly on the day of his death, Dad would have been a singer for 81 years!

Dad joined the Church Choir at the age of 17 and soon he became a member of the Horster Mannenkoor (Men's choir) as a First Tenor.

In 1988 Dad (left) got honored as one of the Golden Quintet members...

1998 Dad (right) got honored as one of a quartet for 60 years singing.

On his lapel, Dad now proudly displayed his Royal Dutch Singers' Association pin in honor of his 60 years as a singer.

In 2008, Dad got serenaded by the Horster Mannenkoor and received his Royal Dutch Singers' Association Certificate for 70 years singing.

Photo courtesy of one of my siblings in The Netherlands

In 2013, Dad obtained another Royal Dutch Singers' Association Certificate for 75 years being a singer...

Again they got serenaded by the other members of the Horster Mannenkoor (photo courtesy of one of my siblings in The Netherlands).

Mom is beaming and she received a bouquet of flowers.

Mom is wearing my Majorica pearls that we gifted her in December of 1983.

On Friday, June 29 of 2018, Dad received his Nationally UNIQUE Royal Dutch Singers' Association Certificate for 80 years being a singer...

This time without Mom, as she passed away on January 27, 2015

Dad beaming himself, when he got recognized and awarded the above Certificate and an engraved Pewter Plate.

This engraved pewter plate came home with me from my final trip to Limburg...

Very hard to capture it, so I took it outside.

PIET VAN DEN MUNCKHOF

80 JAAR LID (80 YEARS MEMBER)

HORSTER MANNENKOOR

JULI 2018 (JULY 2018)

~

COPPERSMITHING

P. VAN DER BEELE

HORST, LIMBURG/THE NETHERLANDS

ETAIN — TIN — ZINN — PEWTER (French — Dutch — German — English)

97% by KIS KIN 

Made in Belgium

Now it resides in our home in Georgia, with the 2nd born child of 8 and the ONLY one singing...

My Paternal Grandma sang first soprano, Dad first tenor, Mom first soprano for over 25 years with the elderly choir.

My Mother–in–law (my paternal Grandma's best friend) sang also in a choir as alto.

Fond memories...

Related links:

Limburg — The Emotional Part | previous post by me about my FINAL TRIP HOME 

From CitizenM Hotel on Delta Airlines from Amsterdam to Savannah, Georgia | previous post by me about Dad's performance ONE MONTH before his death...

Thank You Lord — Horster Mannenkoor | previous post by me about Dad singing

Soon Ah Will Be Done With The Troubles Of The World | previous post by me about Dad singing

Dad Sang Avé Maria from Bach-Gounod | previous post by me about Dad singing

Thinking about Mom and Dad on Saint Cecilia | previous post by me about Dad singing

Dad Sang Solo on Mom & Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary | previous post by me about Dad singing

{W.A. Mozart Composed this Heavenly Mass in C, K 167 at Age 17} | previous post by me about Dad happily anticipating Mass sung by Horster Mannenkoor

Auf der Heide blühn die letzten Rosen | Youtube video where Dad sings when he was half a year widower...

{My Daddy - Papa} | previous post by me and mention about Dad singing a solo at the Church of our friends here in Dublin...

Heart and Kidney Update after Hyperkalemia

 The week before Christmas was the worst one for me...

Suddenly got so weak and sick—vomiting even after three sips of water!

SO, I learned to lay low and REST and pray.

Because I still wanted to make it to Florida—where I'd booked us already in October—those 7 free nights for points.

And YES, I did make it to drive to Florida on December 26, and I only needed REST, vitamin D from swimming, walking and biking.

Eating healthy and finding my way out of this.

Well, my nephrologist had SHOCKED me on December 19, when he delivered the news that from 28% kidney function in June, now it only was 25%... and I had a heart murmur!

~

While I was sick, I called my nephrologist's office twice but no person on the line!

A nurse on a recording and she never bothered to call me back.

But I started analyzing things on my own and learned a LOT.

This by the way is me on the scale before breakfast, on my B'day and in my B'day suit—haha!

49.7 kg or 109.5 lb.

Just wanted to SEE if it was true what I felt...

Yep, only 66 cm or 26 inches.

Aha—that's WHY my 28 inch low rise jeans from Australia (Last Call by Neiman Marcus) FELL OFF MY HIPS!

Pieter solved it, by adding 3 more holes in his former belt that I used...

Guess the week before Christmas I suffered from Hyperkalemia and for that I've drastically changed my diet.

Hyperkalemia: High Potassium – Your Kidneys and Your Health ←click link for short video.

I knew that I had to limit my potassium intake but since my kidney function went down—it is even more serious to strictly adhere to that!

Hyperkalemia from any cause may produce nausea and vomiting... as published by healthfully.com

Guess that was also why it was affecting my heart, causing palpitations when running up and down the stairs and very much I felt it in Colorado at the high altitude pedestrian bridge...

Pieter said, he's having that problem already very long and that's why he alters his pace and needs frequent rests.

Weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness all have been felt.

Sure, as being advised by the Mayo Clinic—I knew already those 3 points:

Avoid products with added salt.

Choose lower potassium foods.

Limit the amount of protein you eat.

The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that as potassium increases, people are likely to notice muscle aches and cramps, fatigue, weakness, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, nausea...

Mayo Clinic about Kidney Disease Symptoms.

Loss of appetite I've never had and I sure hope not any decreased mental sharpness...! 

All the REST—YES except swelling of feet and ankles.

Such lists are helpful in knowing what to avoid!

No more coffee...!

CHOCOLATES! Good grief... and even salt substitutes!

Sure milk I have not taken for quite a while, only Trader Joe's soy milk as that has the LOWEST percentage of sugar—another thing to watch being diabetes type 2.

With fruits I'm fine—still a lot left to enjoy!

But I'm feeling a LOT BETTER since I've altered my diet.

Not for losing weight but purely to SURVIVE just a little longer...

Maybe this will be helpful for others as well.

My singing with the choir goes better—as I have more breath!

AND on February 1st my housekeeper started and that is super as now I find more time for doing the laundry, the shopping, the cooking + biking!

There is hope and with lots of prayers we have made it this far and even together in a blissful relationship.

May God grant us some more time together—so grateful for everything we lived through and for the fond memories and many friends all over the world!

Related link:

{Cashmere Words of Wisdom & Update} | previous post shortly after Mom died from Chronic Kidney Disease—she had almost 7 years of dialysis...

MOST PRECIOUS GIFT OF LOVE for both of us—MOM'S REQUIEM on VIDEO One Hour Later

 Not being able to be present at the funeral of Mom due to Pieter having had another heart attack and I myself having still therapy for my left hand—felt devastating.

But my BEST Friend Ellie went to the funeral with her daughter Elvira (our Goddaughter) and Elvira's husband had asked his boss permission for using the professional video camera—so he could capture Mom's Solemn Gregorian Requiem Mass

No words can describe what this meant to both of us for being able to watch it on my Mac just over an hour later...Below this video on YouTube you find clickable links with explanation in English and way below also in Dutch.Dad did select the special Kyrie Eleison deliberately as Mom sang it as a 1st soprano with the elderly choir for more than 25 years and for some 18 years with Dad together in the same choir.~Both of us were in The Netherlands on October 11, 1997 and went to Mass where Mom & Dad for the FIRST time ever—sang together in the elderly choir. Quite a historical fact.
Related links:My Angel Sister who Died TWICE | previous post by me about the denial by my sister to give Dad an equally solemn Gregorian Requiem Mass... Just now I can finally post Mom's Requiem Mass and for the rest we can only PRAY for those that denied this to my DadThinking about Mom and Dad on Saint Cecilia | previous post by me where Mom & Dad sing: I Pray To the Power of Love and what the choir also sang at Mom's Requiem Mass at clickable link 46:55{February 21, 2014 Tornado in our Subdivision} | previous post by me—Tornado while we went to Mom & Dad's Wedding Anniversary...

Thank You Lord — Horster Mannenkoor

 Just like to share another song that my Dad loved to sing with his Horster Mannenkoor in Horst, Limburg/The Netherlands.

He has been a great 1st tenor—Dad's voice is easily heard!

In begin 1990s Dad gave us a cassette tape with some of the songs they sang.

Did digitalize a few of those songs—wish I had the original but this already made my singing heart happy...

Enjoy:

Dad is seen 2nd from left, bottom row and my Uncle Jan is on the left.

Horster Mannenkoor during their Mass for 100 years Horster Men's Choir November 9, 1894–1994 at the St. Lambertus Church in Horst, Limburg / The Netherlands

H. Lambertuskerk — Horst, Netherlands ←click link

THANK YOU LORD:

Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul

Thank you, lord, for making me whole

Thank you, Lord, for giving to me

Thy great salvation so rich and free

Thank you Lord, Thank you Lord

Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul

Thank you, Lord, for making me whole

Thank you, Lord, for giving to me

Thy great salvation so rich and free 

Thank you Lord, my Lord

Related links:

Soon Ah Will Be Done With The Troubles Of The World | previous post by me about Dad singing with Horster Mannenkoor

Dad Sang Avé Maria from Bach-Gounod | previous post by me about Dad singing solo

Thinking about Mom and Dad on Saint Cecilia | Dad also sang Thank You Lord with Pieter at the organ

Dad Sang Solo on Mom & Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary | previous post by me

Dad Sang The First Noel and Thank You Lord at Presbyterian Church | previous post by me

Soon Ah Will Be Done With The Troubles Of The World

 A DREAM for present times...

Dad used to sing this with the Horster Mannenkoor!

A younger Dad in 1974—ready to go and SING with his Horster Mannenkoor in Horst, Limburg/The Netherlands.

He has been a great 1st tenor.

In begin 1990s Dad gave us a cassette tape with some of the songs they sang.

Did digitalize a few of those songs—wish I had the original but this already made my singing heart happy...

Enjoy:

When viewed on YouTube you can also read the lyrics below...
Related links:Dad Sang Avé Maria from Bach-Gounod | previous post by me about Dad singing solo

Thinking about Mom and Dad on Saint Cecilia | Dad also sang Thank You Lord with Pieter at the organ

Dad Sang Solo on Mom & Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary | previous post by me

Dad Sang The First Noel and Thank You Lord at Presbyterian Church | previous post by me

Roast Beef Canapés

 For our Christmas Party with the Chancel Choir I prepared these: 

The finished ROSES of Roast Beef Canapés...

Did not have any marygold flowers for garnishing as in the magazines photo below.

Roast Beef Canapés - Victoria Magazine September 2021 recipe in comment click on link to my Pinterest board ROSES as FOOD

On a sheet of parchment I put the baguette slices and brushed them with olive oil.

Into the oven for 15 minutes on 370℉

While they cooled down, I made the rosettes.

From the thin sliced ¼ pound of roast beef I started cutting each slice in half.

That was NOT mentioned in the recipe however but I figured this out by looking at the roast beef 'roses'.

Next each half needs to be folded over and then rolled into a roast beef rosette...

With a small butter knife I spread the mayonaise mixture on each crostino.

Fanning out three pieces of arugula on mixture, before placing the roast beef rosettes.

Using the Mason's Patent Ironstone Mandalay tray...

It was fun creating these edible roses!

One of our Mason's Patent Ironstone Mandalay vases... with a placemat from Le Jacquard Français.

Wishing you Peace during this time of the year!

Related link:

{Wishing YOU a Happy 4th Advent 2013!} | previous post by me with info Mason's Mandalay at Christie's