Rob Waardenburg
February 9, 1940 – January 12, 2023
Eulogy from Jonky
I immediately grew very fond of Rob when meeting him for the very first time at a Skal dinner. (Skal is a global Tourism Organization) He had an uncanny drive like that of a 16 year old but in a older man’s body. He was hip I loved that.
Unassuming and yet immensely intriguing Rob presented himself with a wealth of knowledge and a long proven list of life’s experiences.
He owned a premier piece of land on the Ping river to which he invited me out to his home one day. A 35 villa property that he had built on his own we trekked the entire property together sharing in his vast and impressive accomplishment in the summers thai sweltering volcanic heat.
I could barely keep up with him, I was completely winded trying to keep up with his brisk pace. When I finally managed to catch my breath I panted out and asked “what is going on with you Rob, your pace is like that of an Olympic athlete?” And without any hesitation he quickly blurted out “Ginseng!”
He went on to explain it gives me energy and also fights against one’s ailments. The first hint that something might be wrong but I didn’t feel it was my place to probe any further as I think he preferred to keep this sort of thing quite private.
So the very next day I anxiously ventured out to purchase my new discovery thanks to my dear friend and find possibly life’s very own hidden longevity secret.
And after a months time I met up with Rob again and to report back my progress on using ginseng at our monthly Skal dinner. I said to him while seated at a large group table with other Skal members,
“you know Rob, Ginseng gives one more than just energy?” At which time the entire table of male guests all leaned in at the same time, where I went on to further explain
“it also enhances one’s sex life.” We all roared with laughter and it was especially fun to make Rob laugh he really enjoyed life to the fullest.
He cared for his family very much and would often have annual party’s thanking his dear family and closest friends.
I will really miss my dear friend Rob deeply, he taught me so much about life in such a short period of time and living in the now. I will always remember his drive, determination and his deep heart of caring for others.
Good bye my friend
