Herman Lubbers

Herman Lubbers

June 27, 1934 - August 26, 2021

Dear friends,

 

Herman Lubbers, a beloved member of the Fellowship of Friends, completed his task at 00:00 (midnight) in Amsterdam, 3 p.m. California time, August 26. Herman was suffering from cancer and died in his sleep, between the anniversary of his mother’s death, August 26, and the birthday of his grandson, Rocky, August 27.

 Herman was born on June 27, 1934, and joined the school in Amsterdam in October 1998. During his time in the school, he was a strong supporter of the Amsterdam center, along with his wife Elisabeth, for two decades, living also for a time in Lvov, Ukraine, and at Apollo. Herman turned 87 on his last birthday. As Vittoria Lubbers notes, “Every day as long as we could remember he would write down the daily card in his notebook in beautiful calligraphy—one of his talents. In his last weeks, you could see he was making a lot of efforts to be always with us despite being in a lot of pain and he never complained about it! Truly transforming his suffering.”

On behalf of all who knew you, we thank thee.

In loving presence,
Rowena Taylor
for the Elysian Society

 

 

A painting is complete when it has the shadow of a god.
Rembrandt

  1. Hugh James July 3, 2023 at 6:00 pm

    Herbert was a gentleman, in the best sense of the word. In his profession he had worked with problem children, and this developed a great patience, warmth, and tolerance in his nature. He had also absorbed the very best of European culture. And to this he added presence, valuing it as the crown to all else that had developed in him. It was a privilege to have known him.

  2. Jacqueline van Doeland August 1, 2022 at 9:24 am

    Dear Elizabeth,
    I am so grateful that, as a new student, I had the opportunity to have dinner with you, Herman and Kuniko and that we watched a broadcast with Robert. Although Herman was already very vulnerable at that time, we all felt the strong connection of our souls. And this soul connection took me to your house and to the funeral that was so beautiful. It’s strange that a year has passed since then. Wish you and your family nothing but Love.
    Liefs, Jacqueline

  3. Lidia September 1, 2021 at 10:02 pm

    I am thinking about all of you Elisabeth, Victoria, Peter, David, Rocky and Shawn and sending love.
    I will miss your gentle smile dear Herman and seating with you when we would visited your home. Grateful for the moments we had with you in your home dinning together before the meeting and you would read to us the Daily Card before dinner. Farewell!

    “Death is our friend precisely because it brings us into absolute and passionate presence with all that is here, that is natural, that is love…Reiner Maria Rilke

  4. William Galvin August 30, 2021 at 5:15 pm

    Thank you Herman,

    Like the old householders of the past who joined monasteries after they had finished their responsibilities in life, you and Elisabeth joined our school at that same time in your lives.
    And you brought with you a child like relationship to Presence – as a practice and always more than a topic for conversation. You had a unique and refreshing view.
    I always learned something from spending time with you.
    Perhaps something about the dignity of living with a body that no longer performed as expected.
    The willingness to engage despite discomfort.
    Curiosity.
    Humor.
    Thank you so much Herman, for all that you gave!
    William Galvin

  5. Conrad August 30, 2021 at 3:10 pm

    With much gratitude to Herman for being such an elegant and bright host when we stayed in Amsterdam. My heartfelt condolences to Elizabeth and all the family.

  6. Andreea Federspiel-Otelea August 29, 2021 at 6:09 pm

    Sweet Herman,
    it was an honor and a pleasure to get to know you, even briefly!
    Thank you for teaching me wordlessly, as a new student, how poise and humor can go together. Thank you for always aspiring to a high note in all you did.
    Dear Elizabeth and family, my heartfelt condolences.
    Keep being YOU!

  7. nick spaulding August 29, 2021 at 2:39 pm

    Dear Elisabeth, Peter & Vittoria, David and loved ones.
    My tears and my gratitude flow together. . .
    and wish you all a transition and transformation that honors Herman’s
    contribution to our lives. . .Heartfelt memories endure.

    Nicholas Spaulding

  8. Sharon Gordon August 29, 2021 at 1:50 am

    I first met Herman on a trip to Apollo when we were both new students. To share, at an event, that newness of experiencing a magical world, created an indelible memory. His valuation was inspiring.

  9. Ingrid Claes August 28, 2021 at 7:09 pm

    Sterkte..
    My sincere condolence.
    I am so grateful to have met and known Herman.
    So lucky we have been able to enjoy his sparkle of presence.
    With Love,
    Ingrid

  10. Marie and grant ramey August 28, 2021 at 6:31 pm

    We remember him as a kind, gentle man!

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