The sadness in the villages of Sijbekarspel and Benningbroek is great when Marcel Reus suddenly dies in the summer of 2021. Together with his friend Kees Oudt, he spends many years together as a super volunteer and as a fighter for solidarity. Neighbor and Neighbor, they are regularly called. But very handy. More than a year after Marcel’s death, recognition for the duo follows.
Football club DESS, swimming pool ‘t Ploetertje, the fair committee, King’s Day and carnival. You can’t imagine Marcel Reus was involved in any way. In many cases together with his friend Kees. Marcel was a jack of all trades who always put energy into the community. “Busy people always have time”, was a famous statement of his.
Not entirely coincidentally, that statement is reflected in the sofa that the municipality of Medemblik handed over to Marcel’s wife on Tuesday evening. The sofa will be placed on the premises of SV DESS as a lasting memory and will be unveiled on November 13.
Award
On Tuesday evening, his friend Kees was ambushed by the mayor of Medemblik, Dennis Straat. For his many merits and the important role he fulfills in the village centres, Kees received the award as Member of the Order of Orange Nassau. “Enthusiastic volunteers such as Kees and Marcel make it possible for facilities and organizations in Sijbekarspel-Benningbroek to continue to play an active role in the community,” said the acting mayor.
Kees was a member of the board of billiards association BCBS for 30 years and has been working frequently at the swimming pool since 1985. From the start in 1992 he has been very involved with Huttendorp. And then he is also involved in the fair committee, Paspop, Dorpshuis De Vang and DESS. “A golden volunteer”, daughter Chantal says with pride.
The festive evening contrasts sharply with last summer. On the return journey from De Weere fairground, Marcel becomes unwell. Precisely in front of the site of his employer – Langedijk Lelies aan de Gouwe – he ends up in the water. He is only 51 years old. A shock of disbelief rages through both villages.
Impressive funeral
Sijbekarspel-Benningbroek empties for an impressive funeral. “For Marcel and Kees, everyone knows them. Because they are involved in almost everything,” says swimming pool chairman Claus Ursem.
As is so often the case here, the association life also depends on a number of people. Out of automatism, out of a sense of responsibility and to keep the village center alive. “Strongers for togetherness? You could call it that, yes.”
While Kees ‘just’ continues with his jobs at the associations and committees, his lost friend leaves a hole. Marcel is missed. With sad realization moments as a result. Claus, himself chairman of ‘t Ploetertje, among others: “Many things are picked up by others. But then you see the ditches or the weeds at the swimming pool and you think: ‘Damn, Marcel always kept up with that’.”
Or, as his daughter Mireille aptly said, “There are few like him.”