Under a tree, overlooking the pond and the street where Sjaak lived for years, there is now a white bench. ‘Sjaak’s bench’ can be read on the furniture. An initiative of relatives and friends.
The 72-year-old Sjaak dies last June, after he was mugged and shot in his home. A gang is suspected of the robbery. Six suspects are now incarcerated for the murder of Sjaak, but also for other robberies in the region. A seventh suspect from West Friesland has died.
The white bench belonged to Sjaak and stood next to his green house on the Oosteinde. Relatives and friends wanted to give the outdoor furniture a permanent place in the village.
The bench was first placed by them on the other side of the pond, on a jetty. This turned out not to be a good place because of the safety and other use of the jetty, according to alderman Bart Krijnen.
Slightly different place
That is why the municipality ultimately chose a new place in consultation with the relatives and friends. A little further on, on a footpath and also on the pond. Under a tree.
The municipality of Koggenland has arranged for a concrete slab to be placed under the bench and a waste bin has been placed. The friends and relatives eventually placed the furniture.