There is no place where super volunteer Ruud van Schaik was happier than the bird sanctuary in Erica. The bird lover even moved from Naarden to Nieuw-Weerdinge a few years ago to be able to be with ‘his’ birds.
Van Schaik passed away on April 21 at the age of 72. His family didn’t have to think twice about the place for his farewell: in the midst of the animals he loved for so long.
There is a buzz of chatter in the various cages of the World of Birds Foundation in Erica. Perhaps the animals themselves are also somewhat upset. Inside one of the cages of the bird sanctuary, with the largest collection of parrots in the Netherlands, is a coffin containing the body of Ruud van Schaik.
Visitors come and go to express their condolences. Many family and volunteers, sees Michel van der Plas, founder of the bird sanctuary. “Ruud didn’t want too much fuss with his farewell. His family asked us if Ruud could visit his birds again. Of course we agreed immediately.”
They will certainly miss Ruud at the shelter. He was a super volunteer, says Van der Plas. “Ruud was worth gold. Furthermore, a nice, amiable man. Someone you quickly click with.” Van Schaik quickly became popular within the shelter.
Care, odd jobs, taking young volunteers under the wing: Ruud didn’t turn a blind eye. He was right at home in Erica. In fact, he moved to the municipality of Emmen especially for it.
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