Hospices in Kenya mourn the death of Mr. Jan Gort. Jan passed away on 12th October 2013, after a short illness. Jan was the Founder and Chair of Nairobi Hospice Holland Foundation.
Nairobi Hospice Holland is a foundation that started in 1991, when Jan and his friends from the Netherlands stumbled upon a Nairobi Hospice activity to raise funds. These well-wishers have since then supported Nairobi Hospice, Nyeri Hospice, Coast Hospice, Kisumu Hospice and Roselyne Siaya Hospice, mainly with drugs and equipment. They also support a hospice in Tanzania and Malawi and communities in Western Kenya by building schools and polytechnics.
Jan’s latest major project was to build a new hospice for Kisumu Hospice. Nairobi Hospice Holland Foundation not only financed the building, but also physically built it themselves. Nairobi Hospice Holland also built the Roselyne Siaya Hospice, a satellite of Kisumu Hospice, three years ago.
On my last encounter with Jan at the opening ceremony of the new Kisumu Hospice, Jan had this to say:
“We are humbled to be of assistance to palliative and hospice care in Kenya and other parts of Africa. Our motto is Care can always be better. Although we started off with Nairobi Hospice, which is where our name comes from, we realized the greater need and extended our support to other hospices, especially in the rural areas. This is not easy with the recession, but we are trying our best”.
Indeed Mr. Jan Gort will be remembered by many, including patients and families who have benefitted from his generosity. His generosity has touched many a life, and will continue doing so in the buildings he constructed.
‘We are very sad and sorry to learn about the death of Jan. We lost a dear friend. We shall miss him very much. We are grateful for what he has been to us. He was a very lovely, generous and kind person. May he rest in eternal peace’ says Dr. Brigid Sirengo CEO of Nairobi Hospice
‘Nyeri Hospice team remembers your generosity, kindness and sense of humor. You hugged us when you visited the hospice, a way of encouraging us to continue and never give up. You showed a lot of interest in the welfare of our patients. We know you’re here with us. We wish it didn’t have to end, but we know one day We’ll see you again’ says Saraphina, CEO of Nyeri Hospice
Dr Onyango of Kisumu Hospice and his team also pay tribute to a great man. ‘Jan was very supportive of our Kisumu Hospice and was fundamental in raising funds for the building of the Roselyne Siaya Hospice, which he personally opened. He later raised funds for the prefabricated Kisumu Hospice building. Exactly a year ago he led a team to construct the prefabricated building and promised to come and visit again. Goodbye Jan, we shall miss you’.
Great men, eminent men have monuments in bronze and marble set up for them; Jan’s memory will remain embedded in the hearts of many in Kenya.
Fare thee well Jan. You will be missed by many. May the almighty comfort your family and friends. May your soul rest in eternal peace, our dear friend and supporter.
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