In Memoriam 1992-1997/Ramon Reeder

In Memoriam 1992-1997 Ramon Reeder

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RAMON REEDER

His soul is, undoubtedly, rejoicing because of the wonderful funeral which served not only to commemorate his life and his death, but also to further inform many of his friends and admirers about the glorious Cause to which he devoted his heart. The Universal House of Justice has asked us to assure you of its prayers in the Holy Shrines for Mr. Reeder's family, and for the progress of his soul in the spiritual worlds.

Department of the Secretariat June 21, 1993

With a deep sense of loss to the Bahá’ís of Suriname, we share with you the passing to the Abhá Kingdom of our dearly loved co-worker, Ramon Reeder, on June 9, 1993.

The hall where the services were held last Friday was beautifully decorated, and it was filled in excess of its capacity with more than a thousand people. The majority were non-Bahá’ís of all levels of society, including the President of Suriname, Mr. Ronald Venetian and his wife; the Minister of Finance; the Minister of Trade and Industry; and the Minister of Defence. Also the majority of the members of the National Assembly (Parliament) and many dignitaries from the business and civic world attended the services. There was an extensive media coverage for four days, which included extracts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

During the service, a selection of Bahá’í prayers and writings were read by several Bahá’ís, including one by Ramon's mother, which she read with such devotion that it moved all who were present. Her strength, sincerity and conviction in what she read were truly admired by all. Everyone was invited to rise for the reading of the Obligatory Prayer for the Departed, which was done at her own request by Mrs. Hedy Heymans, Ramon's sister. All those present, including the President of the Republic, stood up till the end. As part of the services, a non-Bahá’í Choir, conducted by our Auxiliary Board member Mr. Jan Quik, sang, among others, extracts from The Hidden Words in English in a most inspiring manner. At the Bahá’í

[Page 71]Cemetery more prayers were said by friends and family, which led to further inquiries and requests for literature and information about the Faith by several individuals. Ramon's passing provided us with a truly valuable Bahá’í proclamation, for which we're sure that Bahá’u’lláh will bless him and his family.

Supplicating prayer for his soul at the Holy Shrines and strength for his family, with loving Bahá’í greetings, we remain, In His Service, De Nationale Geestelijke Raad van de Bahá’í van Suriname