Govert Jan De Jong
Govert Jan De Jong
In memory of:
BORN
16/06/1955
SUNSET
15/03/2024
FUNERAL VENUE
Old Mutual Funeral Services, 8 Five Avenue, Harare
Watch Funeral Live Stream
77 Comments
Submit a Comment
“In loving memory of Govert Jan De Jong , a dedicated Rotarian whose passion for service touched countless lives in our community. Your selfless contributions and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place will forever be remembered and cherished. Rest in peace, dear friend.”
Goof, what a lovely man you were. You have me maths lessons as a teenager and I remember going on a family holiday with you to Masvingo and looking up at the stars and you telling me the names of things and why maths was important. I was never any good at it but I liked the lessons! You will be much missed. Xxx Leila
My condolences to the family. A cheerful soul gone to rest.
Sad that a great soul and a gifted teacher has left us. We will always remember Goof and his sideways smile. Condolences to all the family.
Goof was a great friend to me and my family. He taught Leila maths so she could pass her O level and he paddled down the Zambezi with me and Tom. He was truly an open hearted human a steadfast bridge between cultures, colours and continents. Always remembered.
So long mate. Meet you in the next dimension. It was good to have known and bec9me friends with s gentlemam like you.
Sad that a great soul and a gifted teacher has left us. We will always remember Goof and his sideways smile. Condolences to all the family.
Dj friend and colleague for many years. Will be sadly missed. Mhsrip. Fly high my friend….
Dear family of Govert Jan.our sinterklaas condoleances on the death of your dat huisband, kindfull father, and a special friend. May he rest in The Light with God forceer. Ik wist you strenge and comfort in thuis great loss.
Loving regards. Rina.
L
Was a tremendously dedicated individual committed to helping others. Will be greatly missed. May God comfort the family 🙏
In memoriam
Goof and I accompanied each other on a journey through life. From kindergarten to college inseparable. Together we discovered the paths we wanted to take and had adventures that shaped us into what we have become. Later, we stayed connected in trusted friendship, sharing our joys and sorrows. Our journeys of discovery crossed again and again, in Zimbabwe, Switzerland and the Netherlands, analog and digital. Since corona we called more often and looked back and into the future together. In that future you accompany me in fond memory and I will encounter you often on my path and greet you with a smile. I hope I will soon be able to tell Tsiti and Joey stories of what Goof and I experienced and shared. To stay and be together.
Dear family of Goof,
Goof started as a committed teacher in Zimbabwe. I was proud that I was involved in his sending out to the country. Later, when he was part of Nyati, he helped many times in organising transport and accomadation for me and FNV delegations. And I knew he was involved in many support projects. A very kind person, very involved, and willing to contribute to the well being of the people in Zimbabwe. He will be dearly missed. My sincere condolences to you, his beloved ones. May his soul rest in peace.
Beste familie van Goof,
Wij zullen je missen, Goof, nooit meer “Zomen” over een van onze SSZstudenten, nooit meer naar je verslag over de situatie in Zim kunnen luisteren. We denken terug aan onze gezamenlijke tijd in Zimbabwe. Veel sterkte met het gemis van een byzondere persoon
Dear family of Goof,
During my stay in Zimbabwe I got to know Goof as a warm and original person.
May his memory be a blessing.
Warm greetings,
Daniel Plas, Brussels, Belgium
Our meetings will never be the same without your jokes and comments. Rest in peace DJ and continue to work either us in projects
Sincere condolences to the family, you’re in our thoughts and prayers. Rotarian Phillipa from RC Msasa
My babamukuru De Jong you literally brought me up and shaped my life and family. I will miss you jokes although some of them were not so funny lolest but it was your laugh and smile that was infectious and nice to see!
I never thought this day would come. From the bottom of my heart thank you very much for all your positive input in my life. Thank you for installing a spirit of curiosity of different cultures enabling me to travel around the world! I am forever grateful babamukuru Dj. I am heartbroken. On that note fambai zvakanaka. We love you and always in my heart and thoughts. Rest In Power.
To my munyayi- the negotiator.
Oh dear Goolfie, where do I start? All I know is that you came in my life, you made an impact, you cared, you loved, you smiled, you laughed. I am going to miss you..
Gone but not forgotten, fly high my friend.
Sue
Dear family and friends of Goof
We are sad to hear of Goof’s passing. A good, kind and generous man. Always level headed and a wise decision maker.
Our thoughts are with him and with all of you.
We wish you strength
Our heartfelt regards
Gilles de Wildt (Zimbabwe 1985-1988) and Helen Sweeney
Ome Goof, last time we saw each other was Schiphol airport. I arrived that day from the UK and you were leaving to go back to Harare. My parents took you to the airport and me back home. But first we had a coffee at the airport together.
You will be missed by many. Sending lots of love to tsitsi, joey, blessing, makaita and everyone else.
Heel bijzonder om onverwachts herinneringen op te halen
Heartfelt condolences to the whole family and friends.
Tsitsi, Joey, Makaita, Blessing, Brothers, Sisters and Partners.
We would like to express our condolences on the passing of your husband, father, brother, brother-in-law and uncle.
Unfortunately, due to the great distance between us and his c.q. your hometown Harare, the physical contact between you and him was limited. Our last meeting in Schoonrewoerd in Village Hall “de Biezen” at the farewell of Goof’s mother Lena remains as a precious memory.
His passing away will certainly leave a great void with you. We are convinced, however, that the many fond memories of Goof will soften this loss.
We wish you and other family members much strength in coping with this loss.
Dinxperlo, March 19, 2024.
Nella Wlillemsen-de Jong & Stan Willemsen,
Europastraat 53.
Goof – my calm, reflective, funny and wise uncle. I vividly remember your visits to the Netherlands – were you slept at grandma Lena’s house and when this was not possible anymore, at Ina and Henk’s place. Your views on Zimbabwe (and Africa) were often heard on Dutch radio – so far away and yet it felt close. Messages from you were brief and to the point – internet did make things much easier, but your communication style never changed. Your Zimbabwe adventure ended – however you will be remembered by us all. Hope you found rest and peace. Wilfred and family den Hartog (Eveline, Maarten, Pieter and Anne-Lene).
Dear Goof,
Thank you for the great chats we had on Saturdays morning in Maasdorp around a cup of coffee. Your insights about history, culture, world politics were inspiring to me. But more than that it is your humanism that touched me and that I will remember. I will miss you. Rest in Peace. For the family, I wish you a lot of strength to go through these difficult times. Yves
DJ gone too soon my friend, but the good memories will not be forgotten, I will always remember that good glass of wine we had during our talks, your guidance, the advise you gave me on the Youth Exchange program. DJ you were truly the definition of Service above Self. Rest in peace my friend
My heartfelt condolences to the Goof’s family, MHSRIP.
Goof,
Lieve man, I remember you with a lot of funny and kind moments. From giving me your Volkswagen beetle, to opening your house for watching football games and most of all his sense of humor.
Example: We had German tourists in Amsterdam asking directions in a very demanding way. We ignored them, but Goof went up to them and we saw him explaining directions.
Upon asking him why were you so nice? , he answered: They asked directions for where they already were, so he sent them to the opposite side of town.
Has been a pleasure knowing you buddy.
ZESN offers its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and many travellers mourning the loss of Govert Jan De Jong who was Operations Director at Nyati Travel and Tours, a revered travel agent with whom ZESN enjoyed excellent travelling booking services and shared a warm relationship. His enduring dedication and professionalism endeared him to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May cherished memories of his expertise and kindness bring solace during this challenging time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who were touched by his presence. His legacy as a trusted guide and friend to many will forever be remembered and cherished.
Our condoleances.
Rochus and Lia Bakker
My condolences for the lost of Govert.
I wish you all strength.
Goof: an absolutely authentic, cheerful and smart guy who taught me to look up instead of down in the pouring rain in Amsterdam, who put together a beautiful journey through Zimbabwe for us, and who even came to visit me in Haiti where we both watched a cow walking along the seaside, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world. Thanks for everything Goof! In my memory you will always remain unique and extraordinary. I wish your family all the strength they need, now and in the future.
Dear Tsitsi, Joey, Blessing, Makaita and De Jong family,
Our condoleances with your enormous loss.
For us Goof was an old, close friend. In our study time Goof and I, Jan, shared an appartment at the Zeedijk, in the center of Amsterdam. Those were great days. For Josje Goof ‘arranged’ her first job in Mijdrecht, where he coached her in his special way. Especially thanks to the ever witty and sparkling Goof. Eversince we have shared many precious moments. All those momentsmake us grateful. And we will forever remember him with love and a smile on our faces.
We wish you above all strength to carry on with the unique him in your harts.
Love, Jan and Josje
Rest in peace DJ. Will always remember our outings in Zim and our comradery. My sincere condolences to the family. Tomas
My adventurous, sweet, special and funny uncle. You leave beautiful memories behind. You will be missed. Hope you found rest and peace.
Love Irene, Guido, Senna, Jade and Lenn.
We herdenken vandaag mee. Veel herinneringen keren terug. Roeivereniging, musical, vriendengroep, vrolijkheid, etc.. Heel veel liefs en sterkte aan iedereen die hem dierbaar is.
Goof, my generous, humorous, storyful , philosopher neighbour from the zeedijk, amsterdam. You often came too late, but no one held it against you, glad you came at last. Now you went too soon. Precious memories.
Dear family and friends of Goof de Jong,
I would like to take this opportunity to offer my condolences on the passing of Goof. I am grateful for his help and compassion. Not only for me, but for many people, Goof means a lot and that is why he will remain in our hearts.
Wishing you lots of strength and comfort in the coming time.
I will remember Goof with a smile, he was a very nice person.
Rest in peace Goof!
Dear all,
With great sadness in my heart I write this message, while I’m waiting for the streaming service.
Goof was always the special uncle, because he was the only one not living in Schoonrewoerd or its surroundings. Everytime he visited the Netherlands was like an extra special event. His visits were always packed with seeing people. Because he was a very friendly and social person. But there was always space to meet the family. Toward me always interested in my school/education. Encouraging to get te best out of it.
I’m happy that Martin and I were able to visit him in Zimbabwe in 2013. He was our private guide and chauffeur for over a week. Showing his beautiful country, telling about it with so much proud and joy. It was amazing to see him in his natural habitat.
My thougths go out to Tsitsi, Joey, Blessing and Makaita. You are in my heart.
Goof/DJ, I clearly remember meeting you. You were so welcoming and kind. We mostly met you via Andre, your partner (and friend) in crime and we had lots of fun evenings with great conversations. We wish your family and friends lots of strength and love. Nicolette and Patrick
Thinking of you Bee, Maka and family at this time. DJ will be fondly remembered and dearly missed. The way he loved you ladies was heart warming and it is evident in how you’ve grown to be these amazing women who care about others. May you be comforted at the time and may he rest in peace
DJ was forever young, he embraced Rotary’s youth and was definitely among the people who made it as place we aspired to transition to as Rotaractors. I met him two weeks ago at Avondale CBZ and he was in high spirits, had said he will pop in at our next club meeting. We shared a common interest in wise waters and many Friday evenings were filled with laughter and good vibes at the Rotary Centre’s Wheel Bar. When I started my travel business he was always available for advice and open to collaboration. Past Assistant Governor DJ lived life to the fullest, made a lasting impression on all of us and left an enduring legacy. Thoughts and prayers are with friends.
DJ
I am extremely grateful to have met Goof during our time in Rotary. He was a truly devoted and caring Rotarian, who always made insightful contributions towards our cause. He had a solution to every problem, and his ever-present smile and playful nature made him a joy to be around. While we are deeply saddened by his passing, we will always hold him dear in our hearts
Rest well Goof. To your family, Rotary and friends, my deepest condolences.
Hi Goof,
So many memories came up over the past days as we go quite far back as teachers in Zimbabwe and in the eighties we both became vakwasha. Everjoyce and my best memories of you are as a very dedicated father with that special smile on your face.
When, from 2004, we lived in South Africa, and I had to come for work to Zimbabwe every few months, you would unfailingly visit me in my hotel (often late 🙂 after 22.00 hours) to “cathch up”. And not so many years ago I once saw you performing as a stand-up comedian, quite something “goofy” 🙂
Everjoyce and Jos
Goof, you are missed and well remembered. You shared Zimbabwe with all who met you and were always there with an open heart.
My memories with you always make me smile!
DJ what a character you were and contributed so much to tourism and more … Zimbabwe was blessed that you chose to move here from Holland all those years ago…. Your one word answers always amused me!!! Fly high dear DJ
Beste Goof,
How long have we known each other? 30 years, 35? Zeedijk, Buitenveldert football, Saturday nights in De Gieter, Queens’ Day in De Doelen, watching the Dutch football team, swearing at the losing Dutch football team. So many lived experiences. Leaving us all much, much too soon. We shall miss you terribly, you’ve been a crucial part of our lives, of my life. Safe yourney.
My good friend and Rotary colleague. It has been an honour working with you since our paths crossed over 15 years ago. I will forever cherish your immeasurable support as we resuscitated the Rotary Youth Exchange Programme in Zimbabwe after a 7 year hiatus. You were always with me in the trenches and offered your candid advice. Go well my good friend. Till we meet again
Our sincere condoleances to all the family and friends with the loss of Goof. We will always remember him as the man who gets things done. So helpful when we were in Zim for business trips. The 1 kg of dutch cheese helped a lot of course. Our thoughts and prayers are with all thoose who loved him. Rest in peace my friend. We wish all of you the strenght to cope with his loss. Peter Smit and Dorothee Jelsma
You were one of a kind PAG Goof, I really can’t believe this has happened and I am still in shock. You challenged me to be innovative and to think outside the box and I will always respect the fact that you were never afraid to speak your mind. Thank you for the memories Rest in Power PAG Goof
From all of us at ZTOA, we have lost a friend , industry colleague and wonderful Executive Committee Member . DJ will be very much missed . I Will particularly miss our memorable days at jazz events. May the family and you all find peace and comfort in prayer at this most difficult time
Goof, wonderful to see how many lives you touched. Go well.
Dear Family and friends of DJ
We would like to express our condolences on the passing of DJ. A very dedicated Rotarian ,a good friend always there to help at any moment .We will miss you and your jokes at our District Conferences His legacy will forever be remembered
Joao and Nela Bettencourt
Rest In Peace Sekuru DJ we shall cherish the good times.
My good friend and Rotary colleague. It has been an honour working with you since our paths crossed over 15 years ago. I will forever cherish your immeasurable support as we resuscitated the Rotary Youth Exchange Programme in Zimbabwe after a 7 year hiatus. You were always with me in the trenches and offered your candid advice. Go well my good friend. Till we meet again
dear all, my condolences, wonderfull speeches showing Goof de Jong , a great tribute and with a de Jing attitude , arie de jong, Teinzoon
Dear Goof,
I grieve in the Netherlands for you, my friend. For all the joyful moments we shared in the years 86-91. Most of them filled with friendship and laughter. I will never forget your original jokes and stories.
When preparing for our time in Zimbabwe one morning we dodged the lessons and enjoyed skating on the ice of the Ankeveense Lake nearby.
Once you sent me the shortest letter I ever received. I had asked you whether you would like to walk the Alfa-trail with me. The letter I received from Mavuradonha had only one word on the white paper: “OK”.
So now I end with a short and humble wish: rest in peace, my dear friend.
Jan Bouwkamp (86-89 at Numwa, 89-91 in Mola)
Dear family of Goof,
Our deepest sympathies with the loss of Goof. Being members of the Dutch community we met Goof in 2019 and we didn’t take a minute to talk and bond with Goof. We wish you all the strength to get through these difficult times. It’s beautiful how you cherish him and how you celebrate his live.
Since last week when I heard the message of your passing, I’m still in shock. I recall the countless times as a Rotaractor and indeed a Rotarian I was your guest at the Harare City Rotary club. I’ll mention now the countless drinks and jokes we shared.
I do remember your guidance as we were trying to make it in Rotaract and later on Rotary.
I can only say go well my friend, my brother and drinking partner. The time we shared will certainly be cherished. Memories abound and so they will be with me for the rest of my life.
Farewell PAG DJ. You will be sorely missed at The Bridge where you guided us and helped us find our feet as a newly formed Rotary Club. You always challenges us to dream big and not to overlook any opportunity to serve however small in our community. Our club is now over 10 years and your wisdom was instrumental in helping us to grow. You were more than an assistant governor to us. You were also a friend and counselor. Farewell.
Goof: an absolutely authentic, cheerful and smart guy who taught me to look up instead of down in the pouring rain in Amsterdam, who put together a beautiful journey through Zimbabwe for us, and who even came to visit me in Haiti where we both watched a cow walking along the seaside, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world. Thanks for everything Goof! In my memory you will always remain unique and extraordinary. I wish your family all the strength they need, now and in the future. Love, Sonja
I know Goof since 2000 and last spoke him by my last visit to Zimbabwe in person in 2015 as coordinator of Haarlem-Mutare. So sad that he past away at this age. Great what he did for Zimbabwe
What a wonderfull service did you all organised for this wonderfull person. Great that it could be broadcasted and be viewed in the Netherlands.
I wish you strength for the comming period.
[email protected]
My parents, Jan & Titia Warndorff, lived in Zimbabwe from 1986 – 2009 and got to know Goof en Andre through their company Nyati Travel. They always spoke highly of both of them.
I moved to Zimababwe in 1992 to teach (as a volunteer) at secondary schools. I knew about KZA but that was no longer an option in 1992, so I joined Catoruzi. I remember Goof as a very approachable, friendly and down to earth person, and my only regret is that we did not spend more time with him.
My husband, Kees van Nes, worked at the Netherlands Embassy from 1994 – 1998. He got to know Goof on the volleyball court and on the squash court, where they played together on a weekly basis. Kees remembers Goof as an exceptionally friendly and amiable person, straightforward and direct, with a great sense of humor.
Goof even gave a first saxophone lesson to Kees. There never was a second lesson; Kees concluded that Goof did not see much of a jazz future for Kees.
We wish Goof’s family and friends all the strength they need to deal with this huge loss, pain and sadness.
Warm regards.
Goof was onze vriend en toeverlaat, persoonlijk en voor de Stichting Lusulu. We konden bij hem logeren, maar hij kon ook altijd helpen en een weg wijzen. Bedankt Goof!
Dear family and friends of Goof,
We knew Goof from the eighties onwards first as teachers, later we knew him as part of Nyati Travel. He stayed many times in our house in Harare and Amsterdam and was always good and enjoyable company. We will forever remember our great visit to his place in Mavuradonha.
We wish his friends an family all the strength and consolation in these times of loss
Rest in peace dear Goof.
Thanks a lot for everything you meant for the people of Zimbabwe. Adieu!
Goof was a great friend to me and my family. He taught Leila maths so she could pass her O level and he paddled down the Zambezi with me and Tom. He was truly an open hearted human a steadfast bridge between cultures, colours and continents. Always remembered.
Goof;
You Loved all! Regardless of Race, Believe and Age.
Everyone received your respect and Love.
Goof; you are gone but only physically.
We aspire for your sole to forever hum at the highest frequency – and sometime in the future I hope to join you as souls shooting endlessly through the universe.
In the meantime enjoy the peace and your retirement in another space.
I am Rotarian at Harare Central thanks for the laughter! You were God sent
Condolences for family and friends , with the lost of a special person, wish you all a lot of strength
Condolences for .family and friends with the lost of a special person.
DJ…you will forever be missed by all at Nyati Travel and Tours
Goof was a wonderful man, he was full of joy and love, he was always for others around him. He touched all whom he met. He was a friend of all—all from different levels of society – teacher and a father. His kindness will be hugely missed. Rest in peace muzukuru.
Condoleances to all family and friends. Goof has been a member of Stichting Steun Zimbabwe for many many years. I recall the endless online conversations with Goof about öur”SSZ students. Goof did so much work for SSZ and he will be deeply missed, not only in our meetings but also as a dedicated man who encouraged our students to make the best of their studies. Goofs unweavering support to all SSZ students will never be forgotten. Lots of love, Marijke van Loenen
Condoleances to all family members and friends. Goof has been part of Stichting Steun Zimbabwe for many many years. I recall the endless online conversations we had about öur “SSZ” students.Goof did so much work for SSZ and he will be deeply missed, not only in our meetings but also as a dedicated man who encourraged our students to make the best of their studies. Goofs unweavering support to all SSZ students will never be forgotten. Lots of love, Marijke van Loenen
In memoriam
Goof and I accompanied each other on a journey through life. From kindergarten to college inseparable. Together we discovered the paths we wanted to take and had adventures that shaped us into what we have become. Later, we stayed connected in trusted friendship, sharing our joys and sorrows. Our journeys of discovery crossed again and again, in Zimbabwe, Switzerland and the Netherlands, analog and digital. Since corona we called more often and looked back and into the future together. In that future you accompany me in fond memory and I will encounter you again and again on my path. And greet you with a smile. I hope I will soon be able to tell Tsiti and Joey stories of what Goof and I experienced and shared. To stay and be together.