In Memoriam: Gerrit van Eikenhorst
In Gerrit van Eikenhorst, the Dutch pigeon sport loses a notable pigeon enthusiast who, often in the background, made an important contribution to the Dutch pigeon sport. Gerrit did this often in his own way without stepping into the spotlight.
I got to know Gerrit as a fellow board member of the WHZB/TBOTB foundation and also worked with him from the national NPO Board. Gerrit was a kind man who was never too shy to roll up his sleeves for the local, regional, and national pigeon sport. Many Dutch enthusiasts will especially know Gerrit from the reports he wrote for the national pigeon magazine, the Spoor der Kampioenen. Gerrit was the chief editor of this magazine for a time, and after his retirement, he continued to write reports about champions for the magazine. Gerrit’s contributions always began with an overview of the history of the region or city where the champion resided. Educational and a reflection of his broad interests.
I would like to share with you a number of examples that demonstrate Gerrit’s commitment and involvement in the national pigeon sport.
When the NPO Board decided that the Netherlands would organize the Olympics for international pigeon sport, Gerrit made a significant contribution to this. Gerrit organized a successful pigeon auction, the proceeds of which provided a substantial contribution to the financial success of this mega event. When Gerrit took charge, you knew it would work out. When Gerrit spoke about his volunteer work during the awarding of his Royal distinction, he said among other things: "Whatever you do, you should do it as if you were doing it for yourself." That illustrated his dedication and commitment.
Another example is his contribution to the reorganization of the Dutch pigeon sport. Such a reorganization takes place every 25 years and is essential for the future of the pigeon sport. Properly informing the over 12,000 members is crucial. As a journalist/writer, Gerrit immersed himself in the subject and wrote important contributions about it. As a journalist, he was well-prepared, critical, and not afraid to leave the beaten path. His contributions to the reorganization were informative and constructive, contributing to the project's success. It surely pleased him that earlier this month the reorganization became a reality.
Another significant contribution from Gerrit was in harmonizing the various national competitions and championships. Gerrit recognized the importance of uniformity and unity, and he was able to step out of his shadow and incorporate his own brainchild TBOTB into that one national competition. The result is one national competition and championships for the Dutch pigeon sport, which is how Gerrit envisioned it.
These examples of Gerrit’s contribution to the national pigeon sport encompass the last few years. Prior to that, Gerrit had already made a major contribution to local and regional pigeon sport. For example, Gerrit had been active as a board and committee member of the local pigeon sport association since 1969 and had also contributed regionally. For this, he received the silver NPO Pin of Merit in 2018. His efforts for the pigeon sport also contributed to his Royal distinction in 2023.
What will stay with me the most are the conversations with Gerrit during our joint car rides to visit the national champions. If you spend a few hours together in the car, there’s time to talk about pigeon sport and other matters. I remember these conversations as both inspiring and grounding.
The pigeon sport will miss Gerrit van Eikenhorst. Thank you, Gerrit, for all your efforts, and much strength is wished for his Jannie, family, and friends to bear this loss.
On behalf of the NPO Board,
Gerard van de Aast
> NPO Pigeon Sport Association: https://www.duivensportbond.nl/artikel/in-memoriam:-gerrit-van-eikenhorst