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Tribute to Germain Geenens

Germain Geenens 1947-2010

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death on 11 April of our National Delegate for Belgium, Germain Geenens. 
Les sentiments de son compatriote Yves Pasleau évoquent ceux de tous ceux qui ont connu Germain et ont roulé avec lui : Centcoliste depuis 23 ans, Germain était connu pour sa gentillesse, sa serviabilité, sa convivialité, sa connaissance pointue et sa mémoire exceptionnelle des itinéraires qu’il parcourait. Sa passion pour la montagne et les cols l’avait poussé à franchir plus de 3.600 cols. Atteint d’une grave maladie depuis un an, il était en pleine convalescence, lorsque la maladie a finalement eu raison de lui. Il a franchi son dernier col lors d’un séjour à Olot (Espagne) en mars.

Germain was a linchpin of the Club. Despite the distance and the illness that was eating away at him, Germain was keen to be present at the last General Meeting in Yenne to show his attachment to the Club des Cent Cols and to spend some quality time with his friends. Little did we know then that we would be drinking one last glut (beer) together. He would have been one of us at the Bitche event this summer, but fate decided otherwise.

Germain, along with his wife Maria, has taken part in many Cent Cols trips, where his good humour and verve have delighted those who have had the pleasure of rubbing shoulders with him.

The Club des Cent Cols fully shares the grief of his family and friends and will always remember this friend who left too soon.

Germain was cremated in privacy on Friday 16 April and a civil ceremony took place on Saturday in Hacquegnies (Frasnes-Lez-Anvaing), Belgium.

José Bruffaerts nous rapporte ce témoignage des funérailles de Germain samedi matin :

Yesterday I attended the civil funeral of Germain Geenens, the CC national delegate for Belgium. The large ceremony hall was too small to accommodate the crowd who wanted to pay their last respects to Germain. I estimate that at least 250 people attended, including family, friends and cyclists.

The master of ceremonies placed the urn containing the ashes of the deceased in the centre of the room. A wheel decorated with flowers, 2 jerseys (including the CC jersey), his Jowan bike and flowers made up the decor. Two digital frames, positioned on either side of the room, showed permanent photos of the deceased. Photos of his Tour de France randonneur, his wedding and many others. [...]

Les 2 premiers vers de la carte mortuaire résument la perte considérable pour la confrérie : En pleine force de la vie, ayant encore tant à donner / Idées et projets à profusion, en une fois envolés…

An article from 2005