Gay News 163 - March 2005 p. 6

In Memory of Ruud Dear

On Wednesday, January 26 at around 15.30 hours, Ruud Dear passed away in peace and quiet, in the presence of his sister, Loes, and his brother, Tom.

Many will remember Ruud because of his priceless performances in the Warmoesstraat and his shows in Club Jaecques. The most outrageous costumes weren't crazy enough for his taste. But it wasn't only acting silly and laughing. Ruud was also an oracle and a prop and stay to many. His work with the HIV Society was very near to his heart.

But in the long run he was increasingly having a hard time and the past few years he frequently implied that he couldn't take it anymore, that it had been enough. He made that choice at his own time and he was very clear about it. Nonetheless his powerful (and often misunderstood) humor dominated to the last moment. We've wept with joy, we've wept with pain. And vou've learned me so much. Ruud, thank you!