We are deeply saddened by the news that Rory van Noort of AMEK, one of the brightest shining rising stars of HEMA has left us far too young. We wish to express our most sincere sympathies to his family and friends in these very sad days. We have all lost a great man and athlete and the world is less bright without him.
In his honour, the GHFS will be holding a moment of silence before tomorrow’s training. We encourage everyone to attend and others to do the same.
Also in his honour, the HROARR site will not be linking to any articles on its front page for some time.
Please think of people around you who find especially this period of the year very depressing due to loneliness and the common notion that Christmas is a time for everyone to be happy. Many simple aren’t and have a particularly hard time about now. And if you know of such a person, let them know you care for them too!
All of you are also most welcome to share memories of Rory in the commentaries, so they are preserved for family and friends.
Rest in peace Rory!
I am very sorry to hear this news. I met Rory briefly at SWASH 2012, where he attended one of my classes. I didn’t have a demo partner, and I realized very quickly that Rory and his fellow AMEK compatriots were exactly the people to assist: friendly, highly skilled, and attentive to the needs of the class. Rory helped make that class successful for everyone. Short though our acquaintance was, I will miss him.
Sad news. Sad news.
I met Rory on several occasions, and even though I didn’t have the opportunity to cross blades with him, what was obvious is how much a great fighter he was, and so much beyond that…and how much the HEMA community as a whole has lost today.
Tournaments have whatever meaning they have, but next year will be the first time that the broken waster we use as the “wreath” for the Dijon tournament will not be transmitted from the hands of the previous Champion to the hands of his successor. And it saddens me. Deeply.
May he find peace. He’ll remain, though his dedication and amazing skills sword in hand, and for the man he was, an example for us.
One of our own has passed and there are no words to describe what a loss it is. My thoughts go to his family, friends and to his brothers and sisters in AMEK. I hope all of you know how many people he influenced and how respected he was, not only as a swordsman, but also as a person. He will never be forgotten.
I am just devastated whenever I read about this. I never met him, but losing a fellow fencer is like losing a member of the family; each one is unique and special in their own right and when they are taken from us, their loss is felt so deeply that nothing will be able to take the place they held in our hearts.
That said, my most sincerest condolences go out to his friends, family, and fellow fencing group members, and anyone else he touched in life. May his memory and legacy live on in our hearts and minds forever.
Rest in peace, dear brother.
IMP