Aaldert started to become famous around the world
    (when he was about 30)
    with his book on gamma spectroscopy
    which remains, 1/2 a century later,
       a reference.
  At the same time he established the method,
     (that proved to be very efficient)
     of the "Atomic Mass Evaluation".
  Since then, the name of "Wapstra" became,
     is still, and for several generations,
     a reference in our scientific world.

  Aaldert has been my closest collaborator
     for the last 25 years.
     And during these 25 years
     I could appreciate:
     * the very high quality of his work
       (as testified also by the 72 letters
        received, through yesterday evening,
        from our colleagues all around the world)
     * and his human qualities
       (as you all know in this assembly)).

  On the scientific side I could appreciate
    Aaldert's sharp and inventive spirit
       using rigourous methods.
       I would like to make only one citation
       out of the many letters received, it says:
       "His extremely important legacy will live on
        for many, many more years to come and guide
        future generation physicists
        as it has over the past many decades."
  On the human side:
    I discovered a person fond of
       art, culture, music
       and also philosophy
    He had also a fine sense of humor
       that reinstated the right relative
       positions of all things.

  | - | - |

  Each of us know
        (or have at least some intuition)
    that some sort of forces exist
    beyond our world described by Physics.
    These forces might well explain WHY we are here.

  However, in our Physics world, it is our duty
    to continuously better understand it
    and improve it. Make it better.
  This was, as far as I could understand and feel,
    the lines of your whole life, Aaldert.

  This is why, Aaldert, you must know
    that all the things you have made for us
    will never be lost
    and that I will make all possible efforts
      to have them continued and improved.
      Also after me.
      and you know how difficult a task
         and a heavy commitment this means.

  | - | - |

  Your departure, Aaldert, is painfull
      for your family
      and for your friends and colleagues.
  But one has to drop his own body to know
    the rest of the story.
  Now, Aaldert, you are lucky, because you know.
  Goodbye, Aaldert, I know we will meet again.