Tony van Renterghem was a mountain of a man.
He was a skilled operative who aided those fleeing Nazi persecution. He was among the last mounted cavalry officers known as the Huzaars. And he launched the "Underground Camera," a photo and film unit of the Dutch resistance.
After the war, H.R.H. Prince Bernhard enlisted him to represent the Dutch government. And his humorous encounter--in a bathroom--with Sukarno had me burst into laughter. He was a meticulous researcher--of a time and era when he himself was a historical figure.
Over our last couple of martinis, he gave me a glimpse into brief moments of his life. He shared his passion for facts and peace. Yet comedy of life was never lost on him. And for that, I thank you, Tony.
He was truly the Righteous Among the Nations.
Here's a tribute by the Peninsula Daily News and an obituary in the Sequim Gazette.
[UPDATE: A Celebration of Life will be held at the Olympic Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Agnew (73 Howe Rd, Port Angeles, WA) on August 29, 2009, at 13:30.]
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