502 W Water St, | Elmira, NY 14905 | Phone (607) 733-6271
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Geert Eijsbouts posted a condolence
Monday, May 20, 2019
Having been informed of Han van den Blink’s passing, the Board and the Editors of the Religion and Mental Health Expertise Centre in The Netherlands (www.ksgv.nl) gratefully remember him and send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family. We are honoured to have published a collection of his papers in Pastorale Counseling en Spiritualiteit (Pastoral Counseling and Spirituality), in 2002. His family and friends are in our thoughts.
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Kenneth Jones posted a condolence
Saturday, March 9, 2019
My siblings and I grew up in India, where it is customary to address friends of one’s parents’ generation as “Uncle” and “Aunty.” I’ll share two stories of Uncle Han, which remind me of what a wonderful man and gift he was.
I left India when I was 15 to attend a boarding school in Massachusetts. My parents, who had been fast friends of Uncle Han and Aunt Nelson since before their first children were born, wrote a letter asking the van den Blinks to help me get from JFK airport to school (it bears mentioning that, for my parents, there was no higher expression of admiration and trust than to ask someone to care for their children).
On the flights from Calcutta to Copenhagen and then to New York, there were four documents I made sure I kept safe with me: my ticket, my passport, my immunization record and the letter from Uncle Han. Uncle Han had penned a letter explaining in clear detail how I would get from the International Arrivals Hall at JFK to the van den Blink home in Princeton. He told me exactly where to go to place a call letting him know I had arrived (he asked me to call collect and I didn’t know who “collect” was, but a helpful lady explained it to me!), and exactly where to go next to buy a seat on a limousine to Trenton (he even thought of mentioning I should not be thrown off by the big sign that said “Connecticut Limousine” because they sold tickets at that same counter for destinations in New Jersey), and then Aunt Nelson would meet me at the limousine stand in Trenton to drive me home. [It says something – something wonderful – that it’s almost impossible to recall a story about Uncle Han that doesn’t also feature Aunt Nelson, and vice-versa.] Uncle Han had taken the time to think through everything a 15-year-old, who had just left his home and parents an ocean and two continents away, might need to know . . . not just the information, but the reassurance that I was going to be just fine.
The second story is from decades later, when my father learned that he was going to die of cancer and heart problems. By this time my parents had retired and moved to my hometown in Durham, North Carolina, where my sister Sharon and I (mostly Sharon) tended to our parents’ needs in old age. I was in their home when Dad felt ready to tell his closest friends that he was facing death. He called Uncle Han. I cannot thank of anyone better for him to have called . . . Uncle Han was that rare person with whom he shared a long, loving and treasured friendship, who could be a compassionate counselor, and who could draw from a deep well of faith. My father had always been famous for being moved to tears easily, but it was in that telephone conversation with Uncle Han that I saw him cry for the first time because of his own approaching death. What an incredible gift to be able to pick up the phone and call Han van den Blink at such a time! It meant so much to me and to my family to know that Uncle Han was in touch with Dad. He helped my father face the end of mortal life as no-one else could, and for that I will always be immeasurably grateful.
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Kellie Allen posted a condolence
Saturday, March 9, 2019
I feel honored to have known Father Han. He was an amazingly kind, intelligent and remarkable individual. He is sorely missed.
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The Rev Dr Del & Lorraine Resmer posted a condolence
Thursday, February 28, 2019
We thank God for the life of our brother in Christ. Each day has been a special gift to us and all who were blessed by his ministry and friendship. Soar now with the angels, dear brother! God bless and comfort his family and all those who were touched by his faith and love.
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Cindy posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Dear family and friends of Han,
During this difficult time I hope the words at John 5:28,29 bring you comfort as they give us a real hope and opportunity to see our loved ones again.
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Joseph Roberts DMin posted a condolence
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Dear family
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy. Han touched my life and practice beyond words with his gracious presence and his being-with-me challenge when I was in supervision training in Syracuse. He drew me and many to him and through him to releasing our God-given selves to the world in the love practice of healing and wholeness. He has been and is indelibly a part of me. May he return home knowing he lived out his calling in faithful service. Every time I sing or recite my ordination hymn i include the loving experience flying his glider,s soaring in the winds of God.
So, in his memory I’ll be singing this English hymn by Quaker teacher, Jessie Adams, I Feel the Winds of God Today
I feel the winds of God today; today my sail I lift,
Though heavy, oft with drenching spray, and torn with many a rift;
If hope but light the water’s crest, and Christ my bark will use,
I’ll seek the seas at His behest, and brave another cruise.
It is the wind of God that dries my vain regretful tears,
Until with braver thoughts shall rise the purer, brighter years;
If cast on shores of selfish ease or pleasure I should be;
Lord, let me feel Thy freshening breeze, and I’ll put back to sea.
If ever I forget Thy love and how that love was shown,
Lift high the blood red flag above; it bears Thy name alone.
Great pilot of my onward way, Thou wilt not let me drift;
I feel the winds of God today, today my sail I lift.
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Melanie Duguid-May posted a condolence
Monday, February 18, 2019
I am forever grateful for the gift of Han as colleague and friend. He embodied sUch kindness and wisdom. Praying he rests now in peace, and for the comfort of those who grieve his passing.
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Beth McElligott posted a condolence
Monday, February 18, 2019
Thinking of you, Jan, Sarah, and Katherine. Very fond memories of your dad.
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Richard Myers posted a condolence
Sunday, February 17, 2019
The wisdom and singular focus of Han, a direct outcome of his remarkable life, as my teacher and my mentor in a Doctor of Ministry program changed me forever. His humility, constant encouragement, fearlessness, humor and passion are indelibly imprinted on my soul. I recall how, when I was in his office, he would unplug the phone to dedicate undivided attention to me. His own transition from family therapist to spiritual director and immersion in the wisdom of the desert carried me into Christ. I and the hundreds of others touched by him send our love to the family. We honor the values that you manifest in your business and personal lives. I am sorry not to be able to attend the service. I praise God for his presence.
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The Rev. Fr. Richard Creighton Sauerzopf, Ph.D. posted a condolence
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Please know that you will all remain very much in my intentions today and throughout the difficult times to come. Perhaps you will remember me from your mother's funeral, where it was my honor to read the Gospel. Blessings this day and always, unto the Life Everlasting in Christ, in whom Han put his trust. Faithfully and with Love I remain yours, Richard+
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The Rev. Fr. Richard Creighton Sauerzopf, Ph.D. lit a candle
Sunday, February 17, 2019
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I will miss you very dearly my friend, mentor, counselor, professor, and beloved brother prirest, Han+. With all of my love, Richard+
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Barb and jay Chadwick posted a condolence
Saturday, February 16, 2019
What a kind soul Han has.Our deepest condolences to you.
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Jody and Rob Place posted a condolence
Saturday, February 16, 2019
To the entire van den Blink family. We send sincere condolences. Han was such an enjoyable treat to run into while walking Lake Wesauking. Such a kind man with so much wisdom. We will miss him.
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Sandy Hall posted a condolence
Friday, February 15, 2019
My deepest condolences to the entire van den Blink family. I have heard so much about this great man from Emily and David that I feel I know him. The world is a better place for having him on this earth. God speed and keep you close.
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Rollin P. Baker posted a condolence
Friday, February 15, 2019
I first met Fr. Han when I moved to Troy. He became not only my Priest, but my Mentor, Spiritual Director, and friend. He officiated at my wedding to Mary Beth, and became our "go to" person in both good and in difficult times. We would not have the marriage we have without his guidance. I would not be the person I am today without having known him. Rest with Christ my dear friend
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Marie E. Gibson posted a condolence
Friday, February 15, 2019
To Han's family and friends:
He was such a gift to us all -- loving, kind, compassionate, willing to listen, to support us through our joys and sorrows. Han was one of my teacher/mentors in a spiritual direction program I took in Rochester. I remember fondly coming to visit him in Elmira (quite a trek from my home to his), and looking forward to our spiritual conversations. He will be missed, but will remain in my heart.
Peace be with you,
Marie Gibson
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The family of Arie Johannes "Han" van den Blink uploaded a photo
Friday, February 15, 2019
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Matt Russell posted a condolence
Thursday, February 14, 2019
So sorry for your loss. He was such a wonderful person.
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Rev. Cristine Van Kirk Rockwell lit a candle
Thursday, February 14, 2019
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Rev. Cristine Van Kirk Rockwell posted a condolence
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Han was one of the best and most admired professors at Bexley Hall when the school was in Rochester. His warmth, compassion, and devotion to his vocation and his students, should serve as a template for what a child of God is called to be. Rest In Peace, dear friend and teacher. +
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Rev. Connie Seifert posted a condolence
Thursday, February 14, 2019
He was the most compassionate man I ever met. I was never able to take a class from him but I would attend every workshop I could. He touched my heart, and helped me to find the strength and courage to speak from the heart. May he rest in peace and rise in glory!
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The Rev. Troy Preston lit a candle
Thursday, February 14, 2019
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Truly a man of God. I am forever grateful for the time we shared together. May light perpetual shine upon him. And may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
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Pastor Bob & Susan Edmunds posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
So sad to learn of Han's passing ~ he was a caring, compassionate, funny, brilliant man of great faith. And what a fascinating life story! Our sincere sympathy to Yan, Claire & family and the girls. Your parents were amazing people who each contributed so much to the communities in which they lived. "Well done good and faithful servant(s)". Susan & Pastor Bob
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Felicity Wright posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Fr. Han was a major reason for my coming to Elmira, and through his wisdom, I slowly evolved into a kinder, gentler person. When I hear how he guided so many others in the community, I am in awe.
Once, when describing him to a friend in California, I explained the Japanese tradition of designating certain individuals as “living national treasures” – those whose artistic or spiritual gifts are so rare that they must be honored and preserved. Truly Han was one of America’s “living national treasures” and all of us who knew him are privileged indeed.
We all ache for the loss that his family is now experiencing.
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Edye Waldmeyer posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Father Han was the dearest of men. I have been so abundantly blessed to be "in his fold" at St. Paul's, and to have shared many tears of joy and sadness with him as a friend, minister, and father figure. Our extended family has felt his prayerful presence in our lives since first we met, and especially throughout Walter and Ashley's missionary work and our Brave Fiona's battle with leukemia. His gentle guidance and joyful spirit was infectious, and his tender care of dear Nelson as her health diminished was a true testament to the passion he had for her. I hope you all know how very, very proud he was of all of his children, grandchildren, and greats. He loved with his whole heart and his faith in God was unshakeable. He has surely brightened the heavens as he takes his place in paradise!
God bless you all in this time of great loss.
With loving sympathy,
Edye
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