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I am writing this on behalf of my father who shared a lifetime of memories with Gerard. Gerard and Willem served in Indonesia together and it was Gerard who convinced my father to start a new life down under. They worked together at Hardy Rubber and shared the struggles of the migrant experience. Although my father finds it difficult to express their 60+ year friendship, Gerards passing has affected him greatly. Our family as a whole remembers his eccentricity and creativity. One of my enduring memories as a child was when Havekes as he known in our family drove us in his jeep across the ANZAC Bridge. He will never be forgotten.
Arjuna Stoevelaar on behalf of Willem Stoevelaar and family.
My parents were friends of Gerard and Louisa, and I remember, as a child, of spending days and weekends at Kenthurst - playing with the girls; staying in one of the cottages with all the other children; going feral and exploring the gullies and bush surrounds; the reel-to-reel music streaming throughout the house; his work. And the amazing table he made for my parents.
His was an interesting journey,,,
My parents were friends of Gerard and Louisa, and I remember, as a child, of spending days and weekends at Kenthurst - playing with the girls; staying in one of the cottages with all the other children; going feral and exploring the gullies and bush surrounds; the reel-to-reel music streaming throughout the house; his work. And the amazing table he made for my parents. His was an interesting journey,,,
My parents were friends of Gerard and Louisa, and I remember, as a child, of spending days and weekends at Kenthurst - playing with the girls; staying in one of the cottages with all the other children; going feral and exploring the gullies and bush surrounds; the reel-to-reel music streaming throughout the house; his work. And the amazing table he made for my parents. His was an interesting journey,,,
I have fond memories of visiting Gerard at Kenthurst, and many times later at his 2 studios in Leichhardt. The studios were generous in size, just like his spirit, demeanour and gestures. As with his work, visiting the studio was a journey and fantasy, filled with an organised chaos of works completed, in progress or abandoned, and with collectables just because they were interesting. I enjoyed many a lunch with Gerard, discussing projects for which I was priveleged, as an architect, to commission him on behalf of clients. Four of his works stand in Sydney buildings today as a result of that relationship. Gerard left a legacy of new thinking and direction at a time when it was in short supply.
Thank you Don, for your insightful and inspiring reminiscences about Father. I am gathering up any information about his work, both existing and prior, to add to his archive. If you have anything you think pertinent, please let me know. We are so glad there are still remaining works in Sydney, when much of it has been sacrificed to short-sighted 'refurbishment'! :( Thank you also for having the vision to work with Gerard and to give him an outlet for his abundant creativity. May his vital force live on through his work. All the best, Anna-Maryke, eldest daughter.
His inspirational home at Kenthurst was as rustic and creative as the man inside of him.Walking with him was to experience his wonderful artistic gift.A tremendously down to earth and funny man.The open yellow land rover and his wild viking red hair made him an icon for all as he drove pass.The Allegro Art gallery was near by run by his friends.I hope for the younger generations of artists, that as Australians we look after them and as like Gerard Havekes they are our national treasures.
What wonderful memories, Marlene - so many people experienced the largesse and inspiration that abounded at Kenthurst. It is lovely to hear your recollections. Indeed he did contribute greatly to the developing art scene in Australia - may his vital force live on for us all. Best wishes, Anna-Maryke, eldest daughter
Anna Maryke Grey, nee Havekes
12 years agoDear Leissa-thank you for your lovely tribute to Father. We too remember you all well. What an upbringing and childhood we all had! May Gerard's vital force live on through his work and within our collective hear. Best wishes, Anna-Maryke, eldest daughter