In Memory of Lucas Mentink

Thank you to everyone ...

2009-09-16T06:05:00.008+02:00

The sorrow of today

Will never erase yesterdays colours

It is not easy to describe how difficult it is to say goodbye to the one we love so dearly,

The many tributes made us realize that he had many friends.

The tremendous condolence response, words of comfort, flowers and written expressions cannot fill the emptiness that we feel, but it does give us the strength to find the power to go on.

We would like to thank every one of you who gave us your support.

Angelique

Natasha, Yorrick, Thomas

The Hague, September 2009

Temporary address:

Machiel Vrijenhoeklaan 450-146 * 2555 NW The Hague * The Netherlands

Telephone: +31 (0) 6 1675 1401 or +31 (0) 6 1636 0349

Email: angeliquementink@hotmail.com

Tribute to Lucas video during Inter-C closing ceremony

2009-08-07T13:10:00.004+02:00

Studio 48 Band

2009-07-26T15:54:00.005+02:00

http://beckz31.blogspot.com/2009/07/in-remembrance-of-lucas-mentink.html

Air Force Officers class of 1981

2009-07-26T15:37:00.002+02:00

Dear Lucas,

During the last months we where searching for u more intens then ever before. Cock de Koning, one of my friends, and yours, was searching the world wide web in an attempt to find you. Since the plan was among some friends from the Air Force Officers class of 1981 it would be fun to meet next september at an air defence reunion. Now we have found you, but life will never be the same.

For 18 months we where very close, 6 months of officers training and after that one year of driving to West Germany on Mondays and back to Holland on Fridays, as we where stationed at several locations in West Germany. Although i have never spoken to you since i kept you in my heart, as i will keep you in my heart now that you have passed away.

Rest in peace dear Lucas, and may your wife and children find the strength to carry on.

With regards
Kees van Kleef

Leaving Footprints

2009-07-20T12:51:00.000+02:00

Lucas will be dearly missed but most of all he has made such impact to so many people's life that I cant help but admire how he lived his life.A truly abundant life! He has left footprints for me to remember him by and as a guide on how to live a life like his.

My prayer goes out to Lucas' family Angelique,Natasha,Yorrick and Tomas.

Rgds,
Chan Wing Leong

A Nurturing and Reassuring Leader

2009-07-20T12:49:00.000+02:00

I could still recall a big mistake I made due to bad execution from my side while in the messaging team. When I reached office, the first thing Lucas said to me was, “Don’t worry about it. We all make mistakes from time to time,” followed by his trademark reassuring smile and moved on to work on the problem at hand. I expected some tense moments of questionings but all I got was the most understanding and nurturing remark one could get in such a moment. Folks are willing to stick with him and go all the way.

Lucas, you will always be an inspiration to me.

Tie Sing Chie

Leaves a Big Impression...

2009-07-20T12:48:00.000+02:00

What I remembered most about Lucas is on the very first time I saw him before I join SITI, during my 3 hours long interview with Lucas and Shamane. He offered me a plastic cup of water and a Big smile, right before we started on the interview. From that smile, he gave me an impression that working in Shell will be interesting, and indeed it is….

Kevin Khoo

Emptiness

2009-07-19T17:26:00.000+02:00

Although Lucas was in Malaysia such a long time, I never had the opportunity to work with him until recently. But we regularly bumped into each other. What I recall was his cheerfulness. Lucas joint our team this 1st July. We started to have more contact in the weeks before July and just started the handover. He worked himself very well into his new role, based on his in-depth knowledge of Workspace and he seemed to have an immediate impact on some of the issues he was working. We still had lunch with him on the Friday before he passed away in one of the Indian restaurants in the Street-mall where he had not been before yet. “I need to come here a few more times before I return to Holland”, he said after enjoying the food. The team was so much looking forward to working with Lucas, he was considered a great asset to the team based on his reputation.

When I heard the news on Sunday morning and I had to inform some of my team mates, there was a general feeling of sadness, disbelief, and emptiness. On Monday we all looked in a different way at our e-mails and workload. Rethinking priorities in life. It is a personal decision everybody has to make for themselves. Lucas had a busy life, lots of work but still seemed to have a good balance spending time with his family. Not sure if everyone has that, starting with myself. Don’t postpone as it can be over before you know it.

I wish Lucas’ family will find the strength to continue with life and reflect the good qualities and personality that Lucas was. He will be always remembered.

Paul van Dam, team member CSM EUC.

To My Father...

2009-07-18T07:22:00.000+02:00

It was not my fathers time to go. We, as a family still had many plans to fulfill. Not only was he a bringer of smiles into a dark room, but he was also the motivational force of many of my own activities and habits. Such as music, sports and jokes. Life without him still seems surreal to me... Lucas is now in a better place, one where we will all see him again. But i know that we all still carry a part of him with us in our hearts. And it makes me proud to carry his name onwards in this world.

Love,
Yorrick Lucas Mentink

my first "Mat Salleh" boss

2009-07-18T07:19:00.000+02:00

I was never think of I will have “Mat Salleh” boss in my life. You can imagine how nervous(due to my English proficiency) when first met with him. But also because of this, I’ve feeling of working in “International company”. I still remembered the trip to UK with him back to 2003, he brought me to the outskirt where he lived before move to M’sia. That is a beautiful typical England village that's you only see on movie. I really enjoyed the trip.

As Yim wrote, he is “an idol for all people manger”. If not because of “lucky”, where I can get this kind of manager. As long as you explain clearly what you’ve done, he will appreciate you. With his level, I can imagine how much pressure would get when there is issue on the system. But as many people wrote in this blog, he’s always calm and confident, something that I very admire on him.

At last, I would just like to say, “Sky jealous talents”. Which means, good people may not have good ending, fate decide it.

Lucas, you will be remembered at my deepest heart.

Shia Kong Tat

Thank You

2009-07-17T11:21:00.000+02:00

I had the privilege of working for Lucas from the beginning of my Shell life when he took over the helm of the London Exchange team a week after I joined. Over the next few years Lucas was always there to shield, guide and thank the team, through the good, the bad, the situations, and virus outbreaks.

So thank you Lucas for the trust, respect and encouragement that you always gave me.

Michael Howie

Lucas, A truly good man

2009-07-17T06:25:00.002+02:00

I had the privilege of working with Lucas for many years.
On many occasions we were under considerable pressure to resolve a problem.
Lucas always balanced the competing needs of all his stakeholders to calmly provide a way forward.
Lucas was open and honest and built trust. He set the standard for leadership.
When Lucas was in charge of an issue you knew it was in the safest of hands.
I’ve lost a friend and am deeply saddened. Lucas’ family have lost much more.
I hope our fond recollections of a truly good man demonstrate the support we want to give to Angelique,Natasha,Yorrick and Tomas as they try to come to terms with this tragic loss.
Lucas’ family are in my thoughts and prayers at this terrible time and my fond memories of Lucas with stay with me always.

Aloysius Joseph Dempsey
DSF IT Infrastructure Services Manager

No one is higher than the Pope ...

2009-07-16T12:15:00.004+02:00

Even after 5 days, I am still in disbelief that Lucas is no longer with us. Compared to many, he is probably the least likely one to go home this way ... He was such an active, on-the-move , jolly kind of person.

I had the privilege to work under Lucas in the MSX team (part of MAD team) for 3 years and I have learned many lessons from this man. Some spoken, some observed ...

Some random sampling ...

1. One of the first lessons I learnt ... "No one is higher than the Pope ... - NO " when I asked him if I could get a mailbox size increase as my mailbox was constantly getting full after joining the team. He said how can we enforce a policy when we ourselves break it ?
2. He constantly reminded me the importance of service excellence ... his standard is always higher than what is expected
3. He thought me to learn to delegate and to entrust others with responsibilities
4. He has showed me that there are times to be tough and times to be flexible.
5. Sometimes ... it is the small things that counts and he often takes time to go into the details with me to ensure we got everything covered.
6. A model family man. Goes golfing with wife on weekends, spending time at home with the kids and frequently taking family on holiday/road trips.
7. And being able to still crack jokes during a GERT to keep the team going under stress ... That is amazingly helpful when everyone is sweating away.

I feel privileged to be able to help collate all these fond memories of Lucas. It has helped me to put life into perspective and to realize what matters most in life.

To Angelique,Natasha,Yorrick and Tomas, be strong as his legacy will live on within you ...

Lucas, God bless and see you in heaven one day ...

Fei Yau

Commitment to excellence

2009-07-16T12:11:00.002+02:00

"The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence regardless of their chosen endeavor." - Vince Lombardi

Lucas has led a quality life. His shining light has been an example for all those he has worked with over the years. He will always be remembered as a good friend, a kind gentleman & an inspiring leader.

Regards,

Mun Wai

The tennis Star ...

2009-07-16T12:07:00.003+02:00

by Yukhairi Yahaya

Never a dull moment ...

2009-07-16T12:04:00.000+02:00

Lucas has been a great friend, colleague and mentor – he is always calm, composed and charismatic with a sense of humor. It’s never a dull moment talking, playing or working with him. It was a great pleasure knowing him. His demise is a great loss to Shell IT, to his friends and families. He will be missed dearly but we will always remember him as a man with “never a dull moment”.

Regards,

Wei-Keong

GONE TOO SOON….

2009-07-16T12:03:00.001+02:00

We weren’t prepared for you to go, you were too full of life to be,
Taken away from us so soon, it’s still hard to believe.

How much we’ll miss your smile, and your laugher in our ears,
Your absence leaves a hole in us, we’re filling with our tears.

We know that you’ll continue, to be the incredible soul you are,
And though we cannot see you, we trust you’ll never be far.

Rest in Peace Lucas. Till we meet on that beautiful shore….

-Martin Bautista & Lavinia Rajaram

Inspirational leader

2009-07-16T09:06:00.002+02:00

I wasn't part of Messaging team during the time this photo was taken but he made that possible in 2006. His smiling face captured perfectly in the photo...

Lucas, you have been an inspirational leader and friend. I will miss your presence in my life.

Edna Rajah

My big boss

2009-07-16T04:20:00.001+02:00

What I will remember most about my big boss was his gentle words of encouragement and his warm smile. He will be dearly missed. RIP.

Munizah Mazlan

A few good guys..

2009-07-16T02:07:00.000+02:00

I had the honor of working with Lucas in the ‘NT’ era. Lucas was always there for you, always smiling and friendly. I remember our round of golf in KL and your family. I hope they find the strength to cope with you not being there anymore. You will be missed, you were one of these good guys.

Victor Ledder

Global Functions Consumer IT

A man who defied boundaries

2009-07-16T02:03:00.000+02:00

There are many great things that can be said about Lucas. I’ll remember him as exemplary leader, a man who defied boundaries, a passionate skilled musician, a versatile athlete and a warm & friendly personality. His persona will be one for the rest of us to follow.

Trevor A. Richard

Business Analyst - AD&P

A Poem ...

2009-07-15T12:43:00.000+02:00

A pleasant smile, always on his face,
No matter what situations he may face,
Leading by example, filled with compassion,
Though he's gone, yet he remains.

I'll see you in heaven...
Regards,
David Ng

Reminiscing a beautiful friendship ...

2009-07-15T12:41:00.002+02:00

Reminiscing a beautiful friendship bonded over the years... It all started from a warm & strong handshake on his first day at work in Cyberjaya. Then follows by series of work meetings, social gatherings & ways to localise him to M’sian culture and the list goes on........ He was one person who never stops smiling even in the most stressed and critical situations in GI-D world. Over the years, I cherished the great conversations we had over work, food, holidays, “the Dutch cultures” and discovering his talent in Racquet Games and Singing!! \

We were looking forward to catch-up with him and his family in Sept and had our last thought of his trip back to NL over dinner on Sat. The following day at 10am NL time, I received a call from Francis of the sad news - was shocked and shaken! We just couldn’t digest the news and eventually the personal grief sink-in and we do miss him and great lost to many people who knows him. He was a wonderful colleague, great leader, good friend, loving husband and great father-figure!! He has touched our life in different ways and will always have fond memories of him!! Our prayer and thoughts are with Angelique, Natasha, Yorrick and Thomas.

God bless always

Jeannie, Bowman Tan

Humble and inspiring leader

2009-07-15T05:59:00.000+02:00

In the few years Lucas was here, he had touched many lives, both personally and professionally. He was a humble and inspiring leader, an understanding and supportive manager, a helpful and dependable colleague, but above all, a jovial friend. The news came as a complete shock to us and left us baffled for days. A good man gone too soon. We hope that this blog can be used as a medium to express our deepest condolences to his family. Lucas will be remembered and lives on through our fond memories of him.

Elaine and Mak YC

Let's see what we can do about it

2009-07-15T04:52:00.002+02:00

I am very fortunate to have worked under Lucas directly in Shell. I thank him for all the things he did us as leader, as well as a friend. I have learn a lot from him, and most of it all, is the "Let's see what we can do about it" philosophy.

He is one of the few who against all odds, look into the bright side of everything, and bring the good out of people. An idol for all people manager.

Just a couple days ago before he passed away, I had a chat with my colleague and here's the conversation:

"Wow"
"What happened"
"I'm impressed"
"On?"
"You know, I just happen to come in office, and I met Lucas on my way to my desk"
"And?"
"He actually call out my name, talk to me for a while, and ask how's everything"
"Hmm, so... what's wrong about that?"
"Well, I don’t expect him to remember me, you know the entire operation is so huge and I'm still rather new... that’s really touching..."

You caring for people and dedication for service will continue to live among us. Sometimes it is indeed the small things that counts...

Yim Chung Ren

His smile and joy in his heart

2009-07-15T04:50:00.000+02:00

When I first receive the news on Sunday evening I could not really believe that.
It is sad that he left us in a sudden mode.
I didn't get the chance to work with Lucas Mentink directly but during my messaging
support time (2004-2006)he has been a great leader and a good guidance.
Lucas always carry his smile and joy in his heart wherever he goes no matter how stressful he is which I will
always remember...we will miss you..Lucas….RIP

Sharon Tan

A Great Tennis player!

2009-07-15T01:49:00.000+02:00

Lucas was a great Tennis player, he gave me valuable tips on how to improve my game... He encouraged me to analyze my opponent and play smart. I remember when he sat by the stand to watch me compete. He would nod his head when I looked at him for support. I also remember trying very hard to beat this ‘old’ man but never once succeeded. He was a very friendly and approachable person. From now on, whenever I represent KSC Tennis, I’ll always think of Lucas and how he inspired me…

Mohd-Rizan, Sheikh
DS IT BAM B2B\Lubes Pricing

…I feel honoured to know Lucas…

2009-07-15T01:46:00.000+02:00

Lucas and I worked on many stressful situations throughout the years. He was always calm and a consummate professional. A genuine fellow who cared about the people he worked with and was always willing to help. He would IM me periodically when I was working late to tease me about being on-line and to check up on me. I truly feel honoured to know Lucas and I will miss him very much.

Ricky P. Garcia

He had just the right mix of fun and professionalism

2009-07-14T16:04:00.000+02:00

I remember the first time I “saw” Lucas; it was 1am in the morning in Australia as part of the global Exchange video conference he ran. Even at that time in the morning I knew I would enjoy working with him- he had just the right mix of fun and professionalism. The team went on to be a very successful pathfinder into centralised global support. We had some fairly stressful times- what with the “I love you virus’ etc, but thanks to Lucas we got through it technically, but most importantly also with a smile on our faces.

Matthew Hawkins
Desktop Manager East Zone

The glue in the team was Lucas

2009-07-14T15:54:00.001+02:00

Lucas was my first boss in Shell, I joined his team in London when he was managing the Global Exchange team. The team was full of very different personalities who more often than not disagreed strongly about pretty much everything. Between some it was particularly evident, fights in the bar after work were not uncommon. But from day to day, they continued to deliver. Whatever their differences, it seemed that when it really mattered, they pulled together and got the job done. It only took a little while for me to realize that the glue in the team was Lucas, and that it was his personality and style that managed to always draw the best professionally from these people. It was his leadership that held that team together and I learnt a lot from watching him.

When Lucas moved to Malaysia, I was fortunate enough to continue to work with him on projects occasionally and in every dealing with him, I learnt more and more what it is to be a leader. He seemed to do it effortlessly.

I had a brief glimpse into his personal life when he kindly invited me to visit his house and meet his family. My memory was of kind, happy and loving people. Lucas clearly was a great father and husband, and not just a great boss.

I was really shocked when I heard the news that he’s gone. Throughout our lives, we meet many people, but Lucas was a special man – I feel privileged to have known him.

Simon Whitaker
The Shell Company of Australia Limited

IOS = Improve Our Service ...

2009-07-14T11:29:00.002+02:00

I always remember he told me every day he drive to work he always thinking 1 thing… IOS = improve our service

He was not only a true leader but brother and friend as well.

My last email to Lucas ....

Dear Lucas,

It is the mix feeling when I first know you are going to move. I don’t know where should I start but there is one thing I want to say…….. THANK YOU

1. THANK YOU for bring me into the Shell Organization

2. THANK YOU for became my line manager which I learnt so much things either direct or indirectly

3. THANK YOU for teaching me to be always precise

4. THANK YOU for teaching me to be always smile and patient

5. THANK YOU for developing me to be what I am today.

Last but not least, you will always be in my memory as one of my best manager.

Regards

Mazlan Mohammad
EUC WorkSpace BackOffice Team B Shift Lead

The loss of as good friend

2009-07-14T11:12:00.002+02:00

_{I was fortunate enough to work alongside Lucas for close to five years. He was my mentor when I first moved to Cyberjaya. Three of us - Lucas, Francis Koh and myself built up a strong working relationship and became good friends (nicknamed 'The Three Amigos'), which helped to relieve some of the everyday stress of dealing with the services we managed. In all things and at all times Lucas was cool, calm and collected. When others panicked he would bring calm and reason to the table. A great listener, advisor and confidant, both in and out of the workplace, it was my privilege to have worked alongside him as a colleague and known him as a friend. One of a kind, he will be sorely missed.}

...the one we all turn to....

2009-07-14T09:28:00.003+02:00

Having had the chance of working under Lucas especially whilst he helmed the Messaging team, I've learnt so much, perhaps without even him realising. I had tremendous respect for him. Cool, calm and collected, Lucas is going to be a hard act to follow... always humble, cheerful, friendly, helpful and had truly genuine concern for his staff/colleagues.. No surprise why so many were affected by this news.. Still hard to believe news of his passing... Farewell Lucas...

He always used to interact with the team

2009-07-14T07:34:00.000+02:00

Was placed into shell account from wipro, almost worked close to 3 years in BAR project, although never had any oppurtunity to work with him but always used to wish him and noticed that he had a gentle smile and was calm in his approach.He always used to interact with the team on floor whenever there were situation and that is the time i used to watch him closely, he was a true leader. I wish god give his family members to withstand this difficult stages.

Maheshbabu

.. was a guy with Charm

2009-07-14T07:33:00.002+02:00

Did'nt have an opporunity to work with him.. The 3 years when I was in Cyberjaya.. met him in the lift numerous times and shared a smile and then left.. was a guy with Charm ... I have heard that he was a wonderfull human being and a great leader... May lord give his family all the strength to pass through this difficult time...

Sujith

footprints that's left in our hearts

2009-07-14T07:33:00.001+02:00

It's the small things that counts.... footprints that's left in our hearts.

The news came so suddenly and I still can't believe that Lucas is no longer with us. It was more than 3 years since I last met him but his footprints will always remain in our hearts.

Chew Khong Meng

the best experience in my life

2009-07-14T07:32:00.001+02:00

This is unbelievable that you left us in a sudden. I really miss your leadership; on and off work. Working with you for 5 years (2003-2007) was the best experience in my life.

RIP, Lucas
Andy Goh

He's been a great leader

2009-07-14T07:30:00.000+02:00

He's been a great leader and always has a personal touch.

My last memory of him was of the farewell last week where he took the time to shake people's hands and say thank you before he left. That's how great a person he is.

R.I.P., Lucas

Alex Lee

Lucas's personnel signature...

2009-07-14T07:28:00.000+02:00

Lucas's personnel signature... calm and soft approach of all kind. Will really miss him a lot.

David Khaw

my boss for 3 years

2009-07-14T07:27:00.000+02:00

Lucas was my boss for 3 years. One thing which I can never miss , it's his smile. No matter how tough the going gets, you can rest assure that you will always be greeted with a smile.

Lucas, I cant believe that you are not with us anymore. We will miss you.

Vincent Ong

2009-07-14T07:25:00.002+02:00

He will continue to live amongst us.

Robert Heng

2009-07-14T07:24:00.001+02:00

Lucas ,

The always smiling gentleman ....the down to earth kind ...the manager that everyone would love to work with ...we will miss you..RIP

Veera
WSFO

He's almost like a Saint to me ...

2009-07-14T07:21:00.001+02:00

I didn't get the chance to work under Lucas Mentink, only had the chance to work with him in some of the Situations and MPR previously.
But he left a great impact in my life, he's almost like a Saint to me - being able to keep his cool under tremendous pressure, to touch individuals with his gentle love and care, to carry his smile and joy in his heart wherever he goes. He once said to me, "Listen when someone gives you feedback, don't attempt to respond immediately, receive it with gratitude and bring it back to reflect."

He's such a gentle, kind and caring soul. I'm honored to live and know him as a friend. Rest In Peace, my friend.

Best Regards,
Emily Chia-Ling
Team Lead Global Incident, Problem & Change Coordination GF IT BAM SAP Delivery

... always made the time to listen to my views and concerns

2009-07-14T06:00:00.000+02:00

“I’m not a man of many words, so these brief words that I’ve penned sum up my feelings. Lucas was probably the best boss I’ve had and always made the time to listen to my views and concerns. He was pragmatic in the way he did his work and assertive if needed. But most of all he was always cheerful even in the most stressful of situations which always brought out his best. I’m honoured to have worked with Lucas for the last 13 months. He was a great boss and a kind friend.”

Regards,

Charanpal Singh

EUC Front Office Operations Manager - Shell Account

charanpal.m.singh@shell.com

Don't worry about the storms in a tea-cup ...

2009-07-14T05:57:00.000+02:00

Lucas once shared with me, "don't worry about the storms in a tea-cup" and I'll always remember Lucas for this simple yet effective tip that helped me reduce my stress levels. RIP Lucas.

Chew Lee

EDS Shell account, Workspace Supplier Management

Lee.Chew@shell.com

It is the small things that counts .....

2009-07-13T17:53:00.002+02:00

Lucas's last email sentence to me was ... Sometimes it is the small things that counts ....

Please share ...

2009-07-13T02:38:00.003+02:00

Please share any kind or happy memory of Lucas that you may have and bless the family ...