Frits van SCHEEPEN

Passed away 11/1/2023 at Geelong Hospital.
Aged 81

Much loved and loving husband of Maureen for 58 years

Much loved and adored father of Kirsa and respected friend of Donald

Loved and adored brother of Yvonne and Sonja (dec.)

Adored Grandpa of Lachlan, Jacinta and Bradleigh

Loved Uncle of Ivar, Cynthia and husband Vasco, Charlotte and husband Ib

Great Uncle of Tiaro, Lavinia, Izaly, Loek, Yfke, Warre, Mieke and Kees and Aaron

Frits was a good friend to many.
A highly intelligent and sensitive soul with a whimsical sense of humour who will be forever missed by all who knew him.
You have left us but you will never be forgotten.
A private cremation will be held to honour Frit’s wishes.

Funeral Notice

Service

Tributes

  1. My darling Frits, thank you for every day of the 58 years I was lucky and proud to be your wife. We proved that love at first sight happens and continues to grow.
    Although you can no longer be by my side, you will always be with me in my heart.
    Goodbye my kind, gentle, funny loving husband. You were the very best a man can be
    Maureen

    Maureen van Scheepen January 20, 2023
  2. My wife and I first met Frits many years ago when he and Maureen were still living in Melbourne. I had contacted my cousin Maureen when I discovered her during my genealogy research. We had arranged to travel to Australia (from the United States) and visit them. Both Maureen and Frits graciously welcomed us into their home where we stayed for about two weeks. Frits served as our chauffeur and tour guide taking us for walks in the Victorian hills and forests.
    I remember Frits had learned Esperanto as a child or young man and started writing a “blog” in Esperanto.
    We will miss him. Our heartfelt sympathy to Maureen, Kirsa and the vanScheepen grand-children

    (cousin) Donald and Elaine Roddy January 20, 2023
  3. Ruim tien jaar geleden begonnen Frits en ik tegen elkaar te schaken via de internet-vereniging Online Schaken. Frits had als schuilnaam “Noordzee” ik “Jordaan”. Begreep al snel dat hij afkomstig was uit Nederland. Dat gaf een band.
    Naast het schaken gingen we al snel met elkaar corresponderen. In het Nederlands. Frits vertelde over zijn leven in Australië, ik hield hem op de hoogte over Nederland. We hebben vele honderden mails gewisseld.
    Er is een spreekwoord: “Een goede buur is beter dan een verre vriend”. Frits heeft bewezen dat dit ook omgekeerd kan zijn. Ik mis onze schaakpartijen, maar vooral onze altijd aangename correspondentie.
    Ik wens Maureen, Kirsa en andere familieleden het allerbeste en troost bij de herinneringen aan een bijzonder mens.

    TRANSLATION: More than ten years ago, Frits and I started playing chess against each other through the internet association Online Chess. Frits had the pseudonym “North Sea” and “Jordaan”. Quickly understood that he was from the Netherlands. That gave a bond.
    Besides playing chess, we soon started corresponding with each other. In Dutch. Frits told about his life in Australia, I kept him informed about the Netherlands. We have exchanged hundreds of emails.
    There is a saying: “A good neighbor is better than a distant friend”. Frits has proven that this can also be the other way around. I miss our chess games, but especially our always pleasant correspondence.
    I wish Maureen, Kirsa and other family members all the best and comfort in the memories of a special person.

    Jan uit Amsterdam Nederland January 17, 2023
  4. Gecondoleerd met dit verlies voor de hele familie. Hoop dat de goede herinneringen aan hem jullie kracht geven.
    Gemma en Armando, ouders van Vasco

    TRANSLATION:Condolences on this loss to the entire family. Hope the good memories of him give you strength.
    Gemma and Armando, parents of Vasco

    Gemma en Armando Martins January 17, 2023
  5. I am grateful to have received the acceptance and respect of Frits from our first meeting. This friendship allowed me to appreciate his intellect and compassion for others. His concern for economic sustainability, the environment and the planet.
    Frits had an enquiring and investigative mind that enabled him to self-educate, involve and encourage others in his research. Frits is a loyal friend that will be sadly missed by family and friends. I will remember Frits with love and respect. Donald McDonald

    Don McDonald January 17, 2023
  6. Even if we were not granted a very long time to get to know each other, I am grateful for every e-mail you wrote me. I got to know and appreciate you as an impeccable sportsman and chess player.
    However, you impressed me deeply with your philanthropy, sensitive and understanding soul. I got to know and appreciate you as a person with a clear attitude and points of view.
    You were always curious and had the gift of listening before you formed your opinion.
    Thank you also for your reports about life in your new home Australia. You brought me closer to the light and dark sides of Australia in colorful stories.
    And always tries to bring about improvements within the scope of your possibilities.

    Annette was also happy to listen to your intelligent written statements and exchanged ideas with me.
    We bow to you.

    Thank you for existing.
    Rest in peace now.

    Our thoughts are also with Maureen and Kirsa.

    You are and will always be in our thoughts and hearts

    Annette and your (chess) friend Volker from Germany

    Annette & Volker January 16, 2023
  7. Deepest sympathy to Maureen, Kirsa and Donald on the sad loss of Frits.
    We had the privilege of knowing Frits since moving in as our neighbour a few short years ago. We are already missing Frits’s morning walks, his quick hello or stopping for a chat. A lovely man, always ready to listen or give valued advice when appropriate. A very knowledgeable man.
    Rest in peace good neighbour.
    Wendy & Murray Gruar
    Greatest of memories for your loved family.

    Wendy and Murray Gruar January 16, 2023
  8. Our first meeting with Fritz was when Maureen brought this young handsome Dutch serviceman to Kent following a holiday in Majorca. The family was impressed. They settled in Kent but some 50 years ago the VSs were lost to Perth. Australia’s good fortune. We stayed in touch and shared the good and less happy times originally by snail mail. Frits was clearly such a great guy and a privaledge to have known him either as friend or family. Carole (Cousin) Rob and family.

    Robert Rand January 16, 2023
  9. Thinking of you and family wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember a loving father and husband who was so close to you, may he rest in peace. ✝️♥️💐

    Adriana Pisciotta January 16, 2023
  10. Deepest sympathies to you, Don and your mum Kirsa. Your message to your dad was beautiful. Much love. Gerard Finnigan.

    Gerard Finnigan January 16, 2023
  11. Rest in peace among the stars that you loved my dearest loving friend .When we look up and see the brightest star in Heaven , I know you are there watching over all of us that you love hear on this earth..Thank you for our long friendship and all the chats we had all these years. Teaching me Chess and helping with computer issues and just always being with me all these years. I will never forget you dear Frits.Verde waits.

    Ruth Ames January 16, 2023
  12. It has been a privilege to have known you Frits. I will miss our lively chats about life, love and living. We probably didn’t solve all the worlds problems but we gave it a red hot go.
    Travel well my friend, you will be missed around the table. ❤️

    Suzanne January 15, 2023
  13. Dear Dad, I know you wanted to stay with us but the universe had other plans for you.
    You installed in me a strong sense of social justice and a love of the natural world. I am sure my love of Astronomy started when you showed me the where the planets and constellations were as a young girl. I’ll be forever looking up in that night sky thinking of you. Love you and miss you. I will take care of Mum. Your loving daughter Kirsa

    Kirsa van Scheepen January 15, 2023
  14. My deepest sympathy to Maureen,Kirsa and Donald on the passing of Frits. It was a pleasure to have known Frits, a lovely man with a wonderful sense of humour

    Robyn Polkinghorne January 15, 2023