It is with great sadness that the death of Rene DANIËLS is announced. On the 28th December 2018 the world of table tennis has lost a colorfull and important person. “Mister Heerlen” Rene DANIËLS has passed away. He was only 50 years old.
Six months ago René was diagnosted with the cancer and he died in the year when he has became a father for the very first time.
René did everything he could for table tennis in general and for his club TTC Lybrae Heerlen in particular. As team manager he was responsible for the success of the women’s team of TTC Lybrae Heerlen. The Champions Leauge has won twice and the ETTU Cup once.
After years of absence TTC Lybrae Heerlen played on the European stage again thanks to René’s efforts. He was present when the toss had to be made to decide on the winner of the match TTC Lybrae Heerlen-Fenerbace. The fortune was in favour of TTC Lybrae Heerlen. It was a big pleasure to René who was at that moment already fatally ill. TTC Lybrae Heerlen proceeded to the next round but that was the final station for the club. For René this was his final performance. Only a short period after this he was informed that there was no more possibility for recovery and he has then too bizarre to imagine organised his own farewell.
René was also the founder of the “Limburgs tafeltennisplan” a project that makes sure that table tennis stays in the focus of the government of the province of Limburg.
He leaves a big hole in the world of table tennis but has built a firm foundation which all table tennis lovers can and must use to develop our sport.
At this moment however his family friends and members of TTC Lybrae Heerlen are mourning gravely for the passing away of René DANIËLS.