The PTT Division was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Aart Kruimer on Christmas Day. A time of happiness, sharing and community dissipated for his family and friends as they have come to terms with their loss. Aart suffered heart failure and was found sitting on his couch.

Aart is widely known and loved as chief classifier, lecturer and trainer of many classifiers in table tennis as well as a member of the PTT Division from 1996 to 2009. He was a caring doctor as well as classifier working not only in the Netherlands and Africa as a doctor but also as a classifier with athletics and table tennis with a speciality in cerebral palsy. He was a philosopher sharing his thoughts and musings with everyone which often helped to put difficult issues and decisions in to perspective. He initiated what has become known as the “classifier’s uniform” of sandals in summer and sandals with socks in winter. He is rightly credited with leading the team which has modernised the table tennis classification system and created various innovations leading the changes to the standing classes and sitting classes and introducing nanism as a recognised disability into the classification system in early 2006 so expanding opportunities for more players to participate in PTT events.

Aart’s steadying and analytical influence on the classification system will be sorely missed. His friendship and care will be sorely missed. The condolences of the PTT Division go to his family and friends.

For those who are interested, please contact Gerdie Kruimer g_kruimer@hotmail.com about the funeral which will take place on 2 January 2014 in Huizen.