Rip Auke Koopmans

[DavidFL]

News received yesterday is that Auke Koopmans has passed away.

He was extremely well known in the region for his GPS maps & general touring knowledge of Thailand & Laos.

Auke was the one who got me into GPS mapping in 2004; and we once had an extremely good personal friendship & working arrangement.

It appears as if he was found unconscious in his parked car on the Mekong road between Chiang Khan & Nong Khai. He was taken to Nong Khai hospital & died not long after. He went peacefully & doing what he loved, driving his car, and mapping by the Mekong - his passion.

Always a gentleman & a compassionate man, Auke helped many riders & people directly. His GPS maps I am sure have helped hundreds of riders come to tour North Thailand & Laos. His absence will leave a vacuum that will be difficult to be filled, such was his contribution to the community. Auke will be deeply missed by many.

My condolences to Auke's family & close friends.

RIP Auke.

 

[DavidFL]

Auke's Funeral Notice

Dear Family and Friends,

As you may have already heard, my father Auke Koopmans has passed suddenly in Nong Khai whilst traveling back from Laos. He is currently back home in Chiang Mai, where a Thai ceremony will be held in honor of the country he fell in love with more than 35 years ago.

It’ll be a three-night service starting tonight (22nd) at 20:00 until the 24th of June, and Monday the 25th will be the cremation; time is yet to be confirmed. Please join us if you can at:

Wat Puak Pia
50 Thipanet Rd, Tambon Hai Ya, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Google Maps

Crematorium
Hai Ya Cemetery
Hai Ya Rd, Tambon Hai Ya, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
https://goo.gl/maps/8kVEdDhwqZL2Op

His passing was swift and of natural causes whilst doing what he loved: travel. We’re deeply saddened and miss him immensely and pray that his adventures will continue on, possibly reuniting with his soulmate, my mother, who has also recently passed.

Love,

Sietse and Family​

 

[Big_Dave]

Ride In Peace Auke.

 

[ianyonok]

Sad news. A gentleman indeed. RIP.

 

[Rod Page]

As I now live in Australia news of Auke's passing has only just reached me.

Auke was one with whom I stayed in contact after leaving SE Asia, he was like a magnet for those seeking knowledge of SE Asia, for those who appreciated genuine friendship or mateship as we Aussies call it. Educated & articulate, driven by a passion both for Thailand & Laos but also for his fellow man with whom he was only too willing to share his insightful thoughts & experiences he will be greatly missed.

I can only hope that he puts his mapping skills to use up there in the big blue to assist those like me who will need the guidance.

Miss you mate.

 

[Ian Bungy]

Very Nice post David. As I was back in New Zealand when this all happened I missed His Funeral so Condolences to Friends and Family. R.I.P Auke.

 

[Oddvar]

Aukes map 10.0 will live on forever. Because he only added tracks from riders and their tracks.
I would like the opinion of his relatives before sharing.
I sent him hundreds of tracks, ridden by a rider as he requested. Sometimes he would call me to clarify.. And if I could not answer his questions, he said he would not add it to his map.
Will miss you Auke..