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19-11-2010
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In Memoriam: Roel van Dalen (1948-2010)

Submitter: Jan Noordam
Description: Roel started at SRZM at 16, in 1965. Originally as a mechanical technician, but after a car accident he retrained as technical draughtsman. Over an ASTRON career that spanned more than 45 years, he managed to grow along with all the new developments of his trade, including the use of 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs.

Over the years, he has contributed to a wide range of highly acclaimed ASTRON projects, for radio and optical telescopes, on the ground and in Space. His particular strength was in guarding the solid framework of procedures and documentation without which even the most brilliantly conceived instrument cannot be actually delivered and maintained. Very importantly, he managed to do this firmly but gently, with indestructible good humour.

In his private life he was a devoted family man, and a passionate member of the volunteer fire brigade. Not only did he rise to Commander of the Dwingeloo force, but he also became an instructor (and even an examiner of instructors) for the training of young personnel in the north of the Netherlands. It was only logical that he also played an important role in the Emergency Team of ASTRON.

He accepted his short illness with characteristic fortitude, making the best of the little time he knew he still had. Our thoughts are with his wife Tineke and his two sons, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren.
Copyright: ASTRON
 
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