WOR Willem

Dirk Jansen van Vuuren (Dead Men Riding)

Passed on 22 July 2007

It is with great sadness to inform the biking community of the loss of Dead Men Riding's Sergeant of Arms, Dirk Jansen van Vuuren (The Gladiator). Dirk passed away after a serious bike accident. Dead Men Riding has not just lost a true and great friend, but a brother in spirit as well.

To Tommie, Burnadette, the kids, family and to the rest of Dead Men Riding - Dirk is with our Father in heaven! We will all meet with him one day and rejoice with him! Praising our Father and dancing in the streets of gold!

But for now when we are experiencing pain due to the loss, remember that our hope is in our Father in heaven, who gives and who takes away. Blessed be the name of our Lord! His mercy and His grace endures forever!

Dead Men will live forever!

Johan van Eck

President South Africa

Dead Men Riding

Our deepest sympathy with the passing of a wonderful brother and friend. We are extremely saddened that we lost someone like Dirkie. He was always there in a time of need to help. He was a friendly person that showed respect to everyone. He really had a heart of gold. We are going to miss him so much but he will always be in our hearts! Not Well’s

I wish to pass on my condolences for the loss of your Sergeant at Arms- Dirk. While it saddens me to lose a brother to this world, I know there is rejoicing as he is welcomed home.

Take care and God bless all of you.

Major Pain

Soldiers for Jesus Motorcycle Club - Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter (Texas, USA)

Vice President

SFFS

Johan, Dale, brothers and sisters of Dead Men and the van Vuuren family. Our hearts stand as one with your grief, knowing that words will never adequately sum up the feelings that rage inside between our loss and his joy.
We hold fast to the fact that Dirk is doing the jive alongside Brian and our other fellow warriors who have gone to glory before us.

2 Co 5:5 Now He Who has fashioned us [preparing and making us fit] for this very thing is God, Who also has given us the [Holy] Spirit as a guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise].

2 Co 5:6 So then, we are always full of good and hopeful and confident courage; we know that while we are at home in the body, we are abroad from the home with the Lord [that is promised us].

2 Co 5:7 For we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus we walk] not by sight or appearance.

2 Co 5:8 [Yes] we have confident and hopeful courage and are pleased rather to be away from home out of the body and be at home with the Lord.

God strengthen you through this time.
Love and respect - Shaun.
Soldiers for Jesus Jo'burg.
SFFS.

Our Brothers and Sisters in Dead Men Riding, we so feel your loss of Dirk and understand the grieving that takes place when a brother steps out of this world. Just know our love and prayers are with you all at this time.
Love and Respect
Eugene
Soldiers For Jesus m.c.

Ravens send their sincerest condolences to Dead Men Riding, and the family and friends of Dirk Jansen Van Vuuren. These times are always hard to understand but we must be thankful for the gift that we had for the short time we had it.

Sincere condolences on the loss of a fellow member. It is never easy and I am sure that the void left in the formation will be sorely missed, however I have no doubt that he is presently riding high in the big sky, looking down upon us and helping prepare the paved road for others. God may be the almighty, yet sometimes he calls upon us in ways and manners that we do not understand. Amicitias wishes you and your club (and families) the strength and salvation to mend this tragic loss and carry on rising up in strength. Kind regards, Mike Cliff, Amicitias

We know we can not take away your pain and sorrow but we wish and pray more than anything that we could. From all the members of The Syndicate

My innige simpatie aan jou en almal wat saam met hom gewerk het. Ek sal ook vir Tommie bel. Hy was werklik so 'n gawe mens wat net respek en vriendelikheid aan my betoon het.
Laat ons weet van begrafnisreelings asseblief. Ek sal graag 'n laaste eer wou betoon aan hom en sy familie. Groete, Wiida Pelser

Rene en Johan van Eck, Ons bid julle sterkte toe met die afsterwe van julle maat, vriend en werknemer. Mag die Here vir julle vertroos in hierdie hartseer tyd. Dra dit ook oor aan sy familie. As daar enige iets is waarmee ons kan help, vra net. Sterkte, Leonel, Suzelle en Kinders de Lima

My name is John and I am VP for the West Houston Chapter of Soldiers for Jesus Motorcycle Club. I was reading a note from Eugene today and learned that your Sergeant at Arms, Dirk van Vuuren, was in a Motorcycle accident and killed. As a brother in Christ please know that the West Houston chapter of SFJ MC is lifting up Dead Men Riding MC and Dirk’s Wife and family. That God will draw you and Dirk’s family close and comfort all in this time of need. I am also praying for the meeting that ya’ll had and hope that it helps with accidents and injury/deaths in the motorcycle community. We struggle with the same issue over here. I am getting tired of burying my brothers for someone’s right to drive stupid. In the Name of Christ….

John Bridgeman

West Houston Soldiers for Jesus MC

Vice President

With Sincere Sympathy and many prayers to the family & friends and club members of Dirk (Gladiator) from Dead Men Riding. Sometimes things happen that just don't seem fair, and that are hard to understand. The loss of Dirk is difficult to bear but the sorrow that you feel is a sorrow that we all share. Just know that God will give you His help, His Strength, and His Hope during this time of Sorrow. Dirk (Gladiator) was a friend and brother to all off us he will be missed, Till we meet again. RBA WOLFS

More, ek is baie geskok want Dirk het jare saam met my gewerk in P.E. Ons meegevoel met die familie en almal in P.E. wat hom geken het, sal hom mis. Groete, Koos Nieuwoud.

Hi Johan, sorry to hear about your friend. I pray that God will stand by you and your other friends during this time as well as comfort you only as He can. Pierre

I was really sorry to hear about Dirk yesterday evening. Thank you also for this moving message. Stay strong! Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Regards, Sim Tshabalala

Johan, I am deeply saddened this morning by this loss for all who knew Dirk. You have encapsulated exactly the type of person he was and he will be sadly missed by all. My thoughts are with Tommy and his family as well as you and your team who are a family on their own. Love, Sonja Power

Ek en Michael is verskriklik geskok om die nuus te hoor oor Dirk - ons harte is baie baie seer. Ons innige simpatie vir Tommie en sy familie en vir Dirk se familie. Hoe moeilik dit ookal nou mag wees, ons moet Op Kyk en gelowig wees , God weet wat Hy doen! Laat ons asb weet as daar enigiets is waarmee ons mee kan help! Lief vier julle almal! Marty & Michael

"He heals the broken of heart and bind their wounds" - Psalm 147:3. Sorry about your loss, we are praying for you. Reg and Marietjie Solomon

Please convey our deepest condolences to all! Very shocking and sad news. We are so sorry to hear. Kind regards, Karen Rowberry & Simon Ridley

It is sad to hear about the friend below. And the lost to his family. May God be with them. Regards, Dennis Schutze

Ons innige simpatie met die familie en vriende van Dirk (Dead Men Riding) wat Sondag oorlede is. Wees sterk en vertrou op die Here op die pad vorentoe. Oorwinnaars Motorfiets Bediening.

This is terrible news , he will certainly be missed. You knew him better than most of us and I am sure this must be very difficult for you to accept. I know that you will be granted Strength in order to provide support to his family during this time. Please , if you see Tommie , relay my sincere condolences with their tragic loss. Best regards and we will pray for you and Dirk's family. Anton Conradie

Tommie, Jacques and Johan, Our deepest sympathy to you all on this very sad and tragic loss. May God comfort and guide you during this sad time. Lucy and Jorge Pereira

What tragic news. I am so sorry to hear about our loss. We will sadly miss his shy smile... Please pass my condolences on to Tommie and the family - my thoughts and prayers will be with them. Kind regards, Sue Riley

Sorry to hear about this very unfortunate incident that took place yesterday. Maybe that is why he was called out of this live yesterday.... to serve a higher purpose for GOD if you take into consideration the special and true qualities of Dirk.

You could not have described Dirk any better Johan. I would like to add that I came to recognize another quality that stood out when ever I had the opportunity and honor to be in the presence of Dirk and that was that he respected people regardless. Dirk will be sadly missed by family, friends and loved ones but in the same breath I want to say this small prayer to Dirk.

Dirk, go make GOD proud for He hath called you for a very special reason and a higher purpose. Your time is now. Thank you for leaving us this wonderful example friend. We will meet one day. God's speed.

Eugene Visser

Johan & family of Dirk (DMR) we would like to pass our sincerest apologies for the loss of you club member, may God ease all your heartache & carry you through this time of need! Neville Night Shayde

Don't tiptoe, my friend, mark the world on your way. Make every step count, make footprints each day. Don't whisper, my friend, shout out your mind - with words that inspire all of mankind. Don't touch lightly, my friend, embrace those near. Hug them & crush them; let them know they are dear, make each dream and idea a fountain of fun, touch the sky & the sea & feel the sun!

Dear Johan, Please accept our condolences on the loss of Dirk. We are going to miss him. Please also convey our condolances to his family. We feel with you. Regards, Gert Geyser, Old Farts Motorcycle Club

Dear Johan, I am very sorry to hear about Dirk. I only found out about it this morning when I got your mail. Please convey our condolences to his family and friends. They are in our thoughts and prayers. Kind regards, Rika Albarn, Phantom Riders East Rand

We wish to extend our sincere condolences to Dead Men Riding, family and friends with the passing away of Dirk. From Sabres West Rand

The Naked Men would like to send our most heartfelt and sincerest condolences to Dead Men Riding and the family of Dirk. May you be surrounded with love and comfort to help you get through this time.

Hi Johan, Ons wil net ons inige meegevoel vir Dirkie se familie en vriende stuur. Dit was vir ons 'n skok om te hoor gister middag, jy weet ons ken hom al vir baie jare. Hippo & Louise, Overlords

To Dirk's Family, Johan and all Dead Men Riding, Praise and Glory to God, we thank the Father for Dirk. Our sincere condolences to his family. Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Forever and Ever. Ralph South Side Riders

Johan and all members of DMR, family and friends, our deepest and sincerest condolences at the loss of Dirk. We feel your pain at this time and we pray that our loving Father will ease your burden and give you comfort. Chris and Wendy, Knights for Christ

Hi Johan, Blessings, Love and Grace in abundance to you and the Dead Men team and families. Frans van Staden

On behalf of all the Musketeers please pass on our deepest and sincere condolences to the Gladiator's family and friends. Our thoughts are with you in these difficult and trying times. Regards, Nic Pretorius, Musketeers

To Dead Men Riding - it is with great shock and sadness that we hear about the loss of Dirk. We wish his family all our sympathy and support. We will all be together one day to share stories. Until then – “Everybody dies – But Not everybody Lives”, Dirk is one that lived. God bless. Tiny, The Kin MCC

Please convey our deepest sympathy and condolences to the friends, family and fellow club members of Dead Men Riding with the loss of Dirk (The Gladiator). You are in our hearts and prayers during this trying time. In these times we have to remember that God will not take away anyone we love if He does not have a bigger plan for them. DRACONIANS MCC

Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family, club members and friends on the loss of Dirk Jansen van Vuuren (The Gladiator) of Dead Men Riding. Sparrows Mcc, Westrand

Hi Johan, Dit is tragiese nuus om te hoor van Dirk. My innige simpatie vir jou en sy familie en al jou klub lede. Mag die Here saam met julle wees in die tyd van lyding en my gebede is met julle. Chappies (The Naked Men)

Hi Johan, We are really sorry to hear about Dirk. He had a soft spot in our hearts, and will always be thought of with warmth and love. Condolences to Dirk’s family -all of you. Kind regards, Lindsey and the girls. The Kin

Our sincere condolences to Dead Men Riding, and the family and friends of Dirk. He was such a lively person and absolutely lived out his dream. We know that his place is empty now and that it is a difficult time, but we pray that the Lord will be your comforter and guide you through this time. Messiahs Disciples

The Ghost Riders Westrand would hereby like to pass our condolences to the Family and Club of Dirk Jansen Van Vuuren on the loss of their loved one. May God be with you all through these sad times. Jacques, President Wes Rand

Net graag vir julle se asook die famielie van Dirk, ons dink aan julle in die swaar tyd. Julle is in ons gebede, Dirk rus nou by ons Hemelse Vader en sal altyd in ons harte onthou word as een van ons broers - rus in vrede Dirk. Sir Peter, Stingers MCC

It is indeed a shock to learn about the death of Dirk Jansen Van Vuuren (The Gladiator). Please pass our condolences to the family and friends. Chosen Ones

Our sincere condolences go to the family, friends and fellow club members of DEAD MEN RIDING with the passing of DIRK. May God be with you during this sad time. Mustang MCC

Ons wil net graag ons innige meegevoel deel met Dirk se vriende en familie. Wees verseker - Dirk is in die Here se hande en sy LIGGIE sal altyd skyn. West Side MCC, Piet Ponytail en members

Baie baie jammer om te hoor van julle verlies. Sterkte aan vriende en familie van Dirk. Trudi Carr, Bikeline

Our sincerest condolences and well wishes to Dead Men Riding with the loss of Dirk. You are in our prayers. Willy and the rest of The Rejected

Iron Maiden West Rand wish to extend their sincere condolences to Dirk, his family and friends and Dead Men Riding on the loss of yet another biker.

Hi Johan, Please will you extend my condolences to Dirks family. We only met twice, but he was often spoken about. He was a true character. The world is a poorer place with his passing. God bless, Rex Tomlinson

Our sincere condolences goes to the family, friends and fellow club members with the passing of Dirk. Dragons SA

Please accept our sincere condolences upon your loss of Dirk. I know this is a tough time for you guys. Remember, God is awesome and will heal the wounds of sorrow. Hang in there! Kind regards, Frans (StJ) and the rest of the RevOut gang

Our sincerest condolences to all the families, friends and brothers that have lost a loved-one, friend or club members in past month. It is always with regret that one has to learn about one of our "family members" that has lost his or her life, no matter what the reason.
May our Lord's grace bring their friends and families peace and comfort in their darkest hours.
Regards & Respect
Chosen Brothers MC

So so sorry to hear about Dirk. Please pass on my condolences to his family, Tommy and your club. It is very hard to say the right thing in times like this, but one has to believe that there is a master plan and it was Dirks time regards Kevin Rosen (PKoppe)

Johan and all members of Dead Men Riding, Our sincere condolences on your sad loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. Sue and Albert

Dis met n seer hart dat ek jou boodskap Maandag gelees het. Waar vind mens tog woorde? Soos die Engelse sal se, n ‘gentle giant’, wat altyd tog so sweet met ons was. Ons bid vir julle almal, in besonder vir ons grootmaak kind/man Tommie. He ain’t heavy he’s my brother. Julle sal more n opdraand pad loop, ons gebede is met julle almal. Met innige groete, Hansie

Dear Dead Men Riding, our deepest condolences with the loss of a good friend and family member. We wish you well with the difficult time lying ahead. May God be with you during this time. Assassins MCC

We are very sorry to hear about the loss of Dirk. Words can not describe this but we wish you all well. Predators MCC

Please send our heartfelt and sincerest condolences to family and friends of Dirk also to all at Dead Men Riding. You are now at home, God bless from all at Hot As Hell MC

Please send our well wishes and prayers to the family and Friends of Dirk (The Gladiator from Dead Men Riding); his passing is indeed very sad news - Gun Barrel Gypsies

Dit is altyd tragies om te hoor dat 'n "BIKER" verongeluk het. Ons harte is saam met julle en ons bid vir julle en die familie. Stuur dit asb aan vir hulle. Sterkte verder en "Keep up the good work". Pastoor Tinus Marais, From The Heart Church Ministries S.A.
Lewende Water Familie Kerk

Hallo Johan, Al ken ek jou nie, wil ek ook ook op hierdie wyse meegevoel betuig met die dood van Dirk, een van Theuni (my vriendin) se vriende en kollegas. Dit is ‘n groot verlies vir haar en daarom raak dit my ook. Baie sterkte met more se begrafnis! Groete, Chrisna van Rensburg

To Bernadette, Tommie, kids, family, Johan and the rest of Dead Men Riding.

The Not Well’s wish to give our deepest and sincere condolences to you all for such a tragic loss of such a wonderful friend and brother. Dirk was such a kind and full of life person and he had a heart of gold. We are going to miss him tremendously and he will always be in our heart. May God give you the strength to go thru this difficult and sad time.