RIP RUDI.... you are by far the kindest person I have ever known!

It has been just a few hours since I received the shocking news of the death of my best friend Rudi.

It is difficult to put into words what I am feeling at the moment, but I will try anyway and write these lines with tears in my eyes.

Rudi had been my friend for decades, despite the distance that had separated us for 18 years. On the contrary, this friendship had only grown stronger during that time.

Rudi was so much more than just my best friend; he was family to me. He was someone who was always there when you needed help and support, even when you never asked for it. I'm proud to call myself a friend of such a lovely person.

Rudi, with his lovable nature, will live on in many of us as a beautiful memory, and everyone who liked him—and that was probably everyone—will be happy to have met such a valuable person.

And so Rudi will be immortal and live on in the memories of so many people.

I myself will miss his annual visits to Odin, wherever he went on Earth. I already miss the conversations, the shared laughter…you! Thank you, Rudi, for everything!

I wish his dear wife Anni and his son Alexander much strength to cope with this situation and the immense grief.