While this book project was underway, the cold hands of death snatched Professor Koen de Feyter in a sudden and unexpected manner. He was the first to submit his chapter contribution to the book, having taken research leave (retreat) in May/June 2024 at the University of Palermo in Italy purposely to write the chapter. He had encouraged some of the authors in this collection to equally contribute a chapter. His dedication and contribution in advancing the right to development is immense and immeasurable. He passed on, on 20 September 2024. He was an exceptional personality and will be greatly missed.
“I am Not Ready”
I am not ready. That is the first thought that entered my mind as I was rushing to the train station to get to Antwerp’s Law Faculty on Friday, 20 September. I am not ready for a faculty without Koen, for a research group without Koen, not ready to continue our projects without Koen. When we were on a study trip together, he told me about his daughter. The conversation was about independence and approval. Koen could give both simultaneously. He could differ respectfully. He could explain his views without judging others for theirs.
He could act as if I were ready, and by acting make it so.
When he asked me to take over the coordination of the Master of Laws programme (LLM), I said I was not ready. Several of us tried tirelessly to convince him to continue, but he thought we were ready. When he planned a study trip to Palestine, I was not ready. I was not ready to reform the LLM programme he masterminded. Yet, when he asked about it (as incoming Dean), it was only out of curiosity and not out of a sense of controlling.
So was Koen ready? I don’t know.
He was in the middle of planning: projects with Birzeit University on the Palestinian West Bank, with partners in Bolivia, and with the Law and Development Research Network. His world will never shrink. He was in the middle of running staff matters and solving challenges related to increased student numbers. He was going to open the academic year in three days’ time. He will never close his academic tasks.
Koen listened and learned.
He will never tire of listening, he will never be too old to learn. He was interested in people. He will never lose his fascination. Koen took time for tasks and people, but he will never become bored for having too much time. He looked and analysed. He will never lose his vision. He was patient, but will never become a patient. Koen was serious and rigorous, but he will never become cynical. He was generous. He will never have to stop giving and sharing. He was socially engaged. He will never become worn out. Koen was a loyal colleague and a wise and empowering mentor. He will never become powerless.
Are we ready? No, I am not.
But something deep inside me hears Koen saying that we are ready and that we will be able to carry on our common work.
Professor Dr. Thalia Kruger
Faculty of Law, University of Antwerp