M. Lonneville

Michaël was fourteen years old when he started going to the Abdijschool of Zevenkerken. A school with Duc in Altum as their slogan. Set sail for the high seas, lead us to the deep. Rarely have I, first as a teacher then as a director, seen a student personifying this slogan as Michaël did.

Michaël loved the deep, the full, the true, the clear line.

Not reproducing but curiously discover in class, being confronted with ideas, to know. Ninety-five percent of truth was not enough, that did not satisfy him, he went for the one hundred percent truth. Sometimes awaiting, with his unforgettable smile and sparkling eyes but with the incredible ability to bring the ultimate synthesis in three flawless movements.

Bringing together.

Michaël also brought people together, the conciliator, the mediator.

Deep friendship, truth, clear line, no nonsense.

Also during his fight and because of his fight he continued to bring people together and to inspire them. Even when he needed all his strength for himself, he kept on giving to others: his family, his friends.

He really wanted to keep doing well at school.

He kept thinking. Sometimes he called, saying "Do you really think this is a good decision?". That way we knew we could do better.

That the student became a teacher. A course in life.

Michaël. Duc in Altum. You are now heading out to sea, to the full and the high. We stay behind for now; not with empty hands but grateful for what you gave us.

M. Lonneville, Director of Abdijschool of Zevenkerken, 23th of February 2001