He also sent me an appreciation certificate. I felt so honored that someone with so much wisdom and insight appreciated me. If only he knew how much I appreciated him.
When I met Mike Holmes in February this year, Jundee asked me to tell him hello, so I did. My parting words with Mike were "Dieter Kirshbaum says hello!" Mike smiled like I've never seen him smile before and said "I love Dieter," I nodded my head and said "I know you do. So do I!" I relayed the story back to Dieter and he was so excited to hear it. Mike meant a lot to him. He means a lot to me too.
I knew he was sick. I have a Father's Day card sitting in a drawer with his name on it. It just needed a stamp and to be mailed.
I can't believe that I will never post something on this blog again, and see one of his comments. I can't believe that I'm never going to get another email asking if Mike is still filming episodes of his show or if I had heard this piece of news or that piece of news. My deepest sympathies to Dieter's family, his wife and kids and grandkids, and to those who knew him much better than I did.
From Mike's Facebook page:
I have some sad news: Longtime fan and friend, Dieter Kirshbaum (aka Jundee) has passed away. Jundee became a fan of Holmes on Homes during the second season. Since then he's been a big help and devoted volunteer, supporting the Holmes Foundation, and was the forum moderator. In 2008 he even compiled a binder with comments from fans around the world!
Our prayers and thoughts are with Jundee and his family. We lost one of the good ones! He will be missed.
Rest in Peace Jundee...
Jundee was very proud of this photo. It meant a lot to him:
I can't believe that I will never post something on this blog again, and see one of his comments. I can't believe that I'm never going to get another email asking if Mike is still filming episodes of his show or if I had heard this piece of news or that piece of news. My deepest sympathies to Dieter's family, his wife and kids and grandkids, and to those who knew him much better than I did.
From Mike's Facebook page:
I have some sad news: Longtime fan and friend, Dieter Kirshbaum (aka Jundee) has passed away. Jundee became a fan of Holmes on Homes during the second season. Since then he's been a big help and devoted volunteer, supporting the Holmes Foundation, and was the forum moderator. In 2008 he even compiled a binder with comments from fans around the world!
Our prayers and thoughts are with Jundee and his family. We lost one of the good ones! He will be missed.
I would like to take a moment to say goodbye to Jundee(Dieter Kirshbaum), who passed away yesterday.
When I first started with Mike, Jundee was already a permanent fixture with the Holmes group. He was more than a fan, he ran and moderated Mike's fan forum for well over 5 years, completely voluntarily, he was an integral member of the team. He was a lovely dedicated man who loved Mike, the show, the crew, and everything that we stood for and were trying to do.
He attended every local home show that Mike made an appearance at. I would always see he and his wife, with a gift in hand for Mike, showing their support. He cared as much about the people on the show as the show itself.
After I left the show last year Jundee reached out to me and we began corresponding regularly. He was very supportive and encouraging, he wasn't merely a mentor and friend, he was also a father figure. It was truly an honour and a pleasure to have known him.
He had no intention of slowing down, he assured me that as soon as I had a show on the air, I would also have a fan forum. Thank you for your support, words of wisdom, input, and encouragement. I am forever grateful.
I will always remember you sitting in the front row at home shows, with your arms crossed, a big smile and a present at your feet. I'll miss you big guy.
When I first started with Mike, Jundee was already a permanent fixture with the Holmes group. He was more than a fan, he ran and moderated Mike's fan forum for well over 5 years, completely voluntarily, he was an integral member of the team. He was a lovely dedicated man who loved Mike, the show, the crew, and everything that we stood for and were trying to do.
He attended every local home show that Mike made an appearance at. I would always see he and his wife, with a gift in hand for Mike, showing their support. He cared as much about the people on the show as the show itself.
After I left the show last year Jundee reached out to me and we began corresponding regularly. He was very supportive and encouraging, he wasn't merely a mentor and friend, he was also a father figure. It was truly an honour and a pleasure to have known him.
He had no intention of slowing down, he assured me that as soon as I had a show on the air, I would also have a fan forum. Thank you for your support, words of wisdom, input, and encouragement. I am forever grateful.
I will always remember you sitting in the front row at home shows, with your arms crossed, a big smile and a present at your feet. I'll miss you big guy.
My condolences for your loss and to the family :(
ReplyDeleteShock...he will be missed much
ReplyDeleteHe will indeed.
DeleteWhat a dear, selfless man. God has another angel in heaven.
ReplyDeleteI too was a regular on the several incarnations of Mike Holmes Fan forums and online met Jundee that way with by email at first. Living a long way from Toronto meant that I only managed to meet him face to face once, but we would spend an hour or two nattering on the phone every few months. We were to use his words "good buddies".
ReplyDeleteI was amazed at how much he gave to the world around him only wanting one thing in return. .. that you would attempt to pay it forward if you could.
He believed in doing things to the best of one's ability: and get the knowledge to do t right.
I am really going to miss picking up the phone to the crackly voice with a German accent saying "How ya doin' buddy" Sadly most of the world didnt know Jundee to miss him, but those whose lives he touched will miss him and could tell others that in a small way their world is a little better in spite of that.
So long buddy.
Stuart B
Just found out about this now! I was a long time member of the Fan Forum! In fact Jundee sent me one of those certificates as well! All my correspondence with him was always first class. He will be missed...
ReplyDeleteTaiser