I've been a regular in Bonaire for almost 15 years now. On each trip I always paid a visit or four or three to the Rose Inn. Each time the red haired gentleman behind the counter served me my Polar. Quenched a powerful thirst from the salt water and sun.
In March we did a night dive at Ol Blue and stopped in the Inn. Melfina had already closed the grille but went next door and got barbecue. We drank, ate, and conversed late into the night. Melfina told us then of how they met.
Jan - I know you've gone to the ultimate reef and with your failing health I know you're not suffering anymore. But that doesn't make those of us here miss you any less.
Hoo Ah Jan! You are a helluva man!
TT
From the Bonaire Reporter
Johannes Wilhelmus Mestrum better known as Jan of the Rose Inn Bar Restaurant or Rooie Jan (Red Jan)
A lways there behind the bar at the Rose Inn in Rincon, Jan was a fixture, making and serving drinks to all the customers. He passed away on Saturday, May 21. Originally from Limburg in Holland, Jan was a master mechanic who worked as an AAA service patrolman for more than 25 years, helping motorists in need. One day on the road he saw Melfina Emers from Bonaire, tooted his horn, whereupon she waved back, he gave her a lift and the rest is history. After coming to Bonaire a few times on holiday the couple returned for good. Jan worked as a mechanic, but when Melfina decided to run the Criollo restaurant, Rose Inn, Jan joined her and together they made the place a landmark. Jan had children of his own, but he was a devoted stepfather and step-grandfather to Melfinas family as well. Jans desire was to be buried on Bonaire. Our deepest condolences to Melfina and the family
In March we did a night dive at Ol Blue and stopped in the Inn. Melfina had already closed the grille but went next door and got barbecue. We drank, ate, and conversed late into the night. Melfina told us then of how they met.
Jan - I know you've gone to the ultimate reef and with your failing health I know you're not suffering anymore. But that doesn't make those of us here miss you any less.
Hoo Ah Jan! You are a helluva man!
TT
From the Bonaire Reporter
Johannes Wilhelmus Mestrum better known as Jan of the Rose Inn Bar Restaurant or Rooie Jan (Red Jan)
A lways there behind the bar at the Rose Inn in Rincon, Jan was a fixture, making and serving drinks to all the customers. He passed away on Saturday, May 21. Originally from Limburg in Holland, Jan was a master mechanic who worked as an AAA service patrolman for more than 25 years, helping motorists in need. One day on the road he saw Melfina Emers from Bonaire, tooted his horn, whereupon she waved back, he gave her a lift and the rest is history. After coming to Bonaire a few times on holiday the couple returned for good. Jan worked as a mechanic, but when Melfina decided to run the Criollo restaurant, Rose Inn, Jan joined her and together they made the place a landmark. Jan had children of his own, but he was a devoted stepfather and step-grandfather to Melfinas family as well. Jans desire was to be buried on Bonaire. Our deepest condolences to Melfina and the family
