There was standing room only at Igreja do Sao Laurenco on Monday 28 January; the streets outside were crowded with hundreds of friends and admirers of the late Michael Apolonia Johannes Bastiaanse. And there was not a dry eye anywhere as well-wishers queued to pay their respects and bid Michael a final farewell.
Michael was born in Holland and his career at the top level of hotel management took him to the UK, to Germany, Belgium, the USA, and China. In China, and in charge of a new luxury hotel in Chengdu, he met Sonja, the love of his life, who he went on to marry.
Some 20 years ago, Michael and Sonja made the decision to make the Algarve their home. Here Michael moved into a new, challenging role, that as General Manager of the Four Seasons Fairways, which he built from small beginnings into one of the key developments in Quinta do Lago.
Michael was a larger-than-life character, with time for everyone and an interest in everything. His laugh was loud, his enthusiasm knew no bounds – be it for gardening, cycling (a 100km ride, as a member of a cycling group was nothing to him), or sharing life and his passions with his many, many friends. Michael touched everyone, and left a never-to-be- forgotten impression on their lives. Together with his wife Sonja , they were the golden couple.
The world will be quieter place without Michael. We thank him for his love, his friendship, and his many kindnesses.