It breaks our hearts to bring you such devastating news. On Sunday, May 17 our dear friend Sebastian Oltmanns and his fiancee Anna passed away in a motorcycle accident in Benin, Africa, where Sebastian was working for the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture of Cotonou and searching for ways to strengthen our organization on the African continent.
We are in complete shock and cannot believe Sebastian, not only our President and motivator, but above all our dear friend, is gone.
There are no words.
We hope to be able to honor Sebastian's memory by living our lives in joy. Sebastian never seemed to forget to be cheerful and friendly. Remember to treasure every moment in your life with deep gratitude, we never know what tomorrow brings us.
Our thoughts go out to Sebastian's and Anna's families.
As the IAAS World Congress in Mexico is approaching in July, we are collecting a memorial book for Sebastian. We would very much appreciate any pictures and anecdotes you have about Sebastian and Anna, whom you might have met at the EDM 2006/07 in Poland. You can upload here your memories, stories and thoughts. Eventually we will collect these stories into a book for Sebastian's family.
These are very difficult times for all of us and in our hearts we will always remember the loved ones we lost too suddenly.
The date, time and place of the memorial services shall be communicated as soon as we know.
With our loving regards on behalf of IAAS International,
Stephanie, Carlos, Matthias, Edjabou, Laura, Michal and Pepita
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On May 17th, our friend and President of IAAS International, Sebastian Oltmanns died in a motorcicle accident in Benin, together with his fiancee Anna. As a a small way to show our appreciation we´ve dedicated this space to share the invaluable memories of two great persons. Rest in peace
42 comments:
It can't be true... I don't want believe... you became an angel...The angel of all who loved you...
Dear friends & family of Sebastian,
Our sincere condolences about your great lost. This sad and unexpected news has filled our hearts with great sadness. Not only that we have lost a great colleague, who's dedication to his work I always admired, but also a great friend, a truly dear and positive person always with a smile on his face.
When I met him on IFISO meeting he was working hard and I liked so much his constructive approach never loosing focus. Our projects will miss his work, ideas and his energy. We will miss him as friend always ready to listen, help and support.
Memory and appreciation of his work, great personality and wonderful times we had together will never fade from our memories and our hearths.
Rest in peace.
Kristina Radović
On behalf of FISEC Split and
Leadership Summer School
Organizing Committee
Having the chance to meet him in Leadership Summer School 2008, in Turkey, we all were very grateful. He had a friendly attitude and a smiling face which were always giving us positive energy.
It is hard to believe that he passed away so early. We wish strength and patience to his family and friends.
Merve Alyamac
Leadership Summer School 2008
Organizing Committee
Well, actually I've never met Sebastian before, but I hear about his contribution to IAAS several times. He was a great leader and had very big loyality only for IAAS.
When I heard about his death, I was shock and sad. All of IAASers were losing of kind Sebastian. But, we never know what will happen in the future. These all are God's blueprint and destiny, also God's secret. Maybe Sebastian never thought that his old would end when he became a President of IAAS.
But, it's better for us make Sebastian becomes proud by continuing his work. Let's develop our IAAS just like what Sebastian aLready did. We are one IAAS and come on, accept this destiny! It's been God's decision.
Last, good bye Sebastian!!! All of IAASers will never forget your dedication and work for IAAS' development!
Rest in peace!!!
Best regards,,
Ika
IAASer from University of Brawijaya Indonesia
I am very sorry to hear about Sebastian's death, it is really hard to believe and accept that... I met him in the first LSS, he was a brilliant person. He was always spreading peace and positive energy. It was great to be around him... We were in the same group in LSS, he was a great leader... I don't know why the best ones die early...
Dear Sebastian, I am so glad that I had the chance to meet a person like you even we had seen each other for a short time... It is certain that we will miss you... Rest in peace, peaceful guy...
I wish patience to his family, friends and the lucky people who had the chance to meet him...
Esra Basoz
Clinical Psychologist
EFPSA (National Representative of Turkey )
I express our sincere sympathy to all the love ones of Sebastain . My heart melt when I heard about his passing away. All i taught was that I will have the opportunity of meeting him at the ADM. It is indeed a great loss to us in IAAS Nigeria ,IAAS Africa and the IAASers all over the World.
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face
and the rain fall softly on your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
Your work will live after youb
REST IN PEACE
Oyewole Olatoye
On behalf of
IAAS NIGERIA
Dragi prijatelji,
sebastiana sam znao relativno kratko ali je na mene ostavio utisak vedre osobe uvek spremne za saradnju. pisem na mom jeyiku jer ne mogu naci reci kojima bi opisao ovo sto sada osecam . Iskreno suosecanje svim IAAS-ovcima i Sebastianovoj porodici.\\
Stanko IAAS BOSNIA
I was shocked to fidn out that Sebastian, the president of IAAS and his fiancee have passed away.
I, Chin Weng Fei, represents students of Universiti Putra Malaysia would like to send our condelence to family members of Sebastian and his fiancee, Anna as well as the IAAS World.
Although Sebastian is not here physically, his spirit will always remain and we will always remember him.
Chin Weng Fei
Universiti Putra Malaysia
Email: cwf_2000@hotmail.com
Sebastian, I remember you in the bus, when all IAAS WoCo was moving to Switzerland. You were so tired after organizing first part - you gave so much to make it the best. But I remember, you were still smiling and having great satisfaction and power in your eyes! You always wanted to make this world a better place and gave all yourself to reach your goals! We shall never forget it...
Our Dear Friend Sebastian,
Only few days ago we were chatting and just now I heard a news that no body wants to believe.
Our president, so sad now to say anything. No words to express our sadness
Rest in peace as you always desire.
Rest in happiness as you always been.
Rest in our hearts with your big smile.
Rest in love forever with your kind and beautiful fiancee
On behalf of IAAS Türkiye
Orçun Gürkan & Selcan Alptekin
Ich kann es kaum glauben. Du bist von uns gegangen.
Wir hatten so manches e-mail versandt um alle Anmeldungen zu begutachten. In so mancher Nacht und Nebel Aktion haben wir die Botschaften auf der ganzen Welt auf trab gehalten. Mit deiner Zusammenarbeit hatten wir es geschaft meine Texte auch auf English zu übersetzten.
Am WoCo habe ich dich immer als sehr interessiert erlebt.
Du wirst mir fehlen.
Fabian Birbaum
IAAS WoCo Germany-Switzerland 2007 OC
Two young people on an endless journey now. I only had the chance of meeting with Sebastian last summer in Ankara Leadership Summer School 2008.
I know he was dedicated for IAAS, that during the LSS we have talked about organizational benchmarking about an hour although it was very late at night.
Now I checked our last conversation via facebook messages. He replied my message with jokes from his warm heart and finished it by saying: "see you one day, not too far in the future"
7 days was enough to see how helpful, open-minded and friendly he was. We all agree that, he has left honorable marks behind him. So early at 26 years old. Short time for his loved ones, but a long enough to achieve a lot, as he showed us.
Sincere condolences to their (Sebastian and Anna) valuable families and friends. You can be proud of a son, a girl and a friend who will remembered with best thoughts all over the world, from America to Asia, from Africa to Europe. R.I.P.
Aydin Dikici
LSS2008 participant
ESTIEM member
I want to put the last mail he sent us for the RM in Sardinia,last Thursday..Sebastian we will keep your spirit!!
"Hello to Everyone!!!
It is great to hear the last news on the RM in Sassari and I would sooo much like to be there with you!
Have a great meeting, use it to plan some other exciting events and to enlarge your network, but mostly to try all the special things in this wonderful island :) I wish you FUN, FUN and FUN...
Best regards from sunny Benin,
Sebastian"
Filippo
- IAAS-ASA - Italy
Non possiamo credere a quanto è successo. Cinque mesi fa ci divertivamo in mezzo alla neve della Serbia ed ora siamo sconcertati dalla tua scomparsa. Non ti conoscevamo bene ma sapevamo che eri una persona splendida, con un grande senso dell'umorismo anche sotto quel tuo abito serio.
Per noi resterai sempre il nostro presidente IAAS e il nostro grande amico.
E' stato un piacere conoscerti. Riposa in pace.
Giovanni, Giuseppe, Francesco, Nicola e tutti i membri
IAAS - ASA Sassari(Italia/Sardegna)
Ayer en la noche recibí una llamada inesperada que traía consigo una terrible noticia: "Sebastian murió"...
Simplemente no puedo creer que una persona tan linda como Sebastian ya no vaya a estar en IAAS más que en nuestros recuerdos...
Yo pensé que iba a verlo en México y que al igual que en Alemania-Suiza ibamos a pasar momentos tan gratos... con sus bromas...
Querido Sebastian:
Siempre te recuerdo por la manera en que estuviste pendiente de mí y te preocupaste por mí para que el bus nunca me dejara en la GA de Alemania... también recuerdo los momentos que pasamos en Suiza... el último día del WoCo: fuimos a pasear, a las iglesias, a comer.. me acuerdo de tu gafete que decía que eras de Macedonia pero tu dijiste que en realidad eras de Guatemala...
Siempre te voy a recordar con mucho cariño, como la persona tan especial que eras...
Que Dios guarde tu alma...
Sebastian, so much I want to write here, and so many more things I would have wanted to share with you..when I heard the news I just couldn't believe it. I didn't want to believe it. You amazed me, Sebastian. Your kindness, your warm heart, your ambition, your endless energy. You were truly a good person, I cannot believe we have to go on in IAAS without you. We will honor your memory by continue aiming for the goals you had in mind, I can promise you this. We will never ever forget you dear friend. I miss you so much it hurts in my heart!
I hope you are in a good, peaceful place with your beloved Anna right now.
- Laura
Oh Sebastian...
Still so much you had to share with us, with IAAS, with everybody... It is hard to put our feelings in words… You had so much in you, you’re a special guy. We’re grateful for what you’ve been sharing with us.
We will never forget your honesty, your smile and your tender seriousness. Personally, I loved your speeches, because you could make it so short and efficient. As well as your efforts for getting things under control in IAAS. For sure that hasn’t been always so easy…
I would want to turn back the clock one year ago, when we were forgetting the time with Ruth and others on the RM in Bonn and Köln. Time can be so incredibly devastating and cruel... I would want to turn back the clock 21 months ago, and meet you at the side of the road, unharmed.
You were so completely IAAS Bonn, I always found IAAS Bonn such a warm and hospitable team…
I remember the first time we met, much longer ago, somewhere on a regional meeting in France in Nancy. I will never forget the faxes sent at night, your attempt to perceive a lady in Prague that only spoke Czech, your perseverance even if things seemed to be hopeless and your honest willingness of doing things in the right way.
Seraphine and I will miss your small talks on Skype, your way of pronouncing our names, your ever-lasting loyalty…
All we can do is pray and commemorate you and Anna. Strength to all friends, family and IAAS-volunteers
Wouter & Seraphine,
Brazil/Belgium
I can't say any words...
it was a big shock for me to hear this news .
I'm deeply feel lost a good leader , a good friend , a good boy , a good IAAS member .
our leader has passed away .. but our spirit will never die
wish your soul will be through in heaven...
your friend from Indonesia
Eri Hadyansyah
Brawijaya Universiry
i can't believe it, until now, i still can't believe it...
really make shocked, all of iaaser in the world..
that's true, the meaning of "we never know, what happen in the future"
so... keep spirit, right???
sebastian and anna,,
peace in your heaven..
Hey Sebastian,
I remember when you were in Copenhagen. It was fantastic to hear your ideas about environment, and your willingness to do something to make poeple rethink about our behaviour toward our planet.
Last friday, when I talked to you online through gmail, I could´t beleive that I could not to you again. But I do believe that you will be with us and all IAAS will never forgot all the big and unbeleiveable job you did during your term.
You will stay in our heart!
Rest in peace
your last mail to me, just a day before.....
Dear Pepita!
thanks a lot for the very fast reply!
Have a wonderful time in our capital city and do send my greetings to my fellow Germans :)
Best regards
Sebastian
i ll never, never forget you
dear Sebastian,
i have never meet you before,but i remember all your works and helps,so many emails from you,one of the most happy time when i received ur first email,that i could go abroad for the first time,you were an exchange program coordinator that time.u open my way,open my new adventure,find me a new life,a really beautiful life that i never feel before,now i already settled with my beloved one. when i got the last news of you, it was really shocked for me. it's so touching that you go to heaven with your beloved one.i will never forget you,and i just want to say thank you very much for all your kindness to me
-your Indonesian's friend-
It is Sad what happened.
The last time i saw Sebastien was Saturday 17ht may 2009.
He smile and Said,
"Adabe i will go to Grand Popo and comeback".
I cannot bilive that. He will never comeback.
It is sad, it is sad....
ADABE
VP IAAS TOGO
In Traning period in IITA BENIN.
it is sad
It´s like it was yesterday, jokes about snow and paper, joy, IAAS spirit and your awesome way to approach people, it was the begining of this year our most recent meeting, but it´s not the last. Dear Sebastian, in you we learned and saw an extraordinary person, great friend and leader, you were a great captain in this mission that I had the honor to share with you in the same ship, we know that your extraordinary labor doesn´t finish with your early departure of this material world, cause we´ll meet again my friend, there´s no need to say goodbye.
All this goes for you, you left in IAAS a very special seed, we´ll honor your memory by trying to raise up the beautiful tree you wanted this to be.
Carlos Avendaño
IAAS VP communication 08-09
olivier-TOGO:I knew you in short time but your personality seduce us in TOGO.you were We don't believe that never we will see you again more listen you.you were a great president and a positive person. rest in peace
Oh God why have you taken away this couple so early?we can't understand,can i have louky to meet other personne like Sebastiene?I'm not sure.i firstly met him in April in Togo,his seduce me with behaviour,his idea.A week after we invite him to cultural week at the university of Lome(Togo).his try our traditional dances.wath strength,determination,courageous persone we lost.we were in the sam laboratry at IITA in Benin as trainee.I saw him on saturday at 2AM while his is traveling to Grand-popo,his smiles and said he with his arm left.I can't forget this moment like his is telling me that this worid is notr mein I'm going to GOd.(on ANA birthday).to his family and friends i want to say:Sebastiene is not dead his still on live through his Actions,his Ideas in IAAS.May GOd bless and protect,bring courage to his family.
Sad feelings and non-believe. It is unbelievable to hear that such an energetic, positive, skillfull and fascinating man is not among us anymore. Sebastian has been an example to many of us, such an amazing guy. I remember the last IFISO meeting where we discussed the different organisations, the positive and energetic approach he showed was inspiring.
On behalf of EFPSA, our people who knew him and also strongly on my personal behalf, I send condoleances - especially to IAAS and the families of Sebastian and Anna.
He will remain in our harts as a great role model. Not only was he wonderful with other people, he was also a great leader and a wise man. We will always remember him.
My thoughts go out to his friends and family, I wish them all strenght in these difficult times.
There are no words...
Aart
(president EFPSA 2008-2009)
Sebastian Oltmanns, never met with you before, but i often to hear and read about u, ur role to develop IAAS to be better. I just added u as my friend list in my FB few days before the tragedy, the tragedy that keep u apart from IAAS forever..
But maybe as physically u r separate from IAAS, but ur spirit, ur memories will always keep in every IAAS family's heart..
U r such a good leader for IAAS, so until the last time of ur life, u dedicated for IAAS..
We will never forget u..
May u and Ana rest in peace in somewhere out there..
Good Bye Sebastian..
IAAS will keep ur spirit and good work all this time and for the future..
-Wahyu Purwaningsih-
IAAS Indonesia Alumni
As we are remembering our dear brother Sebastian and his fiancee Anna, l would like to thank the IAAS community for showing togetheness at these difficulty times of mourning. Their death have been met with disbelief, anger and sadness. So young, energetic, kind and humble, IAAS has lost a great leader. May his soul rest in peace!
Vincent, IAAS Alumni
I got the privilege to get to know Sebastian in Switzerland in 2007. I'm sure many of you agree with me that he had the kind of character one remembers after many years. He was a positive, thoughtful and altruistic person and I think such people are rare and good examples for us all.
My most vivid memories of him are from a hike in the Alps. It was a beautiful day and up there in the mountains we had many good discussions and laughs. Thank you Sebastian for those good times. You impressed me.
Jenni Rahikainen
IAAS-Finland
Though this is so late, but we wish can be accepted as a sweet memory of us,with Sebastian...
He was the first man we talked with when we stepped our feet in Germany, 2007, of course, with smile on his face...
He was the most active committee brought new spirit in every single morning, day, and night, in Woco 2007, also with his cheers-up on his face...
He was the man..
We hope he takes the rest always in peace, forever in his new life...
with all respect and dedication for him...
-IAAS Indonesia Woco 2007 Delegations-
I never had the privilege to meet Sebastian in person.
His great encouragement in our mail and phone-communications has given me a lot of thrust of the IAAS-projects in Sweden.
There is no words to bring back time.
Unavoidable is the pain of sadness
Our memories will last forever.
Rest in Peace Sebastian and Anna
On behalf of IAAS-Sweden
Lina Jan-Ers
I am so sad but I'm sure God was aware of the bad incidicent. All my condoleances.
I am wondering why this could happen to our late President.
Brad
Oh, Mon Dieu pourquoi lui et sa fiancee et pourquoi cela? Toi qui sait toute chose et qui les a appeles, garde-les en paix aupres de toi et apaise le coeur de leurs familles respectives.
Brad
I am totally shocked by these news. Anna, Sebastian's fiancee, was one of my dearest friends. I met Sebastian once for Anna's birthday party a couple of years ago. They were both wonderful people who touched everybody's hearts. You will always stay in mine...
Life never seem to be the way we want it, but we live it the best way we can. there is no perfect life, but we can fill it with perfect moments.
i'll always keep the memory we share togethere sebastian
Sébasien mon frère pourquoi toi? Quand je me souviens de ta voix au téléphone il y a de cela quelques semaines j'ai envie de pleurer. Tu as servi l'IAAS jusqu'à la mort, tu as mené le bon combat que la terre te soit légère.
GOMINA Pizème
Président IAAS-TOGO
Sebastian war ein liebenswürdiger Kommilitone, ein interessanter Gesprächspartner, ein lustiger und kluger Zeitgenosse, ein wunderbarer Mensch. Mein Mitgefühl gilt seiner Familie und seinen engen Freunden. Wir werden ihn vermissen und seinen ansteckenden Drang, die Welt ein kleines bisschen besser zu machen. Möge er in Frieden ruhen.
its still unbelievable...just cannot fathom why death had to take you away without care or concern...though gone forever, you are ever present in our hearts...for me and iaas-ghana community we are deeply hit and kicked back with your death...just when we thought atlas ADM is gonna Host you, then looks like we were stripped of our medals and denied the colours of our petals...Sabastien Rest in Peace and May the Good Lord keep you Soul till we meet someday...
Je ne peux sessé d'exprimer mon regrès pour la tragique disparution de notre ami SEBASTIEN. Il a prouvé par toute sa mobilité son grand amour pour l'Afrique et surtout l'Afrique de l'ouest. Franchement il a bien voulu nous aidé mais hélas la nature en a décidé autrement. Les plus grand perdant dans cette tragedie ne sont ni sa maman, ni l'Allemagne mais plutôt les africain et surtout les africains de l'Ouest. Maman SEBASTIEN, je dirai que SEBASTIEN n'est pas mort il est resté en Afrique pour mieux te consoller. Chère maman nous pleurons la mort de SEBASTIEN avec toi.
Sakibou ALIOU
ancien vice président de IAAS-TOGO.
Dear Sebastian
Although my testimonial was so very late, but it is not late to me for pray to you and anna...
You know, when i met you at the first time at WoCo Belarus, i knewe you were a great person, and you prove it to had becoming IAAS President, and when you were leave us, many people were so sad about you...
Because of your spirit and your power, i have becoming National Director of IAAS Indonesia right now...
Hope i can continue your dreams at IAAS Indonesia.
We were bless you and happily at heaven.
Huge from Indonesia
Hafiz Iqbal Maulana
National Director of IAAS Indonesia
Periode 2010 - 2011
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