Hans Degens

Dear Natia, Isaak, Magdalena, and Philip and Hana’neh,
condolences with the loss of your husband and father (and granddad)! It is with sadness that I not only lost a colleague but also a friend. I remember the times when we fought out battles on maps in his living room in both Alsager and Rohndorf. It was always preceded with a good meal. The hospitality of Jörn was special, and exemplified by barbeques in his garden and great conversations and games. I also fontly remember our cycle trips, with perhaps the most exciting one to me, the one through the forest at his backdoor. I perhaps never expressed my gratitude to the hospitality he gave me for 2 weeks at a time every two months during 2011-2012. Jörn also catapulted my career by supporting me in getting my first grant, introducing me to colleagues and inviting me to give presentations that all helped. I do wish the family all the strength to cope with this sudden loss, and that they find that strength at least partly in the memories that they have built together with Jörn and keep him as an inspiration for their further life.