In Memoriam
Victor Dupont
Victor was kind, smart, funny, and passionate. Through working on our shared passions at the VSA and Green+, we got to know Victor not just as a colleague, but also as a dear friend. We will fondly remember the times we had together, his hard work, and his surprisingly great baking skills.
Our thoughts go out to his parents and siblings, his family, friends, fellow students, and anyone affected by his passing.
I never realised how big of a person he was, physically and spiritually. I remember travelling to a vegan “festival” and on the way back in the train a random guy struck up a conversation with him (it was a bit of a strange guy). I didn’t entertain the guy but Victor did, which was funny. From talking about shops in Nijmegen he suddenly mentioned something about weight lifting and diet. I remember the guy making am assumption about Victor eating a lot of meat (because of his muscles), which made us laugh but he was oblivious. Victor as a response showed him the bottom of his shoes which read out “vegan”. I cant remember the expression on the guy’s face, but it must’ve looked stupid.
Ufuk
The reason this memory is stuck with me is that he partially inspired me to take weightlifting serious to represent the cause better. after his passing i cant help but take it even more serious. I wish i had asked him to train with me once, which was something i considered.
Rest in peace brother
Some of the vivid and happy memories of Victor that I have are:
Roos
– Victor lying on one of the benches during a potluck, complaining about how full he is from the food, while also shovelling more food into his mouth.
– Victor telling us during the VSA camp that he eats a ‘kaneelbroodje’ every day, and everyone being surprised by this fun habit of Victor’s.
– Victor’s very rich (‘machtig’) and delicious pies which he would often bake for potlucks.
Samen hebben wij meerdere evenementen voor de VSA mogen organiseren. Naast het organiseren en vergaderen, heb je mij (en anderen) kennis laten maken met hardstyle – iets waar ik niet helemaal aan kon wennen – en wist je altijd de nieuwste vegan snack op de markt te bemachtigen. Ik waardeerde onze goede gesprekken, je perspectieven en je humor. Bedankt voor wie je was Victor. Ik kan me moeilijk voorstellen dat je er niet meer bent, maar ik hoop dat je nu je rust hebt gevonden. Veel liefs, Lob
Lobke
Victor’s commitment to the cause of animal justice and willingness to take on responsibility was admirable. He was one of the bright young talents within our movement, it sad beyond words that he left us so soon.
Paul, Co-founder VSA Nijmegen
What I will miss most about Victor is:
Allard
His compassion that seemed to come naturally to him and shone through in everything he did.
I met Victor last year at a vigil in Boxtel once. It was my first time there and he offered me the emotional support I needed. So I will always be grateful for that.
Christina, Secretary VSA Utrecht
One distinct memory I have of Victor highlights his intellectual curiosity and empathy. I was holding a workshop for committee members about non-speciesist and inclusive language, and Victor asked many good questions and contributed a lot to the discussion. Another thing I won’t forget is his appreciation of the vegan sausage buns from Albert Heijn. Finally I valued working with him in SelCom and in several other committees of the VSA.
Cass
Victor organised many of the VSA events I first attended, and which I enjoyed so much that I joined the association, and later the board. A number of times he took the time to check in with me, have a chat, and make sure I felt welcome at events. Victor was very committed and organised, which I came to admire during the last year.
David