With sincere grief the Sovereign Order of Cyprus (Knights of Sword and Silence) and the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta, Federation of the Autonomous Priories (KMFAP) announce the decease, in the sequence of a long illness, of our dear Knight of Cyprus, Sir Frank Philipoom at the age of 58.

Sir Frank was also our Knight Commander of KMFAP (Knights of Malta) and the Commander of the Dutch Unit of the Magisterial State Guard.

Few are the men who, like Sir Frank Philipoom, by his work become loved and respected at international level by all of those who had the chance of meeting him or the fortune of becoming his friends. During his life Sir Frank has always worked selflessly for the other, training bodies and minds, helping by his example to define and strength the character, self confidence and self esteem of many young people.

Sir Frank Philipoom was the Director of our FEMERAID International – Netherlands Unit, created and registered by him, where he developed a remarkable activity assisting Victims of Violence, mainly children victims of bullying, helping them to gain self confidence and to loose their fears, in a clear demonstration of the high qualities and positive use of the Martial Arts.

For his outstanding, remarkable work and dedicated activities, Sir Frank was awarded the “Medal of Honour for Humanitarian Services” on the 26th October 2012.

The high value of the humanitarian and social work of Sir Frank Philipoom was recognized also by the Royal House of Holland, having Her Majesty the Queen bestowed upon him the very high State decoration – Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau.

For our Sovereign Order the decease of Sir Frank was a great and serious loss, deeply felt by all, but he will be remembered by us as an example of how a noble hearted Knight should be, and as a lighthouse to all of us, indicating the bearings of the selfless humanitarian work.

Sir Frank Philipoom departed in peace surrounded by the love of his wife José Philipoom, his daughter Hitomi-Ranko Philipoom and his second “daughter” Valery Buitenhuis, but he will stay forever in our hearts.

On the 30th November Sir Frank said goodbye to all of us with this heartbreaking last message:

„Thankful for a full life

Surrounded by love

Embarked on a new adventure

My struggle is over ...”

Sir Frank Philipoom expressed his philosophy of life with Paolo Coelho's words:

„No one can avoid defeat. That is why it is better to lose a few battles in the fight for your dreams than to be defeated without even knowing why you are fighting.”

The Executive Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Order of Cyprus, and the Grand Master and Head of the State of KMFAP present in their name, as well as on behalf of all the Knights and Dames, to the dear family of Sir Frank Philipoom the most sincerely felt condolences.

Requiescat in Pace

4th December 2013