Bernd Hillebrand

Words cannot express the deep sadness I feel, to have found out just this week that my dear friend Bernd Oliver passed away almost 6 years ago. Oliver and I became great friends when we were at the University of Hertfordshire together more than 20 years ago. He was so funny, warm, kind, totally unique - I don't think I ever stopped smiling back in 2001, when we had so many wonderful adventures together, exploring London, Liverpool, Brighton and other parts of the UK (although his love of McDonalds Take Away drove me crazy!). He was a brilliant friend, I could not have wished for anyone more special and I never forgot him. I visited Oliver in Japan and Germany several times, and we always stayed in touch. When he stopped responding to my emails in 2017 I always wondered why - and over the years I still kept emailing him now and then, wondering what had happened. Unfortunately we did not have any mutual friends, so I had no way of finding out what had happened - and I couldn't find anything on Google - until now. I am shocked, absolutely heartbroken. I would be keen to visit his grave, if I can find the location.  My deepest sympathies go to his family and friends. I will never forget my lovely friend - I just can't believe he isn't here anymore