Funeral oration, held by a comrade in arms “Harry” (Theo Goossen), at the farewell celebration of “Paul”, p. 2

„Paul“’s own business interests again and again were interrupted by the distress of other people. This situation requires too: looking out, being carefull and acting inconspicuously. ALWAYS in the hope, to be able to evade the danger (though hidden, but always present). In this atmosphere we have to look at „Paul“’s more than 2 years lasting organised resistance activities.
In addition we have to take into consideration: several times he was in real peril of his life.

In his own words: „I don’t understand. I cannot explain it. I was very lucky! But I prayed a lot!“. And he adds: „I didn’t do all this alone. And without the support by my wife lots of things would have gone totally wrong.“

„Paul“ also is a member of the intelligence group ID18.

• 1944-9-6 he lets know that the day before Sjeng (John) Coenen and Joep (Joe) Francotte have been shot down on the Cauberg and still are lying there. What next?? For „Paul“ this shooting has remained a permanent trauma.
• 1944-9-15 he states: „The Germans blew up the bridges over the Geul, closed the roads, they have mounted cannons and defend themselves against the advancing Americans. Several buildings are heavily damaged and several houses are burning. The greater part of the population have put themselves in safety in the lime caves.“
• 1944-9-16 The Resistance leader Bep van Kooten arrives in Heerlen. „Paul“ lets him know, on his trip to Maastricht and Brussels he should not go by Valkenburg. This would be dangerous to life.

In the night of 1944-9-16 the Germans leave Valkenburg.(See also Liberation)„Paul“ contacts the liberators, as ordered by the Resistance. He will help them in any possible way. 1944-9-20 Bep van Kooten visits his comrade in arms „Paul“ and tells him, that the Resistance people come together in the "Koninklijke Stoottroepen" (Royal Stormtroopers) of the regular army and begs „Paul“, to support this action. „Paul“ proudly canvasses for it among the members of the L.O.

And so it happens:
Applications for registration are received, lists are drafted, checks executed, necessary information given, suitable accommodation and workshops are searched, a garage for transport and servicing is recommanded! Results of these actions are, among other buildings, the houses Philips and Oranjehof. The relations with the liberators were OK and exist untill today! (A friendship for life joined him with Bob Hillecue from Chicago, member of the „Old Hickory“ division, that liberated Valkenburg.)

Mrs Schunck, children and your families! The Resistance people and Stoottroepers gathered here wish, also in the name of those who cannot be present, to express their thankfulness towards „Paul“ Pierre Schunck:

• for his active dedication to recover our liberty.
• for his great commitment and sincere carefulness
• for his e special chummy attitude
• and all this with his devotion to God, queen and country!!.

Mrs Schunck, children and grandchildren, it hurts to say goodbye.
... the VERY MANY good memories will strengthen you!!
Resistance comrades and Stormtroopers, we say goodbye to a good comrade.
„Paul“ : may you rest in well-deserved peace !

Let’s say goodbye in an honourable way by singing the Dutch National Anthem:
1. Wilhelmus van Nassouwe
6. Mijn schildt en mijn betrouwen

„Harry“, Theo Goossen