In Memory - Marlis

There are few times in our lives when we find a true friend we've actually not met face to face. They will come to us under the most unusual circumstances and from some of the more unusual places. Sometimes they leave us in the same way. Sometimes they just leave us and we're left wondering where they have gone...

Such is not the case for our loving and caring friend, Marlis Seelos, or just plain Marlis as she was known to most of us. It is with deep sadness that Travellerspoint acknowledges the loss of one its members and moderators to a well-fought battle against cancer. Marlis left us on April 7, 2011. She received her diagnosis a year ago, almost to the day, and fought it tooth and nail. Having an absolute lust for life, she refused to let the disease win though it decided differently. Her presence in this world and on this website will be greatly missed.

There are many of you who did not know Marlis. So, here is a small introduction to a woman who made a difference in those of us who had the opportunity to call her our friend:

• Marlis lived in Bonaire and owned a sail/canvas shop as she was an avid sailor most of her life.

• She had a soft spot for orphaned/injured flamingos and would nurse them back to health. She basically had a soft spot for any animal whether they needed her help or not. She referred to her ever-changing menagerie as 'the zoo'.

• She made her 'trip of a lifetime' to Antarctica not long before she received her diagnosis (she also had a thing for penguins as her photos show).

• She was an excellent photographer. Her Travellerspoint gallery contains 3609 photographs. We have compiled some the best in this tribute.

• She was a genuinely kind soul who loved fishing off a pier with a glass of wine and good friends around her.

Marlis Seelos will be remembered here on Travellerspoint. We will miss her 'broken' English, lovely stories and the photographs we'll never see. We also hope she will smile down on us from time to time. Please join us in raising a glass in Marlis' honor. Thank you Marlis.

Shocked by losing a friend, I can only say I will miss you a lot. I liked our contact, our postcards we've send regularly and the great photos you made for sure!

Thank you Marlis for being just a wonderful and pure person! If we could only keep the good people longer on this world!

Michael.

Wow, I'm truly shocked. I haven't been around much, but Marlis is one of the TPers who kindly embraced and interacted with me on TP when I was more active. I always looked forward to hearing her weigh in on something, and well, she was just another part of what makes TP so special. I admired her "story" which was always a source of inspiration to me.

Marlis, you will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. I raise my highest toast to you, your friendly spirit will live on in the hearts and minds of many!

Holly

Marlis,

Kris, I and our 'zoo' will miss you immensely. We thank you for the PMs, post cards, and just being our friend. I am so sorry we did not make it to Bonaire. That is our loss.

So, I leave you with this:

I told you a long time ago
That I'd hold you
Never let you go behind
Anywhere I might flow
And I'll hold you in winter and spring
And behold you in everything I sing
Being in your arms is just like coming home

It's all about a bright white light
Shining through your mind and guiding your way
I said, bright white light
Shining through your mind and guiding your way

Thank you, Shawn Phillips.

May the light guide your way...

Since I originally heard the sad news I thought long and hard about what was appropriate to say about someone so helpful, friendly and full of life and to be honest nothing did Marlis enough justice....she will be missed but never forgotten.

There are no words l can say to express my sorrow at the news however the photographic tribute truly sums up this lovely lady.

There's another star twinkling down on us tonight. xx

Marlis' memory will last in the heart of this community. Her photos tell a story about the life she led and the passion she had for wildlife and travel. It's been our privilege to get to know her through her presence here. A presence which was always in good spirit.

We will miss you Marlis.

Ah, Marlis--you've brought me back home. You've been in my head and my heart these last few days. I remember all your stories about beaches and surf shops and just going to live your dream. You were funny and your beautiful, broken English made us laugh and understand just what you were trying to convey. You'll be missed, truly. I hope you're somewhere peaceful listening to the waves with a glass in one hand and a smile. xoxo

Marlis, you will be greatly missed by this community here.

Your friendly nature and wonderful photos will be greatly missed Marlis.

Thanks for the lovely tribute Peter.