Dear colleagues, I have the painful duty to inform you that Rob Blokzijl, RIPE Chair Emeritus died at his home in the Netherlands yesterday after a long illness. https://www.ripe.net/participate/ripe/rob-blokzijl-obituary This is a sad moment for all of us because we loose a leader whose influence permeates the RIPE community and the way we conduct our work. Rob will live on in this way. Those who wish to share their own tribute to Rob can do so here for all to see: https://labs.ripe.net/Members/mirjam/tribute-to-dr-robert-blokzij-1943-2015 I am sure Rob would wish to see positive, even somewhat lighthearted and anecdotal contributions. Daniel Karrenberg Chief Scientist RIPE NCC