Former The Netherlands` RTV Noord editor-in-chief and director, Roel Dijkhuis died on 30 December at the age of 77.

Roel Dijkhuis was a stalwart of CIRCOM Regional for many years. His untimely passing over the Christmas period is a source of great sadness to us all who worked with him in the CIRCOM family, and indeed beyond, where his stewardship of training alongside people like Karol Cioma was highly acclaimed.

In journalism Roel Dijkhuis walked the road all the way from reporter to being a driving force of change and development of regional electronic media in Groningen, Netherlands. It was under his leadership that the local Radio Noord expanded with television and online platform. He stayed at the helm of Radio Noord and later of RTV Noord for 19 years.

From RTV Noord, he was the Netherlands National Coordinator and hosted the very successful 2009 Groningen Conference. Until his retirement he was ever present in the CIRCOM family, from leading the Training Board of Governor's, to Vice Presidency, Board member, Executive Committee and Individual member.

Michael Lally, CIRCOM's Individual member, said: "I remember him during my time as President as one of the “ wise men” whose wisdom and knowledge was always available and informed. His commitment to CIRCOM and its objectives was central to his involvement. Above all else he was an absolute believer in regional media, it’s purpose and it’s future. Roel dear friend, your race is run, Rest in Peace”

The CIRCOM family expresses its deepest sympathy to Roel's wife and family on their sad loss.