In March 2025, Wim closed his café, Het Zevende Zegel, after metastases were discovered following a colonoscopy and subsequent treatments. Facing a terminal diagnosis after initial hopes of recovery, Wim shifted his focus to his legacy by releasing his band’s music on vinyl and raising funds for charity.
Closing The Seventh Seal
Wim felt unwell for some time, prompting him to request a colonoscopy that revealed metastases. Doctors initially told him during the summer of 2025 that they could restore his health, but multiple operations and treatments later proved unsuccessful. By late last year, the cancer was deemed incurable, forcing him to shut down the café operations. “In the beginning, I missed the café very much, but now not anymore,” Wim stated. “I am quickly tired, it just doesn’t work anymore.”
Vinyl Release for Charity
When his prognosis became terminal, Wim wanted to leave something meaningful behind. Together with his band, he decided to release their songs on vinyl. Wim designed the album cover himself, and they donated the proceeds from the sales to Kom op tegen Kanker.
The Future of the Complex
The entire property housing the café, a party hall, and a summer bar is currently listed for sale. Wim hopes a new buyer will give the location a fresh purpose for the local community. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be a café,” Wim said. “There are many possibilities here and it has a good location. But I prefer it to remain a catering business, because people need places to come together.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening to the Het Zevende Zegel building?
The entire complex, including the café, party hall, and summer bar, is currently up for sale. Wim hopes a buyer will repurpose the space to serve the local community.
Where did the proceeds from the vinyl record go?
Wim and his band donated the proceeds from their vinyl release, which featured a cover designed by Wim himself, to the charity Kom op tegen Kanker.
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