Sad to hear about the passing of Koert Debecker, who is one of the earliest and best skaters i can remember from childhood, back then an absolute wild man that knew no fear. I remember he wore two different colored neon shoes, and i wanted that as well, i was 6 and utterly confused when i noticed they did not sell them like that at De Shoeconfex in Kapellen. I am 3 years younger then Koert, which is a decade as a child, though that didn't matter, he was very inclusive, as oposed to many other older skaters, even if i could not skate for shit. Oddly i have thought of him the other day, remembering he photocopied a pile of skateboard magazines for me when i was about 7 and had no acces to that stuff, my mind was blown appart by the insane images, which became a lifetime influence. I still have a bunch of those photocopies, TOXIC adds etc. I also remember borrowing a board from him. Every skater in the village skated in front of Koert's house, which drove the neighbourhood nuts. He was probably the first one i knew sporting weird haircuts, that 80's "bles", basicly a pony fringe with a shaven head behind it, a huge quiff, and some symbols shaven into his hair that weren't really appropriate, i remember getting that weird pony as well, hanging all over my face, and at home it was cut slightly shorter by my folks, so i looked even more ridiculous. He was one of these clear examples of skateboarding being punk, nuts and fantastic, and everything but a sport! I later only saw Koert again a handful of times, though again remember all occasions, because he remained sweet! My thoughts are with his friends and family. RIP Koert Debecker!