Remembering a Life of Service: The Passing of Kees‘ Father

The world mourns the loss of a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to helping others across the globe. His son, Kees, shared a heartfelt tribute, remembering a man whose adventurous spirit and commitment to humanitarian work left a lasting impact.

A Life of Adventure and Compassion

“Yesterday we buried my father (88). There is no longer a primal adventurer,” Kees wrote alongside a photo of them together. His father’s journey began as a carpenter in Zoetermeer, eventually evolving into a career as an engineer and Doctorandus. He subsequently lived in ten countries and contributed to development aid in Suriname and Burundi.

Kees continued, highlighting his father’s extensive involvement in refugee camps, development projects, and charitable endeavors. He worked with his mother in refugee camps in Thailand and Cambodia. His contributions extended to projects across Ukraine, Cameroon, Venezuela, and Indonesia. He offered aid to asylum seekers from Yugoslavia, volunteered at the AZC, and contributed to his church while consistently donating a tenth of his income to charitable causes.

“He also worked with my mother in refugee camps in Thailand and Cambodia, did projects in Ukraine and Cameroon, Venezuela and Indonesia, took asylum seekers from Yugoslavia, taught at the AZC, did volunteer work in the church and always gave at least 10% of his income to charities,”

—Kees

The relentless commitment to helping others reflects a growing trend: according to a recent study, charitable giving has increased by 5.1% in the last year (Giving USA 2024).

A Legacy of Giving

His father’s legacy, a testament to a life dedicated to service, is a source of comfort during this period of mourning. His life is a reminder of how one person can make a difference in the lives of many.