Hans van der Steur

August  8th, 1932 November  18th, 2024
The Hague, Netherlands
Hans van der Steur

Love is Life - creation, growth, search, reach, touch and dance.  Life is a sacred mystery, and our stories are all but one big story that we are love indeed. Love in me seeks the love in you, FOR LOVE IS LIFE BELIEVING IN ITSELF.
by Francis Talbot (Manitonquat)

In Memoriam

Hans van der Steur, a beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 92. Born in 1932 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Hans was the son of Peet and Marietje van der Steur. His father was head of research at Unilever in Rotterdam, and in their family home, "De Zonnepit," Hans grew up with his sisters Els and Mariëtte, where he spent the first eight years of his life in happiness and carefree innocence.

Then in May 1940, Hans witnessed the German bombardment of Rotterdam and later stood with his father in their front yard, watching German soldiers march into the city. Besides the confiscation of their brand-new Chevrolet by the Germans, his family was forced to host a German officer ("Oberfeldwebel"). An experience of which he later said, "he was a gentleman." His family chose to see the man rather than the uniform.

Amid the hardships, Hans found hope in the spring of 1945 as the Allied forces advanced. He kept a diary during the final six months of the war, excitedly documenting the approaching end of German occupation and the liberation of the Netherlands. He was overjoyed when Allied planes dropped life-saving biscuits and powdered milk near his home. He described lying in the green pastures along a dike, looking up to the sky and witnessing “the most beautiful sight.”

After completing high school at the Gymnasium Erasmianum in Rotterdam, Hans pursued his education in law at the University of Leiden, where he thrived both academically and socially. He spent a transformative year abroad, living in New York as the representative for the NBBS (Dutch Student Travel Organization). This experience not only broadened his horizons but also sparked a lifelong love for America. This passion was reflected in some of his favorite music being inspired by the American culture like George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony from the New World

As a student activity organizer for the NBBS, he worked aboard the SS Groote Beer of the Holland-America Line, where fate would have him meet the love of his life, Anne Ellis Kuhns. The story goes that while crossing the Atlantic in a storm, the entire ship was seasick - except for Hans and Anne. Their connection was undeniable, and they married in 1958 in Harlan, Kentucky, before building their life together in Rotterdam and later in Antwerp, Manila, Doorn and The Hague.

Hans and Anne were blessed with three children: Pieter, born in 1961 in the Netherlands; John, born in 1963 in Belgium; and Mary, born in 1965 in the Philippines. Hans was a dedicated, loving family man who cherished taking his family on well-researched trips through Europe, always relying on his faithful "Guide Michelin" to plan unforgettable places to visit or stay at. These adventures often included afternoon tea with cake, which was greatly enjoyed by all. Beyond creating fun memories, Hans was deeply committed to his children’s well-being, prioritizing their education and supporting them in every way he could.

Hans built a career with two multinational companies, Unilever and Solvay, where he served as Product Manager and Administrative Director, respectively. His meticulous attention to detail and knack for numbers led to significant accomplishments, including the 1965 launch of Ola's Split ice cream - with a soft vanilla center inside an orange shell - that continues to be sold and enjoyed to this day. He also created a pension fund for Solvay-Natronchemie employees.

In 1977, Hans and Anne moved to The Hague, where they became devoted members of the American Protestant Church. Anne sang in the church choir for decades, with Hans faithfully sitting in the front row as her biggest fan, a testament to their faith, love and mutual support.

Certain moments moved him deeply. He often spoke of French President François Mitterrand and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl holding hands at Verdun in 1984. For him, it was a powerful symbol of reconciliation after the division and destruction of WW II. And Leonard Bernstein’s performance of Beethoven’s "Alle Menschen Werden Brüder" after the Berlin Wall fell was, to him, the essence of hope: that all people must become brothers and sisters, and that war is no remedy for anything.

Hans enjoyed more than 40 years of fellowship at Rotary Amsterdam-Sloterdijk, where he formed lasting friendships and contributed to meaningful discussions. In one of his presentations in 2000, he shared his perspective on the introduction of the Euro, saying:

"I see the arrival of the Euro, after decades of successful collaboration within the European Union, as the end of more than a century of Franco-German wars that plagued and severely weakened this continent. It stands as a testament to a sense of trust and solidarity that seemingly required such catastrophes to take root."

Hans’s thoughtful and forward-looking insights reflected his deep understanding of history and his hope for a united and peaceful Europe. He also spoke of French President François Mitterrand and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl holding hands at Verdun in 1984 as a powerful symbol of reconciliation.

Russia’s attack on Ukraine in 2022 shook him to his core. It brought back memories of his childhood during the great war. He couldn’t understand how such human aggression and destruction could happen again. In those moments, you could see the heart of Hans - a peacemaker who believed in the value of connection and understanding above everything else.

After retiring in 1992, Hans joined Vrienden van de Horsten, a group of retired men dedicated to maintaining the beautiful woods of De Horsten, a public park owned by the Dutch Royal Family. For more than 20 years, he worked there every Wednesday, contributing to its preservation and enjoying the camaraderie of his fellow volunteers, with his active life in nature undoubtedly contributing to his remarkable health in later years.

In the year 2000, Hans and Anne lovingly restored and remodeled an 1846 Kentucky log cabin called Two Chimneys, which Anne had inherited from her beloved Aunt Ruth Gregory-Yoe. They transformed it into a cherished Kentucky retreat for family and friends. It was a reflection of Hans’s patience, vision, and dedication to providing hospitality, beauty and comfort for those he loved.

Hans is preceded in death by his sister Els, his mother Marietje, and his father Peet. He leaves behind a legacy of love, care, and responsibility that his family, friends and colleagues will forever treasure.

Hans will be remembered for his sharp wit, his warm smile, his deep love for his family, and his love for and interest in all people he encountered. 

Celebration of Life Service

A celebration of Life Service was held for Hans on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the American Protestant Church of The Hague. You can view the whole ceremony on YouTube with the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/live/O5xhIW7YYkw

Timeline

1932
August 8th
Birth of Hans
Rotterdam, the Netherlands
1935
January 26th
Birth of Anne
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, USA
1944
Admission to Erasmiaans Gymnasium, start of Hunger Winter 1944
Admission to high school coincided with the invasion in Normandy and the last year of the war. Students received private lessons, there was no school.
1945
May 5th
Liberation of the Netherlands
Lessons at the Gymnasium recommence.
1950
Completed highschool at the Gymnasiusm Erasmianum in Rotterdam, starts studying Law in Leiden.
1955
Completion of Law Degree Leiden University. Becomes NBBS Representative in New York.
1956
Hans meets Anne on SS Groote Beer on its way to Rotterdam.
Hans is drafted into the Dutch air force.
1958
September 12th
Wedding of Hans and Anne in Harlan, Kentucky
After ending military service, Hans joins Unilever as trainee commercial product management.
Christ Episcopal Church, Harlan, Kentucky, USA
1961
April 24th
Birth of son Peter
Vlaardingen, the Netherlands
1962
April 26th
Family moved from Vlaardingen, the Netherlands, to Brasschaat, Belgium
1963
March 3rd
Birth of son John
Wilrijk, Belgium
1964
April 1st
Family moved from Brasschaat, Belgium, to the Philippines
1965
April 1st
Birth of daughter Mary
Pasay City, the Philippines
1967
Family moved to Doorn, the Netherlands
1971
Leaves Unilever and joins Solvay (Natronchemie, Westersingel 102, Rotterdam) 
1977
Family moved from Doorn to Zijdelaan 29, the Hague, the Netherlands
1992
Retirement from Solvay
1994
Hans and Anne joined the American Protestant Church of the Hague
2024
August 6th
Hans and Anne moved to Waalsdorp, the Hague, the Netherlands
2024
November 18th
Hans passed away in their apartment at Waalsdorp

Gallery


Videos

Memory wall

Post your condolences or share your Memories.


January 7, 2025
Hans was already a long time member of my Rotaryclub Amsterdam-Sloterdijk when I joined 30 years ago. Hans was a gentle soul, he was always respectful of other people and never judgemental. In this respect he was a role model. His love and respect for Ann was clear from the manner he spoke about her. I thought they were a very good match, as Ann shares these qualities. In our club he often told us about his travels especially those to the US and his experiences. He was fascinated by the US and enjoyed his ties with it through Ann. My last meeting with Hans was during Covid when he, Bas Versteeg, Hans de Bruin and I made a walk in the area behind Museum Voorlinde. I have nothing but good memories of Hans and always enjoyed his company. I want to offer my condolances and wish Ann and his family and friends all the best in dealing with the loss of Hans, but I think we can agree that Hans had a very good life and we were lucky to be part of that and to have known him.
Wim Gohres
December 16, 2024
Dear John (and Ann, Peter, and Mary)
In all honesty I only know John from our student days in Amsterdam. As a Canadian, and accidental student in a Dutch setting I was invited twice to The Hague. Once for an American thanksgiving at their home (1989) and a second time to The American Protestant Church Of The Hague for a concert. John’s father Hans (who had the same name as my dad and had also worked at the nbbs, like my dad as a student) was generous, curious and funny. He was so interested in what John’s friends were studying, asked a lot of questions about what we did and how we got to where we were.
He told me to travel and explore Europe as much as I could because it would open my world. That was great advice to a homesick Canadian. I took it. Thank-you John and Hans. Love, Friso
Friso
December 12, 2024
Dearest Ann, Peter, John, Mary and 'kids',
I read a beautifully worded memory of Hans, his fulfilled and rich life in love and as patriarch of his family. His photo, waving to the world, touches my heart in emotion. In his eyes I see the lights of joy and humor that I remember from him just like his voice that sounded on the phone when we spoke for the last time. I wish you all a lovely ceremony on December 28 to celebrate his life in spiritual connection, with loving gratitude and a heart filled with beautiful memories.
Lydia Kimman

Family tree

Peet van der Steur
Marietje van der Sleen
Anne Kuhns
Mariëtte Droogleever Fortuyn
Els Rijken
John
Eline
Mea
Peter
Joshua
Mary
Shaina
Mariëtte Droogleever Fortuyn
Els Rijken
Anne Kuhns
John
Eline
Mea
Peter
Joshua
Mary
Shaina
Hans van der Steur
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