IN MEMORIAM HANS SOMSEN (1936-2000)

by Theo Somsen [227]

On February 4, 2000, Johannes Bernardus Somsen [404] from Wolvega died completely unexpectedly at the age of 63.

Hans had just retired and was looking forward to the new episode in his life that was about to begin. This adds to the sorrow and loss in the lives of his wife Ank and their children and grandchildren. It will be very difficult for them to go on without Hans. Hans, who was such a dear husband and such a great father and grandfather.

Hans also had an unforgettable place in the lives of many others and certainly in our worldwide family life. We are very thankful to Hans for the initiative he took in 1996 to take the lead for a worldwide family reunion. No doubt the family spirit of the Eibergen Somsens, which was so characteristic of Hans, inspired him to do so. And how have all of us profited by that!

The reunion in that beautiful summer of 1997 became a great success, especially due to his enthusiasm, his ideas and his effort. For as chairman of the reunion committee he was indefatigable and he stimulated the other committee members with his cheerfulness, tenacity and resourcefulness. Because of his enthusiasm and preparation, which was always perfect, he knew how to create an atmosphere of trust and new impetuousness at every meeting of the reunion committee.

Preparations for the reunion, Erve Kots July 1997, left to right: Hans Somsen [404], Désiré Somsen-Appeldoorn [2585]

Hans’ initiative has resulted in the origin of a worldwide sense of togetherness among quite many members of our family. Family members who till then were hardly aware of each other’s existence.

The Somsen Foundation that emanated from this is a direct result, then, of the enthusiasm and initiative of Hans.

To many people who visited the worldwide reunion in 1997 Hans remained invisible. This suited him best of all, this was the way he wanted it.

But everything that happened either arose from his creativity, was brought about through him, or had in any case gone through his hands.

Dick Somsen [130] and I have been allowed to express our great appreciation, also on behalf of our worldwide family, by placing a floral emblem at the funeral with the text:

Full of gratitude from all those for whom Hans made the worldwide Somsen-Reunion into an unforgettable festival.

As board members and advisors of the Somsen Foundation we hope to honour the memory of Hans by working on in his spirit and enthusiasm to strengthen the sense of togetherness among all our family members.

We would like to express the wish that his memory will be beneficial to Ank Somsen-Ekkel, their children and us.

Hans Somsen (1936-2000)