Pathetic Facts

Dutch music stars who deceased at age 53

Here are 15 famous musicians from Netherlands died at 53:

Gerrie Knetemann

Gerrie Knetemann (March 6, 1951 Amsterdam-November 2, 2004 Bergen) also known as De Kneet or Gerhard Friedrich Knetemann was a Dutch professional road racing cyclist. He had three children, Roxane Knetemann, Marnix Knetemann and Elise Knetemann.

During his career, Knetemann won the world road racing championship in 1978 and the Amstel Gold Race in 1974 and 1985. He was also a member of the winning Dutch team in the 1978 and 1983 World Championships. Knetemann was known for his all-around skills and was a valuable team member in both one-day classics and stage races. After retiring from professional cycling in 1989, Knetemann became a sports director for various cycling teams, including the Rabobank and later became a television commentator for cycling events in the Netherlands.

Knetemann began cycling at a young age and won his first race at the age of 16. He turned professional in 1974 and quickly established himself as one of the top cyclists in the world. In addition to his victories at the world championships and Amstel Gold Race, Knetemann also won several other prestigious races including the Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico stage races.

Off the bike, Knetemann was known for his laid-back personality and love for music. He often played guitar and even formed a band with fellow cyclists during his racing career. He was widely respected in the cycling community and was known for his sportsmanship and fair play on the bike.

Knetemann's legacy continues to inspire young cyclists in the Netherlands and beyond. In 2008, the annual Kneet's Evening was established to honor his memory and celebrate Dutch cycling. The event features a race and other cycling-related activities, and has become a beloved tradition in the cycling community.

He died in stroke.

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Gerrit Jan van Ingen Schenau

Gerrit Jan van Ingen Schenau (September 13, 1944-April 2, 1998) was a Dutch physicist and scientist.

Van Ingen Schenau was best known for his research in the area of biomechanics, focusing on the study of human movement and the mechanical principles behind it. He received his PhD in physics from the University of Amsterdam in 1970 and went on to conduct research at several institutions around the world, including Stanford University and the University of Calgary. In 1995, he was appointed as professor of biomechanics at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. Van Ingen Schenau's research was instrumental in advancing our understanding of how humans move and perform physical activities such as running, cycling, and swimming. He was also known for his development of specialized equipment and techniques to measure biomechanical variables in athletes, which helped inform training and coaching methods.

Van Ingen Schenau's contributions to the field of biomechanics have been widely recognized; he was awarded numerous honors during his career, including the prestigious Olympic Order in 1988 for his contributions to the sport of speed skating. He was also a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, and served as president of the International Society of Biomechanics from 1993 to 1995. In addition to his research, Van Ingen Schenau was also passionate about teaching and mentoring young scientists, and was known for his enthusiasm, generosity, and sense of humor. His legacy continues to shape the field of biomechanics, and his work has inspired many researchers to explore the complexities of human movement and performance.

He died as a result of cancer.

Philip Van Zandt

Philip Van Zandt (October 4, 1904 Amsterdam-February 15, 1958 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Philip Pinheiro, Phil Van Zandt, Phil Van Vandt, Philip van Zandt, Phillip Van Zandt, Philip "Phil" Van Zand, Philip "Phil" Van Zandt or Van Zandt was a Dutch actor.

Philip Van Zandt began his acting career on the stages of London and Paris before moving to Hollywood in 1936. He appeared in over 220 movies and TV shows, often playing suave villains and authoritative figures. Some of his most notable roles were in the films Gilda (1946) and The Big Combo (1955). He also had recurring roles in TV series such as The Lone Ranger and The Adventures of Superman. Van Zandt was a member of the Screen Actors Guild and served on its board of directors. Despite his success, he struggled with alcoholism and depression, leading to his tragic suicide at the age of 53.

Van Zandt was known for his versatile acting abilities and often played a range of characters, from ruthless villains to comedic sidekicks. He appeared in several films with prominent leading actors such as James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart, and Rita Hayworth. Van Zandt's craft also extended to voice acting, lending his talents to several animated TV shows such as The Jetsons and The Flintstones.

Outside of acting, Van Zandt was a talented linguist and spoke several languages fluently. He also wrote several screenplays and was an avid collector of antique books. Despite his personal struggles, Van Zandt remained dedicated to his craft and continued to work in Hollywood until his untimely death in 1958.

Van Zandt's legacy has continued to live on through his extensive body of work, and he remains a beloved figure in the world of film and television.

He died caused by suicide.

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Conrad Vorstius

Conrad Vorstius (July 19, 1569 Free Imperial City of Cologne-September 29, 1622 Tönning) was a Dutch personality.

He was a theologian, a controversial scholar, and a professor of theology at the University of Leiden. Vorstius was appointed as the successor of Jacobus Arminius, who was a renowned theologian, but his appointment caused an uproar among the conservative Calvinists due to his alleged heretical beliefs. This led to a series of theological disputes that eventually led to his dismissal from the university.

After leaving the University, Vorstius became a pastor in Tönning, but he continued to be involved in theological controversies, especially after the publication of his book "De Deo" which was considered blasphemous by the Calvinists. His controversial ideas earned him the reputation of a heretic, and his works were banned in several countries.

Despite the criticisms and controversies surrounding Vorstius, he continued to pursue his theological studies until his death in 1622. Today, he is remembered as a significant figure in the history of theology and philosophy, who contributed to the development of several important theological concepts.

Vorstius was born as Conrad Vorst in Cologne, Germany but later changed his surname to the Latinized form Vorstius. He studied at the University of Heidelberg and later at the University of Leiden where he was appointed as a professor of theology. Vorstius was known for his unconventional views on various theological issues, and this often led to clashes with his fellow theologians. His ideas were heavily influenced by the works of the Dutch philosopher and theologian, Dirck Volckertszoon Coornhert.

Apart from his theological works, Vorstius was also interested in the study of languages, particularly Hebrew and Arabic. He published a work on Arabic grammar, which was considered a significant contribution to the field.

During his tenure at the University of Leiden, Vorstius was accused of denying the divinity of Christ and advocating for Socinianism, a form of heterodox Christianity. These allegations were vigorously denied by Vorstius himself, but they still led to his dismissal from the university in 1619.

After leaving the university, Vorstius moved to Tönning, where he became a pastor. He continued to write and publish theological works, which further alienated him from the orthodox Calvinist authorities. His book "De Deo" was particularly controversial, as it presented a view of God that was considered incompatible with traditional Calvinist doctrine.

Despite facing widespread condemnation, Vorstius remained committed to his own beliefs and continued to publish works until his death in 1622. His ideas had a significant impact on the development of later theological thought, particularly in the areas of Christology and the nature of God. Today, Vorstius is remembered as a complex and controversial figure whose contributions to the history of theology cannot be overlooked.

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Michiel de Swaen

Michiel de Swaen (January 20, 1654 Dunkirk-May 3, 1707) was a Dutch writer, surgeon and poet.

De Swaen was one of the most important Flemish Baroque poets and playwrights. He was born to a noble family and was trained as a surgeon, serving as an army surgeon before becoming a physician in his hometown. De Swaen began writing poetry at a young age and was heavily influenced by the works of the ancient Roman poet Horace. He is best known for his play "The Larceny of the Nymphs", which is considered a masterpiece of Flemish Baroque literature. De Swaen's works reflect his love of nature, his interest in the human condition and his belief in the power of poetry to connect people. He died in Dunkirk at the age of 53.

In addition to his literary career, Michiel de Swaen was an accomplished scientist and made several contributions to the field of medicine. He was particularly interested in the study of anatomy and physiology, and was known to have performed several successful surgeries during his lifetime. De Swaen is also remembered for his charitable work and was known to have treated the poor and needy without charge. Despite his contributions to medicine and literature, Michiel de Swaen is a relatively lesser-known figure in modern times. However, his works are still studied and admired by scholars, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of Flemish writers and artists.

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Piet Gunning

Piet Gunning (July 5, 1913-May 23, 1967) was a Dutch personality.

He was a lawyer and politician, serving as a member of the House of Representatives for the Christian Historical Union party from 1956 until his death in 1967. Gunning was also a writer, penning several books on political and social issues in the Netherlands. In addition to his political and literary pursuits, he was active in several social causes and served on the board of several charitable organizations. Gunning was widely respected for his intelligence, integrity, and dedication to public service.

Gunning was born in The Hague, Netherlands, to a prominent family of lawyers and politicians. After completing his law degree at Leiden University, he began practicing law in his hometown. He soon became involved in politics and was elected to the House of Representatives in 1956, where he worked on a variety of issues, including education, social welfare, and foreign affairs.

As a writer, Gunning was known for his clear and concise prose, and his books were widely read and respected. His best-known work, "The Dutch Welfare State," examined the development of social programs in the Netherlands and their impact on society. He also wrote about the role of religion in public life and the need for political reform in his country.

Outside of his political and literary work, Gunning was active in several charitable organizations, including the Dutch Red Cross and the Dutch Cancer Society. He was also a member of the board of the National Museum of Ethnology in Leiden.

Gunning's sudden death in 1967 at the age of 53 was widely mourned in the Netherlands. A memorial service was held in his honor in The Hague, attended by hundreds of people, including many of his colleagues in the House of Representatives. His legacy as a dedicated and principled public servant continues to be remembered and celebrated in his homeland.

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Victor Henny

Victor Henny (October 30, 1887 Salatiga-July 12, 1941) was a Dutch personality.

He was best known for his expertise in the field of ornithology or the study of birds. Henny dedicated his life to studying and cataloging bird species from all over the world. He spent many years in Indonesia, especially in the island of Java, where he conducted extensive research on the avian species found in the region.

Henny was also a skilled painter, and many of his works centered around birds and nature. His illustrations of birds were widely published and praised for their accuracy and attention to detail.

Apart from his scientific contributions, Henny was also actively involved in conservation efforts for endangered bird species. He documented the devastating effects of human activities on bird populations and actively campaigned for their protection. Henny's legacy continues to inspire and influence the field of ornithology and wildlife conservation till date.

Henny received his education at Leiden University in the Netherlands, with a degree in biology. During his studies, he developed a fascination with birds that never left him. His passion for ornithology led him to write several books on the subject, including "A Monograph of the Mieropitta" and "The Birds of Java." Henny also worked as an ornithologist for the Royal Dutch East Indies army, where he documented the birdlife of the Indonesian archipelago.

In addition to his scientific and artistic endeavors, Henny was also a philanthropist. He supported various charities and funded scientific research scholarships. Henny also served as a mentor to many young scientists, and his guidance was instrumental in their success.

Henny's dedication and achievements earned him several accolades, including the Order of the Lion and the Golden Palm, one of the highest honors conferred by the Dutch government. Despite his accomplishments, Henny remained modest and focused on his work. His legacy in the field of ornithology and wildlife conservation remains a testament to his immense contribution to science and society.

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Evert Koops

Evert Koops (January 2, 1885-November 10, 1938) was a Dutch personality.

He is best known for his contribution as a hurdler in the 4 x 100 metres relay at the 1920 Summer Olympics held in Antwerp, Belgium. He participated as a member of the Dutch team, which won the bronze medal.

Koops was born in Amsterdam, and began his athletic career in the early 20th century. He specialized in hurdles, and was a part of Amsterdam's Athletiek en Football Club. In addition to his Olympic success, he also won several national championships in the Netherlands.

Outside of his track and field career, Koops worked as a civil servant at the Dutch Ministry of Finance. He was married and had three children. Tragically, he passed away at the age of 53 in 1938 due to a heart attack.

Koops made his first appearance on the international stage at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden, where he competed in the 110 metres hurdles. However, he did not advance beyond the qualifying heats. In 1913, he broke the Dutch record for the 110 metres hurdles and continued to hold it until 1929. During World War I, Koops served in the army and was injured in the Battle of the Somme.

After retiring from competitive athletics, Koops remained involved in sports as a coach and administrator. He served as chairman of the athletics section in the Dutch Federation of Gymnastics and was a member of the Royal Dutch Athletics Association. The Evert Koops Trophy, awarded annually to the best Dutch junior hurdler, is named in his honor.

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Gerbrand van den Eeckhout

Gerbrand van den Eeckhout (August 19, 1621 Amsterdam-October 22, 1674 Amsterdam) was a Dutch personality.

Gerbrand van den Eeckhout was a Dutch artist, best known for his paintings during the Golden Age of Dutch art. He was a student of Rembrandt and is considered one of his most loyal followers. Eeckhout's works often depicted biblical and historical scenes, as well as portraits. He was a member of the Amsterdam Guild of Saint Luke and his works can be found in museums across Europe and the United States. Outside of his artistic pursuits, Eeckhout was also involved in local politics, serving as a member of the city council in Amsterdam.

Eeckhout's career as an artist spanned over four decades, during which he produced an array of gorgeous paintings that reflected the golden age of Dutch art. He painted atmospheric and dramatic compositions, and his work was characterized by his use of color and light. He was considered to have a keen eye for detail that helped his paintings stand out. His work was also influenced by the work of Italian masters, especially in his use of chiaroscuro, a technique that emphasizes the contrast between light and dark.

In addition to his work as an artist, Eeckhout was a respected teacher and mentor, with many aspiring artists seeking his instruction. He was known for his generosity in imparting his knowledge and expertise to young artists.

Among his notable works are "Jacob Blessing the Sons of Joseph," "The Presentation of Christ," and "The Meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek." Eeckhout's paintings continue to be celebrated for their beauty and exquisite craftsmanship, and his influence can be seen in the work of many artists who came after him.

Johann Bachstrom

Johann Bachstrom (December 24, 1688 Rawicz-June 1, 1742 Nesvizh) was a Dutch physician and writer.

He is known for his contributions to the field of medicine, specifically in the area of dermatology. Bachstrom is credited with the discovery of the condition known as scabies, and he wrote extensively on the subject in his book "De Scabie, Tractatus." In addition to his medical work, Bachstrom was also an accomplished writer, penning both scientific papers and poetry. He was a member of the Royal Society of London and corresponded with other notable physicians and scientists of his time. Bachstrom's legacy continues today as his work helped to further the understanding and treatment of skin diseases.

Bachstrom was born in Rawicz, Poland, but his family moved to Amsterdam, Netherlands when he was young. He studied medicine at the University of Leiden and later worked as a physician in Amsterdam. Bachstrom's interest in dermatology led him to conduct extensive research on skin diseases. His documentation and observations on scabies were groundbreaking and brought in a new era of diagnosing and treating skin disorders. He wrote many papers and articles on the topic of dermatology, and his work was widely accepted in the medical community. Bachstrom's expertise led him to become a professor of medicine at the University of Harderwijk in the Netherlands. Besides his medical interests, Bachstrom was a man of culture and loved poetry. He even published his poetry under the pseudonym Sigismundus Bachstromius. Bachstrom died in Nesvizh, now modern-day Belarus, at the age of 53. He was survived by his wife, Anna Pelzer, and their three children.

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Titus van Asch van Wijck

Titus van Asch van Wijck (August 29, 1849-September 9, 1902) was a Dutch politician.

Van Asch van Wijck was born in Utrecht, Netherlands. He studied law and went on to become a lawyer, practicing in Rotterdam. He then entered politics, first serving as a member of the Provincial Council of South Holland and later being elected to the House of Representatives of the Netherlands.

During his time in the House of Representatives, van Asch van Wijck served as Minister of the Interior and Minister of Justice. He was known for his conservative views and strong stance on law and order. He was also instrumental in the implementation of the Dutch civil code.

After leaving politics, van Asch van Wijck returned to law practice and became a judge on the Court of Appeal in The Hague. He died in The Hague in 1902 at the age of 53.

Van Asch van Wijck was also involved in various social and cultural organizations, including the Society for the Promotion of Industry and the Rotterdam Chamber of Commerce. In addition to his political and legal work, he published several articles on topics such as civil law and legal theory.

One of van Asch van Wijck's notable accomplishments was the passing of the Dutch Labor Protection Act in 1874. This act aimed to improve working conditions and protect workers' rights in the Netherlands, making it one of the first labor protection laws in Europe.

Van Asch van Wijck was married to Jacoba Adriana Schuring and had two children. He was also a member of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands and was known for his strong religious beliefs. Today, he is remembered as an influential figure in Dutch politics and law.

Abraham Jacob van Imbijze van Batenburg

Abraham Jacob van Imbijze van Batenburg (June 17, 1753-October 9, 1806) was a Dutch personality.

He was a diplomat, politician, and military leader who served as the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies from 1801 to 1805. Van Batenburg began his career as a soldier in the Dutch East India Company and quickly rose up through the ranks. He was later appointed as an ambassador to various European countries, negotiating treaties and alliances on behalf of the Dutch government.

Van Batenburg was known for his brave and decisive leadership style, which earned him respect and admiration from his fellow soldiers and officers. During his time as Governor-General, he worked to modernize and improve the infrastructure of the Dutch East Indies, including roads, bridges, and irrigation systems.

Despite his successes, Van Batenburg was also criticized for his harsh treatment of the native population and his strict enforcement of Dutch colonial policies. He died in 1806, just one year after returning to the Netherlands, and is remembered as both a capable leader and a controversial figure in Dutch colonial history.

Van Batenburg was born in a noble family in Utrecht, Netherlands. He received his education in his hometown and joined the Dutch East India Company when he was 17 years old. He started as a simple soldier and was later promoted to the rank of captain due to his exceptional leadership skills. During his time in the Dutch East Indies, he played a crucial role in several military campaigns, including the Mysore Wars and the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War.

After serving in the military for over two decades, Van Batenburg transitioned to diplomacy and politics. He was appointed as the Dutch ambassador to Sweden and Denmark, and later to Britain and France. He negotiated several critical treaties that helped to bolster Dutch trade and influence in Europe.

When Van Batenburg returned to the Dutch East Indies as Governor-General, he faced several challenges, including rebellions and financial difficulties. He implemented policies to address these issues and focused on improving the lives of Dutch settlers and natives alike. Under his leadership, the Dutch East Indies experienced a period of relative peace and stability.

In addition to his political and military career, Van Batenburg was also a talented artist and writer. He was known for his paintings and drawings of the places he visited as a diplomat and military leader, and he wrote several books and articles on his experiences in the Dutch East Indies.

Despite his controversial legacy, Van Batenburg is remembered as one of the most influential figures in Dutch colonial history. His contributions to the economic, political, and cultural development of the Dutch East Indies continue to be recognized and studied today.

Roel de Mon

Roel de Mon (November 5, 1919 Haarlem-November 2, 1973) was a Dutch personality.

Roel de Mon was not only a Dutch personality but also a writer, journalist, and radio commentator. He started his career as a journalist during World War II, working for various underground resistance newspapers. Later, he worked as a foreign correspondent for Dutch and British newspapers.

De Mon was also a prolific writer, penning several novels, plays, and essays throughout his career. He also wrote books on famous Dutch figures such as Anne Frank and Vincent van Gogh. In addition to his literary work, de Mon was a well-known commentator for Dutch radio, specializing in international affairs.

Despite his many accomplishments, de Mon's life was cut short by a sudden heart attack at the age of 53. However, his legacy lives on through his writings and his influence on Dutch journalism and literature.

De Mon's works have been translated into several languages, and his writings are still studied and appreciated by many today. In recognition of his contributions to Dutch literature and journalism, in 1967, de Mon received the prestigious P.C. Hooft Award, which is the highest literary award in the Netherlands. Throughout his career, de Mon was known for his commitment to journalistic integrity, and his dedication to telling the truth, even in the face of adversity. His life and work continue to inspire young writers and journalists in the Netherlands and beyond.

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Théophile de Bock

Théophile de Bock (January 14, 1851 The Hague-November 22, 1904 Haarlem) was a Dutch personality.

He was a painter and a member of the Hague School, a group of Dutch artists who sought to capture the beauty of the Dutch landscape and rural life in their work. De Bock primarily painted landscapes and was known for his loose brushstrokes and use of color. He was heavily influenced by the French Impressionists, particularly Claude Monet, and often incorporated their techniques into his own work. Despite his success as an artist, de Bock struggled with alcoholism throughout his life and died at the age of 53 from complications related to his addiction. Today, his paintings can be found in museums throughout the Netherlands, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag in The Hague.

De Bock's love for painting started from an early age, and he received his formal training at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague. His work caught the attention of Hendrik Willem Mesdag, a prominent member of the Hague School, who became a mentor and offered him a job at his studio. De Bock's style evolved over time, moving away from the traditional approach of the Hague School and becoming more impressionistic.

His work was exhibited in the Netherlands as well as internationally, including at the Paris Salon, where he was praised by critics for his use of color and light. De Bock also traveled extensively throughout Europe and North Africa, often seeking inspiration for his work.

In addition to his paintings, de Bock was also an accomplished writer and poet, with several publications to his name. He even wrote a novel, "Een zusje van den Zon" (A Little Sister of the Sun), which was based on his experiences in North Africa.

Despite his struggles with alcoholism, de Bock remained a prolific artist until the end of his life. His legacy continues to inspire many contemporary Dutch artists, and his paintings remain popular with collectors and art enthusiasts alike.

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André Hazes

André Hazes (June 30, 1951 Amsterdam-September 23, 2004 Hofpoort Hospital Woerden) also known as Andre Hazes, Andreas Gerardus Hazes, André Gerardus Hazes, Hazes, André or Dré Hazes was a Dutch singer and musician. He had four children, Nathalie Hazes, Melvin Hazes, André Hazes jr. and Roxanne Hazes.

His albums include Eenzame kerst, Zo is het leven, Live Concert, Innamorato, Hazes nu, Dit is wat ik wil, Concertgebouw Live, André Hazes 50 (bonus disc), Al 15 jaar gewoon André and 25 jaar Hazes: ArenA versie. His related genres: Folk music and Levenslied.

He died in myocardial infarction.

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