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Jack Veerman
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Obituary for Jack Veerman

Jack  Veerman
Jack Veerman died quietly on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013.

He was born on November 11, 1930 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

His childhood abruptly ended on May 15, 1940 after the Nazi invasion of Holland. His family, and other refugees, fled to England on a fleet of small fishing boats. Not feeling safe there, either, the family moved on to America.

They settled in Forest Hills, Queens, and Jack graduated from Stuyvesant High School.

He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. Soon after graduation he saw an opportunity in the field of ceramic tile. He established Amsterdam Corporation which imported tiles from countries around the world, including Japan, Spain and Germany, as well as the traditional “Delft” tiles from Holland.

Living in New York for many years, Jack was active in the Rotary International Organization, and chairman of the Rotary Foundation of New York City from 1970-1976. He believed that Peace among nations can only be created by people who know, respect and trust one another. Jack was named a Paul Harris Fellow for his work.

He also served on the board of Musica Sacra for many years. Though not a musician, Jack recognized that music is an international language, regardless of political borders.

He became a fulltime Litchfield resident in 2000. He served on the Board of the Waterbury Symphony and was a member of the Rotary Club of Litchfield-Morris for several years. For the past eight years he was a Burgess for the Borough of Litchfield.

He is survived by his wife, Bibby (Barbara) of 35 years; his daughter, Katrina of Stowe, VT; his step-family: two daughters - Kristin Hatt and Cavarly Garrett; his step-son, Ian Berwick, and two granddaughters: Avery and Brynn Garrett.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Benefit The Waterbury Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 1762, Waterbury, CT 06721 or to the Rotary Club of Litchfield Educational Fund, Inc., PO Box 273, Litchfield, CT 06759.

Calling hours will be Friday evening, March 1, 2013 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Rowe Funeral Home, 283 Torrington Road, Litchfield, CT. A reception for family and friends will follow at 68 South Street, Litchfield.

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