LIEVE JAN, WE THINK OF YOU

Jan was a familiar face at Miljonair Fair and Masters of LXRY from the very beginning, and he shone brightly in LXRY Magazine on many occasions.

From the very beginning, Jan was a regular at Miljonair Fair and Masters of LXRY, he starred many times in LXRY Magazine and was interviewed countless times for LXRY TV. We all remember him in our own way.

Yves Gijrath, founder MASTERS HQ

“I could write a book about my experiences with Jan. For me he is the monument of the Dutch celebrity. A charmer with great business qualities. A master in creating atmosphere. The title iconic is reserved for few. Jan was without a doubt iconic in his field and had an eye for everything that was going on in society. But above all, Jan was a true friend. I'm going to miss him very much. Jan also had a very nice voice. Soothing. His positive brain was extremely inspiring. He always saw opportunities, no matter how great the challenges. I hope he gets a statue in his beloved Naarden.”

Tamara Gijrath

“We met Jan and Monique years ago in Curaçao. Quite by accident. The sun shone, we sat down and never got up again. Love ignited. Over the years we have always found each other. Both in good times and in bad times. Jan was a thinker. He drew what he thought. He said what he thought. He always continued to renew himself, despite clinging to times gone by. He had the gift of connecting with you. In doing so, he gave others a glimpse into his experiences: educational, entertaining, surprising. I am extremely grateful and fortunate that I have shared a piece of Jan with me, both professionally and personally. I hold on to that, never to forget.”

Bart-Jan Brouwer, editor-in-chief MASTERS magazine

“At the end of 2014, Jan and Monique were guest editor-in-chief of LXRY Magazine. To this end, I regularly visited them in Het Arsenaal or at their home. There Jan told me all about design, he showed me his art collection, his car collection. He took his time, paid full attention to me, was almost fatherly. With Jan you automatically relaxed. If I saw him again later, I would give him a hug - and I don't do that to anyone. He is perhaps the sweetest man I have ever had the pleasure of working with. When 'his' LXRY came out, he and Monique organized a dinner at home for a select group of employees. Jan was so generous. A sweet and selfless man! So he will live on in my thoughts.”

Sandra van Merode, art director MASTERS magazine

“We were allowed to create a beautiful List, with Jan and Monique as guest editor-in-chief. What a nice and grateful song that was. Everything was covered, including his oeuvre and the shop in Naarden where it all started. Remember that I also had Jan's things in the house, the cube telephone, the table lamp and a bright red cube sofa! That was the great thing, everyone could have something of his at home, for both small and large wallets. A true MASTER!”

Irene van de Laar, presenter MASTERS TV

“The fact that Jan had to say goodbye to life touched me deeply. I have many wonderful memories of Jan. We made a report with and about Jan several times. It not only highlighted his versatile talent and his vision on design and interior; his personality also stood out. Jan was always genuinely interested in the other person. People from all sports. He was always charming and gentlemanly, and dressed impeccably and stylishly. When Jan spoke about his work, he did so with great enthusiasm. The people in his work environment were equally enthusiastic and committed. This created a unique interplay to achieve the best performances, in which Monique played an important role. In my mind I honor him as an iconic trendsetter, and above all as a warm, sweet man who will be missed by many. Jan was and remains an inspiration, a designer who managed to turn something ordinary into something extraordinary. I wish Monique, the children and grandchildren a lot of strength, and a lot of support and love from each other.”

Carsten Klint, presenter MASTERS TV

“If Jan, usually inseparable from Monique, was present at, for example, the traditional St. Tropez lunch in the Netherlands, the Men's Lunch during Masters or LXRY, or the VIP dinner during the largest Michelin pop-up restaurant M, then that was always special. But even more special was that Jan always spoke spontaneously, was extremely complimentary to the organization and entrepreneurship and always did this with a message. Then everyone present was completely silent. Now Jan will never speak again and everyone is silent.”

Leonie Pamboer, senior event & project manager

“I remember well that Jan spontaneously took the microphone during the Men's Lunch to express his appreciation for the teamwork of Yves and Tamara, because next to every strong man there is also a strong woman. He spoke from his heart and that was felt by everyone present.”

Ellen Breemans, partnerships manager & admissions board member

“The beautiful, striking presentations that Jan created together with Monique at our events were always masterpieces. We have lost an icon.”

Sharon van der Sloot, director of partnerships

“Dear Jan, you were an inspiration to many, a true icon. I got to know you as an incredibly sympathetic and nice man. Rest in peace."

Dennis Coenen, partnerships manager

“A great designer and art lover has passed away from us. We will greatly miss his vision, good company and wit.”

Mical Joseph, creative producer

“Jan, a unique design icon with an enormously complimentary heart. Rest in power.”

Leonie Reinders-Kragt, online media manager

“When I think about Jan, my thoughts wander to the times I was able to make television with him. In Het Arsenaal, at his home, at Masters or LXRY, Jan was always in a good mood and happy to see you. A flamboyant designer has left, who left his mark on Dutch design with simplicity.”