Ton Neijenhuis

Ton Neijenhuijs, the last of the ‘Big Three’, has passed away. Together with Marianne van Dorp-Kijzer and Hans Frieling, Ton formed the core that gave the History department prestige both inside and outside of school. Each in their own way they were striking teachers, striving for unity in diversity. For example, around 1980, each of the senior years offered its own subject: Erasmus (Marianne), Anarchism (Hans), Enlightenment (Ton). During study hours, the class bond was broken and students were allowed to choose; after ten weeks a written examination would follow. Both students and young colleagues learned a lot from these fine teachers.

Ton was very well read. When the Public Library of Oegstgeest was still housed in our school building, Ton would often spend his breaks there. He then had a few minutes left – while leafing through a borrowed pile of books – to have a quick smoke. At a time when us teachers had only one photocopier, often Ton was to be found at the machine, copying interesting articles from the newspaper. Whatever historical subject was discussed, Ton could easily join in. He kept his hunger for knowledge until the end. When I visited him at the end of 2017, he was still surrounded by stacks of books and articles from all kinds of newspapers and magazines. But the conversation centred on a subject about which he could find too little certainty: what is there after death?

Ton was humble, often without reason. He looked up to colleagues who had completed a university education. Yet he deprived himself in doing so, for he had obtained his MO-B certificate (1st degree qualification) in his spare time in 1967. When Ton came to the Rijnlands in August 1968, he had already taught at two primary schools in Voorburg since 1952: the Damsigtschool and the Prof. Casimir School. It was there, undoubtedly, where he developed his ability to captivate a class. Ton did not like meetings attended by many people. Openings and closings of the school year were not his favourite moments. He would only join the traditional photo session at the last minute. During report meetings he rarely spoke; but when asked his opinion of a student he would speak with respect and warmth. The vice-principal, tutor and colleagues then listened carefully to what he had to say.

Ton felt uncomfortable with anything that was imposed by authorities. Traditionally, the principal at the time, Jan Naeff, would invite each new teacher, accompanied by their partner, to his home to get acquainted. Years later, Ton would still tell us how he and Anthoinette were in doubt whether, how and where Anthoinette should take off her elegant hat. Anthoinette and her hat must certainly have made an impression, for in 1971 she was hired as an administrative assistant at the Rijnlands and she remained with us until September 1981. Ton said goodbye to the Rijnlands in 1995, after 27 years. He died on 23 April 2020 at the age of 89 in his hometown of Sassenheim. Striking descriptions of teachers often come from former students. I can’t put it better than this: ‘… so wonderfully outspoken, an inspired teacher, full of fire and stories’. When he received the compliment some years ago, Ton was almost blushing.

Roen van der Geest