In memoriam Jos Stegen
A shock wave made its way through the building on Tuesday when we received word that Jos Stegen (59) had died unexpectedly after a fatal fall at home. Jos started working at the then State University of Limburg on 1 November 1982, initially as an analyst at the Biochemistry department and from 1 June 1989 as Head Analyst at the Department of Human Biology.
Thanks to his analytical knowledge and technical skills, Jos played a key role in the development of research in the Department of Human Biology. He provided analytical support and took care of the logistics planning for many research projects. Jos was always willing to help anyone and worked round the clock if necessary to complete analyses on time. His expertise in methods of biochemical analysis and his open and direct style of communication (‘we don't have it, can't do it and won't do it’!) were widely appreciated. Working with colleagues and students was his passion in life. Jos helped many research assistants during the evenings and weekends, and he is rightly mentioned in many PhD thesis acknowledgements.
He had his own, authentic way of building relationships with everyone and a unique talent for connecting people. Jos was the social face of Human Biology, in fact. He organised the weekend outings, the annual excursions to Christmas markets in Liège and Aachen, Chinese takeaways in the department, the civil servants' carnival in the Perroen and, of course, the Friday afternoon get-togethers where everyone was welcome. For Jos, it was all about working in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. Everyone meeting up for a drink after a week's hard work always brought a contented smile to his face, and the smell of deep-fried snacks would fill the entire building.
It was with very good reason that Jos was considered the paterfamilias of the department, and his loss will be deeply felt by the whole Department of Human Biology. One of his close colleagues put it very aptly, saying that from now on we will probably speak of the department 'in the days of Jos' and 'after the days of Jos'. Words cannot express how sorely Jos will be missed by us all.
We extend our sincere sympathy to Jos's family, his many friends and colleagues in their sad loss.
The funeral will be held at the De Walpot crematorium in Eijsden on Monday 24 April at 10.30 a.m.
Colleagues of the Department of Human Biology and Movement Sciences.