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It is with much sorrow and deepest regret that we inform you that Anton van Deutekom passed away on 20 January.

Anton’s passion was Thematic Philately because it requires expertise, good storytelling and a drive to improve constantly. He set up a remarkable collection and always pushed forward to improve it. He was awarded three Large Gold medals (on three continents; it used to be his joke) with his exhibit “The League of Nations: No Guarantee for Peace”. A good planner, a good organiser and, mostly, a person passionate about his work, he donated his collection to the Library of the Peace Palace in the Hague, where it will be displayed shortly.

“A special part of this Special Collection contains all kinds of images and posters, representing peace or anti-war sentiments (also on the post-World War II epoch). The Peace Palace Library has started to upload this special collection to the library website. Half a decade ago the Peace Palace Library succeeded to acquire a truly extraordinary philately collection, not so much on peace alone, but merely mirroring the League of Nations years. It concerns a worldwide appraised and awarded philately collection, safely stored in vaults outside the Peace Palace, composed by the Dutch philatelist Anton van Deutekom.” Taken from the Peace Palace Library website.

Anton’s funeral will be held on Saturday, 27 January.

He will be deeply missed.

The text was kindly provided by Anton’s close friend, Ms Stefania Iordan.