Hendrik Van Oss ’39

Hank died peacefully in his sleep July 21, 2010, just five days short of his 93rd birthday.  

He spent his early childhood in the Netherlands until his family moved to Plainfield, N.J. At Princeton he became a politics major and distinguished himself as a member of the University’s world-record-holding 300-yard medley relay swimming team. For this, he and swim coach Howie Stepp are noted at the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale.  

After attending Columbia Law School and the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins, Hank began his long career as a diplomat, joining the Department of State’s Division of World Trade and Intelligence in 1942. He served in Foreign Service posts all over the world, including many as consul general or deputy chief of mission, until he retired in 1974, settling in Lawrenceville, N.J. There he led and supported various local causes. He served as our class president from 1979 to 1984, presiding over our 40th reunion, and was active in the Alumni Council.

Anne Burnett, Hank’s wife of 50 years, died in 1998. Surviving are their children, Elise ’77, Alex, and Hendrik. We offer them deep sympathy as we salute our friend who served Princeton and our nation in so many ways.