In memoriam: Henny van Dijk
Henny van Dijk, retired director of the Graphics Communications Group at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, died Saturday, Feb. 28. He was 86.
Henny grew up in Holland and served as a cadet in the Royal Netherlands Air Force. He and his family immigrated to Durham, North Carolina, where Henny took a job at Duke University. In 1972, the family moved to Houston as Henny was recruited to join the new UT Medical School, which would later become UTHealth Houston. Here he flexed his creative muscles, serving as photographer and videographer for the school, as well as overseeing the Graphics Communications Group and upon retirement after 33 years of service he was a dedicated member and leader of The University of Texas Houston Retiree Organization, serving as the group’s newsletter editor for years. He was actively involved with the group until his death and was planning to travel to Greece in spring with The University of Texas Houston Retiree Organization and his son Stef.
Henny made an indelible mark on the medical school and so many of his colleagues. His enthusiasm for the medical school and its history was contagious. He never forgot a birthday and made special care to honor deceased The University of Texas Houston Retiree Organization members with thoughtful and complete obituaries in the Evergreen newsletter.
“He was my mentor, a great friend, and always there with his quick wit and charm. He will be truly missed,” Mary Ann Salas Cantu said.
“Henny gave me my first professional job out of college in 1979 at the UT Health Science Center at Houston. He was more than a boss; he was a positive role model and encouraging teacher. I’ll always remember him with great respect and fondness,” Carole Schatz Robberson wrote.
“Henny became my first boss at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He hired me as photography technician, and he opened the door to my lifelong journey, working for The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture,” Charlotte Pickett said. “Henny was also a phenomenal mentor and teacher to so many of us who were blessed to have been able to work closely with him as our department supervisor; he will be forever and always in our hearts’ precious memories!”
“He was one of the first people I met when I began work at UT Health Science Center at Houston in the fall of 1979. Joe Sigler, who worked with Henny at Duke University Medical Center, introduced us. Henny was not only a very skilled photographer, but also a wonderful, warm, and wise friend,” Ina Fried said.
“Henny van Dijk was truly one of a kind,” wrote Meredith Raine, associate vice president of Public Affairs at UTHealth Houston. “He was a friend, a gifted photographer, a storyteller, and, in many ways, an unofficial historian of UTHealth Houston. He had a remarkable gift for connecting people, remembering their stories, and making everyone feel like they were part of something bigger. No one championed this university or its retiree organization with more pride or more heart.”
“He was my memory. He did so many of my art, posters, and videos. I would not be who I am today without him. He has been an institution at UTHealth Houston. So many people depending on him,” Jacques Chelly, MD, recalled.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Joke. He is survived by his son Stef and his second wife Diane; his daughter Monique Stephens and her husband Mark; and his grandchildren Eric, Bryan, and Matt.
Per his wishes, there will be no memorial services. Instead, if you would like to remember Henny, please make a donation in his name to the The University of Texas Houston Retiree Organization Endowment for Healthy Aging by contacting UTHealth Houston Gift Assurance.