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© SRZM
Huug has been tremendously important for SZRM/NFRA/ASTRON in his long career.
He studied astronomy in Leiden under Oort straight after the War. From the start, he was involved with the newly created radio astronomy organisation SRZM, and its first tentative observing facilities in Kootwijk.He was lured to Groningen by Blaauw. There he became a leader of the young team that put the Kapteyn Institute "on the map" by means of the wonderful nearby WSRT.For more than 25 years, from 1965 to 1991, Huug was a member of the SRZM Board. For most of that time he served as secretary, and as a delegate member overseeing the work of the institute in Dwingeloo.In 1968 he became the first chairman of the scientific Program Committee, which pioneered an enlightened open policy that greatly enhanced the international impact of the telescopes.But most of all, Huug was a warm and generous friend and mentor, and a true gentleman. He could also tell charmingly self-deprecating stories. Like when he was gently put in his place by two strangers in a Caltech cafetaria, who turned out to be Richard Feynman and Murray Gell-Mann.
Huug's memorial service will be today, Friday September 11th, 2 pm local time. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, only a limited number of people can attend the ceremony. For a live-stream, go to https://crematoriumommelandenstad.respectrum.info/ and clickâlivestream mogelijkâ. Then log in with code 457844555
Personal messages may be left on the on-line condolence page for Huug: https://www.memori.nl/gedenkplaats/hugo-van-woerden/. After a few weeks, all reactions will be collected in a book will be presented to Huug's wife Ria.
© SRZM