On Monday, 22 December 2025, AMVJ Martinus honorary member Harry de Haas passed away at the age of 84.

Until his departure from Amstelveen, Harry remained closely involved with AMVJ volleyball. His connection dates back to 1958, when he joined AMVJ and first played at the highest national level. His role as setter later proved valuable off the court as well, when he helped shape and organise various volleyball events.

After concluding his active playing career, Harry dedicated himself to establishing and maintaining top-level volleyball in Amstelveen. With his background in marketing, he succeeded in securing Delta Lloyd as AMVJ’s main sponsor for many years. This period, from the 1970s through the late 1990s, saw multiple national titles for both the AMVJ women’s and men’s teams.

Thanks largely to Harry’s efforts, AMVJ organised the European Cup I final on two separate occasions. During the years in which Harry safeguarded top-level volleyball in Amstelveen, he also served the NeVoBo in several roles, advocating for the interests of Dutch premier league volleyball clubs. In addition, Harry played an active part in organising national beach volleyball events during the 1990s.

A defining feature of AMVJ’s long era of top-level volleyball was the significant influence Harry had on team performance. His passionate support sometimes made him forget his surroundings, but this was readily forgiven in light of his unwavering focus on the ultimate goal in elite sport: winning.

After the period in which Delta Lloyd was inseparably linked to AMVJ, Harry continued for many years to seek new sponsors for the club, often contributing financially himself. This commitment ultimately had major personal consequences for him and for several others closely involved.

Harry’s characteristic—though not always fully understood—direct and fiercely dedicated approach played a crucial role in AMVJ’s long-standing success at the highest level of Dutch volleyball.

Although in recent years Harry had stepped back considerably from the sport he loved so dearly, he remained quietly attentive to the fortunes of “his club”.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his son Bryan, his grandchildren Sem and Noa, and the rest of the family as they come to terms with this loss.

The funeral has since taken place in a private setting.

On behalf of AMVJ-Martinus,

Björn Ottenhof

Former Chair