Jan Terlouw facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jan Terlouw
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Terlouw in 1981
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| Member of the Senate | |
| In office 8 June 1999 – 10 June 2003 |
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| Queen's Commissioner of Gelderland | |
| In office 1 November 1991 – 1 December 1996 |
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| Monarch | Beatrix |
| Preceded by | Ad Oele (ad interim) |
| Succeeded by | Jan Kamminga |
| Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands | |
| In office 11 September 1981 – 4 November 1982 Serving with Joop den Uyl (1982)
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| Prime Minister | Dries van Agt |
| Preceded by | Hans Wiegel |
| Succeeded by | Gijs van Aardenne |
| Minister of Economic Affairs | |
| In office 11 September 1981 – 4 November 1982 |
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| Prime Minister | Dries van Agt |
| Preceded by | Gijs van Aardenne |
| Succeeded by | Gijs van Aardenne |
| Leader of the Democrats 66 | |
| In office 1 September 1973 – 8 September 1982 |
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| Preceded by | Hans van Mierlo |
| Succeeded by | Laurens Jan Brinkhorst |
| Leader of the Democrats 66 in the House of Representatives |
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| In office 1 September 1973 – 11 September 1981 |
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| Preceded by | Hans van Mierlo |
| Succeeded by | Laurens Jan Brinkhorst |
| Member of the House of Representatives | |
| In office 11 May 1971 – 11 September 1981 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jan Cornelis Terlouw
15 November 1931 Kamperveen, Netherlands |
| Died | 16 May 2025 (aged 93) Twello, Netherlands |
| Political party | Democrats 66 (from 1967) |
| Spouse |
Alexandra van Hulst
(m. 1956; |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Utrecht University |
| Occupation |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Netherlands |
| Branch | Royal Netherlands Army |
| Years of service | 1956–1958 (Conscription) 1958–1961 (Reserve) |
| Rank |  Private first class |
Jan Cornelis Terlouw (born November 15, 1931 – died May 16, 2025) was a talented person from the Netherlands. He was a politician, a scientist who studied physics, and a popular author. He belonged to the Democrats 66 (D66) political party.
From 1981 to 1982, he served as the Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands. This means he was the second-highest leader in the government, working alongside Prime Minister Dries van Agt. Jan Terlouw was also well-known for writing many books, especially for young people.
Contents
Jan Terlouw's Early Life and Education
Growing Up in the Netherlands
Jan Terlouw was born in a place called Kamperveen in the Overijssel province of the Netherlands. He grew up in the Veluwe region. He was the oldest of five children, with two younger brothers and two younger sisters.
His Studies in Science
After finishing high school, Jan Terlouw went to Utrecht University. There, he earned a master's degree in physics in 1956. Later, in 1964, he completed his PhD in both mathematics and physics.
Jan Terlouw's Career Journey
Working as a Physicist
After university, Jan Terlouw worked as a physics researcher. He conducted research in the Netherlands, the United States, and Sweden. For example, he worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from 1960 to 1962. He also worked at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden.
Becoming a Politician
After 13 years as a researcher, Jan Terlouw decided to enter politics. In 1970, he joined the Democrats 66 political party. He was elected to the House of Representatives, which is like one of the main parts of the Dutch government.
He became a spokesperson for important topics like economic affairs and science. In 1973, he became the leader of his party, D66.
Serving as Deputy Prime Minister
Jan Terlouw led his party in the national elections of 1977 and 1981. After the 1981 election, he helped form a new government. He became the Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands and also the Minister of Economic Affairs. He started these roles on September 11, 1981.
The government he was part of lasted for about seven months. After that, he continued in his roles in a temporary government. He stepped down as party leader in September 1982.
Later Political and Public Roles
Even after leaving his top government roles, Jan Terlouw stayed active. From 1983 to 1991, he was the Secretary-General of the European Conference of Ministers of Transport. This organization helps with transport policies across Europe.
In 1991, he became the Queen's Commissioner for the province of Gelderland. This is a special role representing the monarch in a region. He held this position until 1996. He also taught about Urbanization at the University of Amsterdam.
From 1999 to 2003, Jan Terlouw was a member of the Senate. This is another important part of the Dutch government. He spoke about topics like interior affairs, economic affairs, and defense.
Retirement and Continued Influence
Jan Terlouw retired from active politics when he was 71. However, he continued to be involved in public life. He worked for non-profit organizations and advised the government on various issues. He also taught Literature at Tilburg University for a year.
In his later years, he was a strong supporter of social values, sustainable development, and animal welfare. He was known for being good at bringing people together and finding solutions. He often shared his thoughts on political matters.
Jan Terlouw as an Author
Jan Terlouw was a very successful author starting in the 1970s. He wrote more than a dozen young adult fiction books.
One of his most famous novels is Winter in Wartime, published in 1972. This book was so popular that it was made into a feature film in 2008.
Personal Life
Jan Terlouw was married to Alexandra van Hulst. She passed away on August 23, 2017. They had four children and 12 grandchildren. Jan Terlouw died in Twello on May 16, 2025, at the age of 93.
Honours and Awards
Special Honours
He was made a Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau in the Netherlands in 1982. This is a high honour given for special service.
Honorary Degrees
- He received an honorary doctorate from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium in 2017. This means the university recognized his achievements.
Book Awards
- 1972: Gouden Griffel for his novel Koning van Katoren (How to Become King).
- 1973: Gouden Griffel for his novel Winter in Wartime.
- 1990: Prize of the Netherlands Children's Jury for The Figure-skater.
- 2000: Prize of the Dutch Young Jury for Eigen rechter (1988).
See also
In Spanish: Jan Terlouw para niños
