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Piet Steenkamp
Prof. Steenkamp, Bestanddeelnr 924-6265.jpg
Piet Steenkamp in 1971
President of the Senate
In office
13 September 1983 – 11 June 1991
Preceded by Theo Thurlings
Succeeded by Herman Tjeenk Willink
Chairman of the Christian
Democratic Appeal
In office
23 June 1973 – 11 October 1980
Leader Dries van Agt (1976–1980)
Preceded by Office established
Succeeded by Piet Bukman
Member of the Senate
In office
22 June 1965 – 8 June 1999
Parliamentary group Christian Democratic Appeal
(1965–1980)
Catholic People's Party
(1980–1999)
Personal details
Born
Petrus Antonius Josephus Maria Steenkamp

(1925-03-08)8 March 1925
Uithoorn, Netherlands
Died 8 January 2016(2016-01-08) (aged 90)
Eindhoven, Netherlands
Political party Christian Democratic Appeal
(from 1980)
Other political
affiliations
Catholic People's Party
(until 1980)
Spouses Constance Nolet
(m. 1950–2008; her death)
Children 3 sons
Alma mater Tilburg University
(Bachelor of Economics, Master of Economics, Doctor of Philosophy)
Occupation Politician
Economist
Historian
Businessman
Corporate director
Professor

Petrus Antonius Josephus Maria "Piet" Steenkamp (born March 8, 1925 – died January 8, 2016) was an important politician in the Netherlands. He was a member of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) party. People often called him "Piet."

Early Life and Career

Piet Steenkamp was born in Uithoorn, Netherlands. He studied at Tilburg University, earning degrees in economics and a PhD.

Working in Business

From 1949 to 1954, Piet worked in his father's factory. It was called "De Hoorn" and made bacon and canned goods. Later, he joined the company's board of directors until 1966. He was known for letting employees share in the company's profits. He also allowed them to have a say in how the factory was run.

A Leader in Dutch Politics

Piet Steenkamp played a very big role in creating the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) party. Because of his efforts, he is often called the "father of the CDA."

Leading the CDA Party

He was the first chairman of the CDA party from 1973 to 1980. This was a new political party formed by combining several older Christian parties. His leadership helped shape the party's early years.

President of the Senate

Piet Steenkamp served as a member of the Senate of the Netherlands for many years. The Senate is like one of the two houses of the Dutch parliament. From 1983 to 1991, he was the President of the Senate. This is a very important position in the Dutch government. He was succeeded by Herman Tjeenk Willink.

Family Life

Piet Steenkamp was married to Constance Nolet. They had three sons together. His son, Jan-Benedict Steenkamp, is a well-known professor. He teaches marketing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Later Years and Legacy

Piet Steenkamp passed away in Eindhoven, Netherlands, on January 8, 2016. He was 90 years old. His work helped shape Dutch politics and the CDA party.

Awards and Honors

Piet Steenkamp received several important awards for his service to the Netherlands.

  • He was made a Commander of the Order of the Netherlands Lion. This is a high honor given to people who have done great things for the country.
  • He also became a Commander of the Order of Oranje-Nassau. This award recognizes people who have made special contributions to society.

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