Ranitz Jonkheer Dr. C.J.A.

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Biografie:
Jonkheer Dr. C.J. A. de Ranitz 1906-1983
A truly remarkable person was lost when Coen de Ranitz died and we were left to ponder over the numerous changes that had affected our world in the era over which he had presided. For he was associated with half a century of Dutch climbing in many roles, all of which were important to others more than to himself. And there was the non-alpine side to his life.
De Ranitz joined the Leiden Student Alpine Club one year after it had been founded. Mountaineering came late to the Netherlands and was taken up by the students even later. Soon, however, they were to make their impact. After the early approved genteel excursions under suitable guidance the first sans guide activities were also undertaken from within this group. Yet, de Ranitz was not among the taboo breakers. Quite the contrary, as a climber he stuck to the classical routes, and always chose to be led by a professional.
His career in public life superficially shows the same conformation to the formal, the established attitudes. A civil servant in the Ministry of Education first, later Burgomaster of the City of Utrecht and, finally, chancellor of the university there, they are important positions, but do not suggest the personality ofa reformer.
In the 'Nederlandse Alpen-Vereniging', as the Dutch alpine club was known until 1952, he served, in a number of functions, uninterruptedly for 30 years. During this entire period he was a member of the editorial committee of the climbing monthly 'De Berggids' and from 1937 until 1965 he belonged to the committee of the club, the last 19 years as our President. It was under his presidency that the club was bestowed the royal predicate and became 'Koninklijke Nederlandse Alpen-Vereniging' or KNAV on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. He was elected to the Alpine Club in 1958.
What made Coen de Ranitz such an outstanding man? Simply this: his warm, personal interest in all that went on, his understanding of people, his concern. By nature an able administrator, he helped changes in attitude develop smoothly, where others would have resisted. No revolutionary in any sense, he promoted a lasting evolution. I t was under his presidency that one stopped arguing about the 'scandal' of guideless climbing, it was with his encouragement that climbing courses became the education that had been lacking so far, it was with Coen as a member of the various 'honorary advisory committees' that expedition climbing took root, which led from Huantsan and Nilgiri to Annapurna and Nanga Parbat. And he supervised the transition of an alpine club that numbered a few hundred members to an association numbering thousands, without losing its identity.
A gifted pianist, he often played for his friends, but also performed as soloist with the Utrecht Symphonic Orchestra, rather unusual for a burgomaster. As a civil servant he maintained decorum and formality, but steered his community through all perils of unruly progression.
The KNAV bestowed the honorary membership on him when he stepped down from the committee.
Two years after the loss of his wife, Ariane, we lost Coen also. A friend, not easily forgotten.
Alexander Verrijn-Stuart
Quelle: Alpine Journal Volume 89, 1984, Seite 263-264


Geboren am:
1906
Gestorben am:
1983