It is with deep respect and admiration that we commemorate the life of Ruud Landman, who passed away at the age of 89.
Ruud was a dentist of exceptional calibre, whose practice in The Hague was run from the most modest of premises. His work was characterised by a calm, meticulous and deliberate approach; even after fifty years, his crowns and bridges stand as a lasting testament to his impeccable craftsmanship, a fact regularly confirmed by his grateful patients. His distinguished appearance, accentuated from an early age by his striking white hair, was matched by his refined and composed manner. Ruud spoke beautifully articulated, refined Dutch – always eloquent and, more importantly, his language was always courteous, never betraying a harsh word. In the quiet of his home, he found solace in the simple pleasure of smoking a pipe.
Ruud was devoted to both his profession and his family. He was faithfully married to Lilian, herself a dentist, and together they raised two children, Theo, and Babette.
A dedicated member of the International College of Dentists (ICD), Ruud served with distinction as Treasurer of the European Section from 2000 to 2006, succeeding his dear late friend Henk Ruskamp. His dedication was such that he never missed an Annual Meeting and managed the finances with the utmost care, so much so that he hired an external accounting firm to check the figures.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Ruud was an active member of an esteemed study group in The Hague, where he formed lasting and sincere friendships with colleagues. These included several influential contemporaries of the ICD: Jan Pameijer, Henk Ruskamp, Peter Bok, Henk Lambert, Coen Kuijt, Jan van Hoeve, Ab Heijboer, Hein Coops and Frans Kroon, who, although not all members of the study group, shared with him a common passion for the art and science of dentistry and constantly encouraged each other in their endeavours.
Ruud was also a natural storyteller, deeply influenced by the values instilled in him by his mother. His time at the University of Utrecht, where he studied dentistry, allowed him to blossom and develop a robust self-confidence, even though he once considered himself an unremarkable student during his earlier schooling. He was known for his impeccable manners, his genuine attentiveness and his penchant for thoughtful compliments, attributes that gave him an almost regal grace.
A lover of modern art, Ruud had a deep appreciation for creativity in all its forms. He frequently visited museums, attended art history lectures, and surrounded his home with beautiful works of art, reflecting his enduring passion for the contemporary art scene.
His final illness was short, but to the end he was surrounded by the warmth, loyalty and respect of friends and colleagues within the ICD community and beyond. On a personal note, I will miss him deeply – not only as a remarkable colleague and tutor but also a valued friend.
Walter van Driel, Past President ICD European Section