Johan Nicolaas van Raaphorst (1896-1986)

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Johan van Raaphorst

Individual Facts

Amsterdam, Netherlands, John's birthplace

Story: "Biographical sketch"

(By John's daughter, Anna)

John and daughter, Anna

My dad once told me a story about a visit he paid to a psychic years ago. Among other things she told him was a prediction that he would have a daughter one day.

At the time he was the father of an only child, my half-brother, Bill. I believe it was soon after his first wife died, at the young age of 43, of cancer. So of course he was skeptical that the psychic’s prediction would come true.

I remember that Dad beamed as he related the story to me years later—he was clearly glad that the prediction HAD come true. And so, obviously, am I!

He was 44 years old when I was born, so in some ways he was more like a grandfather than father, but whatever the relationship, he was a wonderful person in my estimation: always gentle, caring, and supportive. I always knew he was on my side and appreciated me for who I was.

I am especially grateful that he instilled in me a love of family, travel, and adventure; an appreciation of quality goods and services; a healthy dose of skepticism and street-smarts; and a willingness to face adversity (when necessary) squarely and bravely.

Shared Facts

John and Johanna van Raaphorst

John and Nan van Raaphorst

Relationships

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