Obituary of Adriaan Jacob Willem Mak

Humanist, Unitarian, thinker, teacher, organist, choir director, social activist, iconoclast, runner, gardener, designer and builder, beloved husband, father and grandfather “Ego mundi civis esse cupio.” – Erasmus of Rotterdam. Adriaan considered himself to be a citizen of the world. He was deeply affected by the lessons of his youth in wartime Holland where he gained an understanding of human nature, a hatred of war, awareness of the need for diplomacy and compromise and, above all, compassion. Adriaan was a Renaissance man with an encyclopedic knowledge of world history and a profound respect for science. He was equally at home playing and improvising on a Baroque organ, describing the development of the English language and literature from the Anglo Saxon to Modern English period, sewing curtains and explaining how the complex liver ducts function. He applied his considerable talents and energy to education, social justice and solving the practical problems of everyday life. He embraced the Humanist and Unitarian philosophy which affirms our ability to lead ethical and meaningful lives, guided by reason and scientific enquiry, inspired by music and art and motivated by ethics, compassion and fairness. Adriaan confronted his final illness unafraid, accepting, still learning, curious about the world and grateful for a life well lived. After 30 years as a teacher of English, drama, debating, music and gifted students at several Hamilton schools, Adriaan happily retired in London to begin a new life as husband and father. He dedicated himself to volunteer organizations from home, and three weeks before his death, gave a talk on polytheism and multiculturalism in the Republic of Rome - active and engaged until the end.   He leaves his spouse Carolyn Ruth Rowland, daughter Yolanda Mak (Carlos), son Rowland Mak, step daughters Tatha (Paolo) and Kyla (Rob), granddaughters Ariaana, Willow and Raine, step grandchildren Danielle and Arin, and extended family in Canada and the Netherlands. Adriaan’s previous spouse, Hilda Santing, predeceased him in 2007.