Cantonal Court Judge and Bookseller
Johan (known as Hans) Pruim was born in Hilversum in 1931. From 1959 to 1987 he was a corporate lawyer, and from 1987 to 1990 he practised as a solicitor in The Hague. Subsequently, from 1990 to 1997, he held the position of cantonal court judge in Terborg. He lived with his wife, Loeki, at Beekhuize, the former residence of textile manufacturer Driessen on Dijkstraat in Aalten. Loeki ran a hotel there.
After his retirement as a judge, he and his wife moved to Hozenstraat 2 in Bredevoort. There, they opened a bookshop and antiquarian bookstore.
In Bredevoort, Mr Pruim was active as a board member of the Hameland Bookbinders’ Guild (Boekbindersgilde Hameland). In 1997, he wrote a booklet entitled ‘Een spijl in het hek’ (A Bar in the Fence). This booklet details the history of the recapture of Bredevoort from the Spaniards by Prince Maurice in 1597. During the Eighty Years’ War, Bredevoort was surrounded by marshes. By utilising cork mats, Prince Maurice and his troops managed to recapture Bredevoort. During the presentation of the booklet, several copies featuring a cork cover were presented to Councillor Udo-van Helden and the honorary bailiff (eredrost) of Bredevoort, former Mayor Bekius.
Mr Pruim also rendered outstanding service to the elderly care organisation Stichting Zorgcombinatie Marga Klompé. From 1993, he was involved in guiding the merger between the care homes in Winterswijk, and from 1995, he served as Chairman of the Supervisory Board. In that role, he dedicated himself with great devotion to the well-being of those who live and work within Zorgcombinatie Marga Klompé. Following his retirement in 2006, he continued to support the foundation as Honorary Chairman.
After a period of declining health, Hans Pruim, LL.M., passed away on 4 May 2014 at the age of 83. He was buried at the Berkenhove cemetery.
