Marius van den Elzen

We are not here to mourn the passing of my father, Marius van den Elzen, but to marvel in the full life that he experienced. He was born on 12 September 1930, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands to Fransiscus van den Elzen and Concetta Colozza. While an adolescent, he survived to horrors of World War II. After the war, he found his niche in the metals industry, which led to a stellar career in the shipping Container industry. He had the good fortune to find companionship with three wonderful and giving women. First , the late Maria van den Elzen, nee Rotteveel, the second, the late Joan van den Elzen, nee Pelley, the finally, the late Cornelia van den Elzen, nee ver Latum. He had three children with his first wife, Alfredo, Renaldo (who lived just three days), and the late Renato, survived by his son Michael. With his second wife, he increased his family by two more, Joe and Linda, who he always loved as his own. Finally, with his third wife, he increased his family by another two, Laurentia and Alfred, again loving them as his own. He suffered great tragedy in his life, but also great success, rising from extreme poverty to success in business. It is that success and love that he radiated towards all of those around him that we are here to celebrate. His zest for life, his willingness to always be there for those around him, the ninety-five and a half years he spent on this earth being an example for others to follow. he is survived by a large family of children and grandchildren who all adore him.

This is the Marius we remember.