Janet and I and our daughters are deeply saddened at the death of Ambassador Van Hollen. From our time in Sri Lanka (1973-76) to recent years , we have thought of him as a distinguished professional leader and ,with his family , good friends. We shall miss his extraordinary contribution to American diplomacy,his optimism, his curiosity, and his unfailing smiling courtesy. (Sent from Singapore)

Ambassador van Hollen was my first boss in the foreign service.   He and Eliza were generous mentors and friends to a kid trying to figure out what his job was in the embassy in Colombo.   In later years, I encountered him while he (and Eliza, of course) were campaigning door-to-door for their son in Chevy Chase, and later at Ingleside Retirement Home.   When we talked, he always reminded me of our trip together to Galle to track down the grave of the first American consul to Sri Lanka.   He was a fine man, and will be missed by many.

Joseph Gawler's Sons, LLC

Christopher Van Hollen

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Christopher Van Hollen

September 23, 1922 – January 30, 2013

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

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