Former TVM director Ad Bos passed away: ‘He always set the bar high, also for himself’

Bos was appointed deputy director for economic, financial and administrative affairs of Transvemij in February 1972, which later changed its name to TVM. Two years later he was appointed director and in 1976 he succeeded the then general director. Until his retirement in 2001, Bos was director and chairman of TVM. “He dynamically expanded the results achieved and strengthened the foundation of TVM. A visionary, connector, full of temperament and a good laugh, that’s how we remember him,” says Michael Nemethy on behalf of TVM.

“If he had something in mind, it had to happen,” says Stam. “I think that Ad has been a tough, but fair teacher for people. Many people will probably also remember him as someone who could also be terrible when things did not suit him. Because if Ad believed in something, then no one disturbed him anymore. That’s why the TVM office also came to Hoogeveen, because Ad thought it was necessary,” laughs Stam. “And those people he lashed out at often received a phone call the next day. Because that’s how he was.”

Bos, who was born in Heinkenszand in Zeeland in 1939, quickly moved to Hoogeveen, where he was involved in countless other social issues in addition to his work for TVM. For this he was one of the first to be elected Hoogevener of the Year. In 1985, eyes were also firmly on Bos, when he, as the initiator of the N37 Steering Group, advocated an accelerated doubling of the road from Hoogeveen to Germany, which eventually happened. For his commitment to society, Bos was awarded Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau.

Stam remembers well when he first met Bos – ‘I see him as my second father’. “I came to work at TVM in 1977 as an administrative assistant, but I didn’t like it very much and I actually wanted to leave. Until Mister Bos called me to ask what was wrong. Then we drank coffee together and he offered me an internship as a field service employee,” says Stam, who later also held higher positions at TVM on the advice of Bos. It led to a friendship, in which the paths of the two crossed several times.

“Whatever he did, he always set the bar high. Also for himself,” Stam continues. “His motto was always: whatever you do, do it in style, at a level and with fun. And especially the latter.” Bos also had a big sports heart, Stam noticed. “At a certain point we wondered how much TVM actually sponsored in and around Hoogeveen. Then we came to 200,000 guilders on an annual basis. When TVM employees reluctantly asked if it was possible to sponsor their football club, he always said yes.” It’s important,” he said. It may also explain how the TVM cycling team came into being.”

Although TVM also had lesser years, Bos always remained the captain the ship needed, according to Stam. “And when it was very hot outside, Ad was not afraid to drive through the office himself with an ice cream truck,” Stam laughs. “Many people looked up to him very much, but I’m glad I got to know him and I especially remember the good moments. No matter which reinsurance company we sat down with, the doors opened everywhere. Thanks to Ad’s network power, we are all traveled all over the world. Also internationally, who he was was always spoken of with respect.”

The funeral of Bos, who turned 83, will take place in Zwolle on Monday.