17 people honored with a royal decoration in Heerlen

The presentation of royal honors began at 9:00 a.m. and lasted until 3:00 p.m. The recipients were surprised with their honors at home or at another location. In the afternoon, the municipality will hold a private reception at City Hall for all new and previous recipients. This time, 17 people will receive a royal honor. In no particular order:

Appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau:

• Jessie Ummels-Bams
• Wijnand Cuijpers
• Elly Gillissen-Schuivens
• Francis Leschot
• Maurice Rameckers
• Piet Vente
• Jack Dacier
• Armand Quaedvlieg
• Edu de Leeuw
• Henk Hartkamp
• Chris Kuijpers
• Dré Fokkens
• Rob Houben

Appointed Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau:

• Sjaak Heesen
• Fried Ter Wee
• Giel Blom
• Rien van Uden

Jessie Ummels-Bams (90 years old)

Jessie has been a volunteer at the Zuyderland Medical Center in Kerkrade and Heerlen for 35 years. She began volunteering in 1990 in the Admissions Department, where she later became the volunteer coordinator for that same department. The nominator refers to her as “the matriarch of our volunteer organization.” At 90 years old, she was also the oldest volunteer. Over the years, she volunteered in various departments: Radiology, Rheumatology, and Endoscopy. In the nomination, Ms. Ummels is described as “an incredibly positive force with tremendous dedication” and a warm, kind personality.

Wijnand Cuijpers (74 years old)

Wijnand volunteered for four years at Health for Day Care in Kerkrade, which serves people with mental health issues. He also served as secretary and volunteer at Buurtgericht Werken Broich for ten years. Mr. Cuijpers has been treasurer of the Terveurdt Playground Foundation since 2018. Since 2019, he has also been supporting his ill partner as a caregiver. 
Mr. Cuijpers is described as an “extremely dedicated volunteer” who is “always there for others” and who has an “unwavering commitment to the community.”

Elly Gillissen-Schuivens (75 years old)

Ms. Gillissen-Schuivens is receiving an honorary distinction for her loving dedication, Health provided to others. In her spare time, she cared for her ailing sister, her sister’s children, and the household for no fewer than 23 years. One of those children writes that she was like a second mother to her. Furthermore, between 2010 and 2022, Ms. Gillissen also served as an informal caregiver for a married couple, her own ill husband, and her elderly neighbor. Those close to her describe her as an “indispensable pillar of support.”
Ms. Gillissen-Schuivens herself has had a physical disability for years. She is described by the nominator as “a woman with a big heart, who consistently dedicates herself to the well-being of others, despite her own challenges.”

Francis Leschot (58 years old)

For 28 years, Mr. Leschot has been dedicated to helping residents of Oud-Meezenbroek as a volunteer, supporting those in need. He assists residents with legally complex and often distressing situations. “In a disadvantaged neighborhood, he is a beacon and a lifeline for many people. His dedication is characterized by a combination of tenacity, deep social commitment, and a particularly strong sense of justice,” according to those involved. He is also passionately committed to preserving the older miners’ homes in the neighborhood, where 90 of the existing homes are now threatened with demolition. In addition, he has been a member of the client council at Mondriaan in Heerlen since 2019, through which he advocates for vulnerable people.

Maurice Rameckers (69 years old)

Mr. Rameckers has served as treasurer of the Terwinselen Judo Club since 1990. He also assists with tournaments, exams, and events, mentors the youth, and secures sponsors. Thanks to his dedication, nine members have completed teacher training, and under his guidance, countless judokas and jiu-jitsu practitioners have achieved impressive results—ranging from regional awards to even a world title in 2007. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he ensured that sports activities could still take place within the rules. He also organizes regular activities.
“His commitment goes far beyond what is expected of a volunteer, and his modesty makes him an example to others,” according to the nominator. Furthermore, since 2004, he has served as a contact person for the Stichting Leergeld Parkstad, where he helps families facing financial hardship so that children can continue to participate in sports and community activities.

Piet Vente (75 years old)

Mr. Vente is a volunteer at Resound Church Parkcity in Heerlen, where he began as a pastor. Starting in 2000, he became active as a speaker and Bible teacher. In addition, he handles the daily maintenance of the church building and offers practical assistance to church members. He is also a member of the Supervisory Board of Stichting Helpcenter, an organization that supports people living in poverty and facing social challenges. “Piet’s true strength may well lie in who he is. To many, he is a father figure, a coach, and a confidant. Participants who have lost their way due to debt, addiction, loneliness, or a loss of trust in society find new perspective through Piet,” according to the person who nominated him for the honor.

Jack Dacier (71 years old)

Mr. Dacier has been a volunteer at the Sporting Heerlen soccer club for 32 years. He has also been active with the carnival association “De Jong Blutsjen” since 2010. He is described as a “great source of support” in the construction of the carnival float and the organization of the Carnival celebration. Furthermore, since 2017, he has been a co-organizer of an annual carnival afternoon at Café Pelt. In addition, he volunteers at various events in Heerlen, including Wintertijd Heerlen, KingsXperience, the Heerlen Cycling Tour, and the Bekkerveldfestival.

Armand Quaedvlieg (61)

Mr. Quaedvlieg has been exceptionally dedicated to serving the community, working with various foundations and organizations since 1985. In particular, he did so as a board member and founder of the Hartveilig Heerlerbaan/HartslagNU network and as a volunteer first responder for first aid and CPR (owner of his own AED), instructor, and recruiter of new volunteers.
He did all this despite his illness, neurofibromatosis. For other people with the same condition, he was active for no less than 25 years as a volunteer and ambassador for the NF-INFO foundation, a predecessor of the Adrie Foundation (for neurofibromatosis patients). He also dedicated 9 years to the Marco Foundation, established to fund a life-saving operation for a patient with this disease.
In addition, he was active for many years in the past at sporting events as a medical responder, with the patient call system at the Heerlen Nursing Clinics (1990–2018), and with the Dazol Animal Ambulance.
His supporters have shared warm and grateful words about Armand Quaedvlieg. Their letters of support paint a picture of a very modest yet committed and passionate person; a driving force and someone who, as a volunteer, has done far more than could be expected of him.

Edu de Leeuw (76)

Mr. De Leeuw has held various volunteer positions for decades. In doing so, he has demonstrated a tremendous commitment to the community. For example, he played the role of Sinterklaas during the parade in Heerlen-Centrum for no fewer than 30 years, from 1993 to 2023. He also organized this event. He first played Sinterklaas at St. Martinus Elementary School, and later also for the business association and the Heerlen Mijn Stad Foundation.
Furthermore, from 1998 to 2025, he served as a volunteer board member and driving force for the Welten Management Cooperative. In this role, he advocated for residents’ interests and handled many matters for the neighborhood. For instance, he arranged for the replacement of planters and the maintenance of the communal green spaces. He acted as a driving force in these efforts. He intervened when disagreements arose among residents. Those who know him describe him as a diplomatic and decisive person. Finally, Mr. De Leeuw has also been a board member of the Momuskanonneers, the Carnival celebrants of Maastricht, since 2006.

Henk Hartkamp (68 years old)

Henk Hartkamp has been a member of the AVON Athletics Club in Heerlen since 1989 and a volunteer there since 2000. Those who know him often describe him as “an indispensable asset” and a “pillar of support.” Mr. Hartkamp manages and runs the clubhouse several half-days a week. He is also committed to ensuring a healthy menu selection. He coaches groups, organizes social events within the club, and helps out wherever needed. Additionally, he is a caregiver for his ill partner. Over the years, Mr. Hartkamp has shown great dedication to the club and the sport. Those involved describe him as someone they have come to know as always good-humored, a stable presence with an open, positive, and flexible attitude.

Chris Kuijpers (61 years old)

Mr. Kuijpers has been a board member of the Limburg Choir School for nearly 20 years, serving as chairman for much of that time. He is deeply committed to this cause. Chris is described as “incredibly dedicated and motivated” by the person who nominated him for the honor: “No idea is too outlandish for him; instead, he focuses on finding solutions. Thanks in part to him, more than 80 young vocalists can enjoy singing together and developing their talents.” In addition, Mr. Kuijpers served as a board member of the Verbindend Netwerk Koorzang Limburg from 2017 to 2022, and since 2020 he has been chairman of the BOVEN WATER Music Theater. This music company produces performances for young children.

Dré Fokkens (91 years old)

Dré Fokkens has been a volunteer at the RKHBS soccer club in Heerlen for 56 years, where he began coaching youth teams in 1970. He is described as “a true club man through and through” and “someone who is invaluable to our club.” 
Mr. Fokkens subsequently served as a coach and manager for the senior team. He was also active at the soccer camp for over 10 years. Because Mr. Fokkens was—and still is—a very handy man, he soon began helping out with all kinds of maintenance tasks. To this day, he spends many hours working on the clubhouse.
In addition, he has been involved as a volunteer with various organizations in Heerlerbaan for 50 years: for instance, he dedicated years to the Zonnebloem in his district. He also served the Stichting Jeugdcarnaval Heerlerbaan for 14 years, and he has now been a volunteer at the Oranjehof nursing home for 9 years. Those who know him all praise him as a very helpful man who selflessly dedicates himself to others.

Rob Houben (79 years old)

Rob Houben has volunteered with the De Winkbulle Carnival Association for over 30 years. Since 1995, he has served on the general board, including as chair of the Youth Committee, as a member, and as president of the Iereroad. Rob Houben, himself a former Youth Prince, has also worked to Map the Map the Youth Carnival in our city. To this end, he developed new initiatives for the Youth Council of Eleven.
He initiated the now-traditional school visits, a dance troupe that accompanies the princely entourage, and a Prince’s Band. This band has since become the Winkbulle’s signature band. He also played a key role in establishing the Children’s Parade as a major event. With his ideas and active contributions, Rob Houben has made an enormous contribution to Heerlen’s Carnival culture.

Sjaak Heesen (68), Fried ter Wee (69), and Giel Blom (70)

In 2014, Sjaak Heesen, Fried ter Wee, and Giel Blom, together with the late Jean Vankan, established a Chromium-6 working group to fight as whistleblowers for recognition and compensation. They organized a weekly drop-in center where victims could come to share their stories. Thanks to their determined efforts, working with the anti-corrosion agent chromium-6 was officially recognized as a serious health risk. Hundreds of Defense Department employees fell ill or even died from the effects of working with this agent, which was used at U.S. storage depots in Ter Apel, Coevorden, Vriezeveen, Brunssum, and Eygelshoven. 
In 2015, the Ministry of Defense established a Chromium-6 Compensation Scheme. The working group has helped hundreds of colleagues fill out forms, gather supporting documents, and attend hearings. All of this was done on a volunteer basis. The regular trips to The Hague to raise awareness of the issue in the House of Representatives or at the Ministry of Defense were also at their own expense. 
The working group also advocated for an accessible compensation scheme for surviving relatives, after this group had previously been excluded from it. Furthermore, they assisted others in similar situations at the NS and at Schiphol. Moreover, partly due to their efforts, an Institute for Victims of Occupational Diseases Caused by Hazardous Substances was established. This has made it much easier to claim compensation.

Sjaak Heesen and Fried ter Wee are residents of Heerlen; Giel Blom is a resident of the municipality of Gulpen-Wittem; at the request of the applicant and in consultation with Gulpen, the men received their Royal Honors together in Heerlen; all three were appointed Knights in the Order of Orange-Nassau.  Jack Heesen, Fried ter Wee, and Giel Blom were also awarded the Hub Cobben Prize by the municipality of Heerlen in 2021 for their dedication to the Chromium-6 cause.

Rien van Uden (73 years old)

Professor Emeritus Rien Van Uden has served voluntarily since 1989 as a board member and chair of the Knowledge Center for Philosophy of Life and Mental Health (KSGV) and related institutions in the field of philosophy of life and mental well-being. He has worked tirelessly to preserve the field of psychology of religion and to establish university chairs. He also developed and edited the international publication series on the “Psychology of Religion.” In addition, since 1995, he has been a member of the steering committee and an editorial board member of the international journal “Archive for the Psychology of Religion.” Furthermore, from 2014 to 2021, he was the initiator and a board member of the Federation for Meaning and Mental Health. According to a person involved in the application, the KSGV owes Mr. Rien van Uden a great debt of gratitude and is building upon his many years of work.

A Fruitful Year of Ribbons in Heerlen

In addition to the annual awards ceremony, honors are also bestowed throughout the year. Sometimes there is a more appropriate occasion to present an honor, such as an anniversary celebration within an organization. For Heerlen, 2025/2026 was a good year for honors: a total of 31 honors were awarded.

Impact of Volunteers

People who receive a royal honor are at the heart of society; they mean a great deal to others, bridge divides, and bring people together. Nearly half the population volunteers in one way or another. They keep sports clubs running, are of great value to public Health, contribute to livable neighborhoods, foster a positive learning environment in schools, provide a safety net in difficult times, and help keep our history alive. Without them, the country would grind to a halt in many areas.

Do you know anyone who deserves an honor?

Would you like to help ensure that someone in Heerlen receives a royal honor during the 2027 Honours List? If so, please submit your application to the Municipality of Heerlen by June 1. This will allow sufficient time to request additional letters and documents, if necessary. 
The municipality does not determine whether someone is eligible for a Royal Honor. Our role is to assist and inform people when submitting an application.