Jean-Claude Van Rode, former union chairman of the ABVV, director of LRM and POM Limburg, manager of Adlex Advocaten and creator of the name KRC Genk, died on Thursday evening. He suffered from the muscular disease ALS and opted for euthanasia at the age of 72.
Jean-Claude Van Rode became chairman of ABVV Limburg at the age of 33, a position he held until 2008. “When I arrived here, I immediately stood with both feet in the mine closure file,” he said about his career start. “Twenty thousand people losing their jobs is dramatic. Then followed the closure of Philips and the downsizing at Ford. Limburg survived those blows thanks to enormous resilience. I fell in love with Limburg and wanted to help eliminate the socio-economic disadvantage of this province.”
It may sound strange, but he was also well-liked in employers’ circles. This is evident, among other things, from the many positions he performed in social consultation bodies, such as the Social Economic Regional Council (SERR), the Provincial Development Company (POM) Limburg and the Regional Economic and Social Consultation Committee, bodies where representatives of employers and employees work together. sitting at the table. “He was a real gentleman. He never raised his voice,” testifies his friend Stefan Damen.
KRC Genk
Perhaps less known is that he helped found the football club KRC Genk, where he also sat on the board of directors for many years. “He was not only an ardent supporter, it was also he who came up with the name KRC Genk,” says Stefan Damen. Van Rode was also a director and vice-chairman at LRM and for a time chairman of the Football+ Foundation, the social project of the Belgian Football Association. He also sat on the board of directors of the non-profit organization Terlamen, the operator of the car circuit in Zolder.
In 2008 he took early retirement and passed the torch as chairman of ABVV Limburg to the late Bart Henckaerts. But four years later he took up a job again. He became office manager at Adlex Advocaten in Genk, where he took charge of a team of 36 people.
In November 2019, he was diagnosed with ALS, a nerve disease that affects the muscles. He took his own life on Thursday evening. Jean-Claude himself had requested euthanasia. “He never complained about his illness,” says his son Lars (44). “Father was himself an advocate of euthanasia. He died on a symbolic day: December 21, the end of autumn, the beginning of winter. We recalled fond memories together over a glass of wine. He marveled at how beautiful, interesting and happy his life has been. The farewell was emotional, but beautiful.”
Jean-Claude Van Rode was 72 years old and died in the presence of his wife Rita Swerts, his son Lars and other family members and friends. The funeral is planned for next Friday, in an intimate circle.
2023-12-23 08:48:41
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