Ab’s life was rich in color, sound, and meaning, woven together by an unshakable love and partnership with his wife Lilian, whose unwavering support anchored and enabled every chapter of his extraordinary journey. From his early days as a founding member of a groundbreaking Dutch design studio, Gratama & DeVries, to his impactful consultancies for UNICEF and FAO, Ab approached design as a means of communication. His work spoke —sometimes whispered, sometimes shouted—always with purpose. His consultancy for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) took him and his family to Ghana, West Africa, for two amazing and transformative years. Those years in Ghana didn’t just influence his portfolio; they reshaped his worldview, instilling in him a profound understanding of how visual storytelling could bridge cultures.
After a two year return to The Netherlands he moved his family to Iowa City where he pursued his PhD in Third World Communication and Development at the University of Iowa. But his career pivoted again and culminated in where he truly belonged— in the classroom—when he accepted a teaching position and became a tenured professor and eventual head of the Graphic Design program in the School of Art and Art History. For over three decades Ab made vital contributions to the School and shepherded the Graphic Design area into the digital age. He was a respected colleague and a thoughtful leader.
His classroom was often filled with jazz as he encouraged his students to “give meaningful visual form to information.” He didn’t just teach students how to design, he taught them how to “see”. Former students have often shared that he was their most beloved professor—the one who could deliver brutal, constructive critiques with such warmth that left you feeling inspired rather than bruised.
As we say goodbye, we are remembering Ab not just for what he created but also for what he brought out in others. We will honor him by seeing the world more thoughtfully, by approaching challenges more creatively and from different perspectives, and by never taking for granted the partners and people who help make our dreams and goals achievable.