In Memoriam - Godfried van Lieshout

On Thursday, March 5, 2026, we received the sad news that Godfried van Lieshout had passed away the day before at the age of 81. Godfried was the programme director in the early years of Civil Engineering at the University of Twente. In 1969, he started as a researcher in Chemical Engineering at the UT where he soon became the programme coordinator and specialised in developing study programmes. In the late 1970s, he spent three years working at the Technical University in Bandung, Indonesia. In the 1980s, he worked at the Educational Center, and from 1993 onwards, he was involved in the Civil Engineering & Management programme. He first worked as a study advisor, coordinator and mentor, before becoming programme director in 1995. Godfried was crucial in shaping the programme. He was able to bring people together and implement visions. With an initially small group of people, he successfully established a solid programme focusing on technology and management, which was highly valued by both students and professionals. He was a remarkable person. Recognizable by his hat, cigar, and deep bass voice with a Brabant accent. He was clear in his opinions and didn't hide them. He was also an excellent communicator, both verbally as in writing. The latter is evident in the sharp yet humorous pieces he wrote for the UT news and other media outlets, sparing no one. He also wrote entertaining stories for the faculty Christmas celebrations, parents' days, and graduation ceremonies, and pieces for the study association magazine. He was an honorary member of ConcepT, the study association of civil engineering. Cooking and playing bridge were his great hobbies. As colleagues, he sometimes invited us to share his love for Indonesian cuisine. He retired from the university in 2009, but never left the campus. He and his wife have lived on Drienerbeeklaan since 2000 and continued living there after his retirement, overlooking the green surroundings and the passing staff and students.

A remarkable person has left us. As programme Civil Engineering & Management, we owe him a great deal, and for that, we are grateful. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren, and wider family.