H. Jan Heespelink

January 14, 1936 – February 4, 2025

An architect by profession and the foundation of our family, H. Jan (John) Heespelink died on February 4th. He was a steadfast husband, father, grandfather (Opa), brother, uncle, and friend admired for his kindness and quiet strength. Born in Leuven, Belgium to Jan Egbert Heespelink and Alberdina van den Berg, Jan emigrated to the United States via the Netherlands and Australia at the outset of WWII. He spent his early life in Larchmont, NY where he was a stellar student at Mamaroneck High School. There he won first prize for original architectural design for a beach cottage on stilts. Jan spent summers working at yacht clubs, sailing his little Beetle Catboat, and crewing in Larchmont Yacht Club races.

Jan attended MIT where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and the ROTC Army Reserves. At an MIT/Wellesley College mixer, Jan met a beautiful and brilliant woman, Ruth Horstick, who would become his wife and partner for the next 64 years. They purchased a home in Newton Centre where they raised our family and built their life together. Jan worked alongside some of the most visionary architects of his time, including Paul Rudolph, Walter Gropius, and Moshe Safdie. He helped transform bold architectural concepts into reality, leaving a lasting impact in his field. He concluded his professional career at Shepley Bulfinch Richardson & Abbot where he was kindly referred to as the ‘silverback gorilla’ of the office. A true patron of the arts, Jan loved museums and attended many live performances including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Tanglewood, and the Met. He and Ruth were long-time subscribers of the BSO and generous sponsors of the Revels Theatre Group. Jan took annual Caribbean sailing trips with friends and family, and sailed his sunfish on the ponds of NH teaching the skill to his grandchildren. Our family traveled together around the world to visit architectural treasures. We are especially grateful for the many wonderful trips, all meticulously planned by Jan. In 1968, Jan and Ruth purchased 60 acres in Deering, NH, making weekend trips to New Hampshire a regular adventure. They built a cabin on stilts before purchasing Quaker Hill Farm in 1998. For the next 20 years, they cultivated beautiful gardens and created lasting memories with our family and friends. Sunset dinners, swims in Dudley Pond, fort-building, and July 4th sparklers are cherished memories. Jan embraced his role as a 'gentleman farmer,' riding his John Deere tractor, manning the grill for family dinners, and eradicating various farm pests.

He is survived by his wife Ruth, sons Christopher and his partner Helen Coates, William and his wife Amy Donegan, Sam (Kenneth) and his wife Nuala, his sister Hannie Corten, and beloved grandchildren Noah, Miles, Madelyn, and William.

A celebration of his life will be held on June 7, 2025, at 45 Pleasant Street, Newton Centre, MA from noon until 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, our family kindly requests that donations be made to a library of your choice to honor Jan’s legacy.