We have just learnt this weekend - belatedly - of the death of Dutch crane pioneer Piet Saan.
He passed away at home on February 4th surrounded by his family following a short illness. He was 95. He leaves behind his wife of 68 years Willy and sons Joop and Piet. His brother Cor passed away in 2013.
Piet Saan
Saan was born in Diemen, where the crane and transport company that bears his family name is still based. He was the eldest grandson of Petrus Hendricus Saan who started a one man parcel delivery business in 1897. His father - also Piet - took the company into the crane market in 1934 when he built a small recovery type crane for a canal sheet piling contract. He took an aging Hispano Suiza car, removed the back end of the body work and replaced it with a short boom and hoist.
Saan’s first ‘crane’ on a Hispano Suiza chassis
Piet junior, along with his brother Cor and sister Miep, literally grew up in the business. Piet formally joined the business in 1942 at the age of 15. In 1972, the two brothers officially took over from their father, each took care of their areas of interest, Piet was largely responsible for purchasing and operations, while Cor handled the sales.
Piet and Cor Saan in 1937
Unlike some second or third generation companies, Saan remained very cordial and familial with employees becoming part of the family. Their children also found their place within the Saan company. Employees still refer to the brothers as Uncle Piet and Uncle Cor. In 1991 a fourth generation of the family took over, with Piet’s youngest son Joop appointed general manager.
Cor and Piet Saan in retirement preserving the history
Piet Saan was an optimist and considered himself blessed, always thankful that he had good health, a good life, a beloved wife, sons Piet and Joop that he was proud of along with grandchildren and great grandchildren. His secret was that he seemed to love people, when he was in the business he seemed to love industry gatherings - open days, exhibitions and other events - always a character he was quick to laugh and enjoy a joke.
He retired from the business over 30 years ago and yet remained active, taking a keen interest in the business and taking part in the community. In spite of being out of the industry for so long there will be many who remember him very fondly.
Crane lads
The pioneers of the lifting industry are slowly leaving us r.i.p