Obituary: Ruurd de Boer

The International Tennis Federation (ITF), together with the Dutch Tennis Federation (KNLTB), pay tribute this week to Ruurd de Boer who passed away on Thursday 1 August. Ruurd served as KNLTB Chair from 1989 to1999, and as an ITF Board member from 1999 to 2003.

On a national level, Ruurd is the only chairman in the KNLTB’s 125-year history to have received the title of Honorary Chairman for his achievements and leadership in the development of tennis at all levels. Ruurd was also awarded the status of Member of Merit by the International Club of Netherlands.

Internationally, Ruurd received the ITF Services to the Game Award in 1999 and, in 2004, the ITF presented Ruurd with the Brad Parks Award for his commitment to wheelchair tennis. In the same year, Ruurd also received the Tennis Europe Award for his lifelong services to our sport.

Ruurd de Boer’s sporting legacy will live on in tennis and wheelchair tennis. Ruurd will live on in our memories. Our hearts and thoughts are with Ruurd’s family at this sad time.