Rev. David Douglas Van Strien

Peterborough, NH The Rev. David Douglas Van Strien died on June 29, 2014 at RiverMead Lifecare Community in Peterborough. He was born in Bayonne, New Jersey on December 23, 1924 to parents John Van Strien and Cornelia (Bouma) Van Strien. He graduated from Bayonne High School, Ursinus College, and New Brunswick Theological Seminary, (the oldest seminary in the U.S.) He was married to Karin (Fortun) Van Strien on May of 1959. They resided in RiverMead in Peterborough. Rev. Van Strien grew up in the Dutch Reformed Church, was ordained in the United Church of Christ, and then transferred his credentials to the Unitarian Universalist Association. Rev. Van Strien served the North Congregation Church in Middletown, NY and the Belleville Congregational Church in Newburyport, MA, prior to coming to the Unitarian Universalist Church in Peterborough, NH. Here he served from 1969 to 1989 as the settled parish minister. He retired from parish ministry in 1989, and was honored by the Peterborough Church with the honorary title of Minister Emeritus. During his tenure he was instrumental in re-establishing the Monadnock Summer Lyceum. He considered himself a humanist and used the tenets of humanism to give voice to peace and justice issues throughout his ministry. During his life and career he founded and served on many social justice organizations. He founded UU's For Justice in The Middle East and chaired it for 20 years. He founded the Palestine Education Network. He helped establish the WIC Program and Planned Parenthood in southwest NH; the NH branches of ACLU and Peace Action. He received the NH Chapter of American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee's first annual award for his outstanding work in the cause of peace and justice. At one point he sued Gov. Meldrim Thomson to keep him from lowering the flag to half-mast on Good Friday. The case went to the U.S. Supreme Court where Rev. Van Strien won. He was instrumental in presenting a successful nuclear freeze resolution on the ballot in Peterborough. Rev. Van Strien also served on the Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Universalist Association for 9 years, the Board of the UU NH-VT District; and the Board of the NH Council of Churches. He is survived by his wife Karin Van Strien of Rivermead in Peterborough and his Brother in-law Egmont Fortun and wife Ursula of Germany. He will also be missed by his nephews; Steffen Fortun of Germany, Martin Fortun of Germany, David D. Ammerman of Madison ME and John Ammerman of Mamaroneck, NY; and his niece Vickie Chamberlain of Greensboro, NC as well as several great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday July 2, 2014, at 2:00pm at the Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church, 25 Main Street, Peterborough. A reception will follow immediately in the Fellowship Hall. The service will be conducted by Rev. Dr. David Robins. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Rev. David's name to the Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church, 25 Main Street, Peterborough, NH 03458. Jellison Funeral Home and Cremation Services are assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online obituary or leave a condolence please visit www.jellisonfuneralhome.com

---