Wilhelmus Johannes Marie Touw

In Loving Memory of Wilhelmus Johannes Marie Touw
March 27, 1931 – June 5, 2025

Wilhelmus Johannes Marie Touw (Wim) passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025 with family at his side. He lived a tremendous 94 years, every single minute of it with optimism, vigor and incredible intellect.

Wim’s journey began in the Netherlands, where he was one of ten siblings. He lived through the hardships of World War II, witnessing pain and despair that would shape his strength and resilience.

An adventurous spirit, Wim bypassed the family business, and instead pursued a law degree from Leiden University and moved to Paris. In 1963 he met Brenda on an academic year abroad. The two married in 1964 in Ireland after which he followed the love of his life to America, where he opened an office for Holland America Line in Southern California.

Always an entrepreneur, Wim had many business ventures bringing his growing family to Utah, Connecticut, Marin County, Sun Valley, Monterey, and finally to the Olympia area in Washington state. In each city, he welcomed extended family who made the pilgrimage from Holland to experience “The States.”

Wim was a man of intellect and vision, referred to by his friends as a “human calculator” because of his ability to compute math in his head. He spoke five languages, had an encyclopedic knowledge of history and geography and could recite the US Bill of Rights. He pursued hobbies with passion, raised canaries, and enjoyed entertaining family and friends with exquisite table décor and spectacular meals. But even more, he was a consummate story teller, sharing his experiences and humor with the many people he befriended.

In his later years, Wim did not slow down. Rather, he authored and published the book “Law Street” and wrote a series of thoughtful blog posts on contemporary international topics, with a long list of subscribers across several countries. He loved gardening, tending to his beautiful plants until his last day.

He lived a life rooted in his deep commitment to his family. Immediate and extended relatives alike were inspired by his remarkable experiences and perpetual optimism. Beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather, he is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Brenda (Black) Touw, and their four children: Paul Touw (Kirsten), Marguerite Roza (Scott), Courtney Touw (Lisa), and Jessica Robinson. He also leaves behind fourteen grandchildren (Holland Roza, Anabel Roza, Ashley Robinson, Ellie Roza, Griffin Touw, Georgia Robinson, Cameron Touw, Adeline Roza, Rachel Robinson, Nolan Touw, Marlise Touw, Cornelia Touw, Vaughn Touw, and Mariette Touw) two sisters and many nieces and nephews. He led this family with strength, the ability to challenge, and most of all with humor and love.

He will be dearly missed and forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved him; it’s a beautiful web of love spans the globe!