Born in the Hague on July 7, 1929, he passed away in Victoria, B.C. on February 21, 2017.  Han was predeceased by his brother, Kartono and his daughter, Kartini (Joyce) and is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth; daughter, Patricia; grandson, Duane; granddaughter, Stephanie (Ryan) and grandson, Nico.  He also is survived by his sisters, Kartini (Ad) and Tresnamurti (Gunther); his brother, Serdono  (Anneke) and many nieces and nephews worldwide.

Han was born in Holland, the first born of a young couple from completely different backgrounds.  His mother came from a large Dutch middle class family.  His father was born in Java, a descendant of a long line of Indonesian nobility.  Han inherited the title of Raden Mas (roughly translated as prince) from his father, but upon immigrating to Canada, dropped his title as well as the family name Tjondronegoro, for he thought it would make life simpler.

During the Second World War, Holland was occupied by the Nazi’s and Han and his family suffered many hardships, but everyone in his family survived.  After the war, his parents had another son, Serdono and daughter, Tresnamurti.

As a young man, Han went overseas to work in Indonesia for a large Dutch shipping firm.  It was there he met and married his wife.  Their first daughter, Joyce was born in Indonesia, shortly before they returned to Holland. Their second child, also a daughter, Patricia was born in Holland.

After three years in Holland, they decided to immigrate to Canada. They arrived in Toronto in 1958 with two toddlers and $400 cash in their pocket.  His enterprising spirit landed him employment after the first week in Canada.  They quickly adapted to life in their new home land and made many friends.  One of his friends, also an immigrant, came from Hungary and flew small airplanes and Han learned to fly from Andy.  Within months, he had acquired his private pilot license.

But after five years living in Toronto, they wanted to live in a place with a milder climate and decided on Victoria.  His adventurous spirit kicked in again and they packed a few belongings, bundled up the girls (it was February and bitter cold) and headed West in their VW bug.

Shortly after arriving in Victoria, Han started work with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.  He was ambitious and a hard worker and had a long and successful career.  One of the highlights of his career was when he, as the new Victoria district Manager, increased growth and sales power from the bottom of the list of 60 branches to the Number One branch in Canada.  He also found time to volunteer with the Optimist club and other charities.  He had many hobbies, including photography and stained glass craft and liked to travel.  He was a gifted painter and sculptor and played the piano.  He loved his music, it was a big part of his life.  Han had many friends and was always ready to extend a helping hand.  He was an all round handyman and built a complete in-law suite in his home.  During his later life, he enjoyed his three grandchildren, Duane, Stephanie and Nico and made many home movies of them.

He had a long and interesting life and will be remembered for his generous spirit and infectious laugh.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Paul Pannu

    Heartfelt Condolence to the Family. A great man from the story hence a great loss to his families & friends.
    May God Bless his Soul & Rest in Peace Uncle!
    From Paul Pannu & Family (Hong Kong)

  • McCall Bros.

    I would like to thank family and friends for your messages of condolences. Liz.

  • sjoerd tjondronegoro

    Sjoerd tjondronegoro

    March 13,2017

    Lieve Liz,

    Wij wensen jou veel licht liefde en kracht!

  • Sjoerd Tjondronegoro

    Sjoerd Tjondronegoro

    March 13, 2017

    Lieve Liz,

    Wij wensen heel veel licht liefde en kracht!

    sjoerd tjondronegoro

    Sjoerd

  • Michael Kartono Tjondronegoro

    Aunty Liz and kids,

    Sorry for your loss.

    To Uncle Han, say hello to my dad and rest in peace.

  • Frans Velthuizen

    Lieve Liz en familie,
    ik leef enorm met jullie mee. We hebben gelukkig mooie herinneringen aan Han.
    Heel veel liefs en sterkte
    Frans Velthuizen

  • Willi en Minke

    Lieve Liz, we hebben elkaar al gespoken maar wil langs deze weg ook nog een woordje doen.
    Na onze gezamelijke vakantie in 2003 zijn jullie steeds in ons hart gebleven.
    Vaak contact gehad en via telefoon en lief en leed gedeeld.
    Ik hoop dat Katono aan de Poort staat om Han op te wachten.
    Dan kunnen ze weer samen lachen en streken uithalen.
    Goede reis lieve Han.
    Willi , Minke en de rest van onze dierbare familie

  • tjondronegoro enrico kartono

    Uncle Han , may your soul rest in peace

  • R. A. Kartini Tjondronegoro

    Thank you for the wonderful story of my brother Han. The only thing I want to say is that this is written long time ago. I live in Holland, I am (next month) 84 years old and I visited my brother every year the last years of his life in several homes. The last home was the Kiwanis Pavillion, Cedar Hill Victoria. It was a fantastic home. They treated him very well till the last moment. I was there not so long before he died and it was then that I (in thought) said farewell to him. His wife is over 80 now and you mentioned the age of 63 years. When my brother died he was 87. The above story is written almost 20 years ago. Do you know who wrote it? A good story I must say.

  • Sonja Hesse

    We would like to extend our condolences to this wonderful family I have had the privilege to know over the years. May strength be with you all at this difficult time of the loss of your loved family member. Han will be greatly remembered always.
    Sonja Hesse and family.

  • anne hoogeveen

    my condolences to the family and the friends who lost a great person

  • Cathie Walker

    Yesterday’s celebration of life was lovely. Han lived such a rich and interesting life — I wish I’d had the chance to ask him about these wonderful stories. Much love to the family.

  • Joana

    Sorry for your lost

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