Johannes Van Meer

Johannes "Hans" van Meer, 94, of Franklin passed away Friday, December 1, 2017. Born in Haarlemmerliede, Netherlands, he is survived by his longtime partner, Mary Stone of Franklin. Also surviving are his children, Fritz, Foppe, Nickola; grandchildren, Ike and Marcia of the Netherlands; grandson, Ramon and great‑grandson, Victor of California.

Hans enjoyed a long and successful career in food retailing. At the time of his retirement, in 1987, he was Executive Vice President of Ahold nv in the Netherlands and Chairman of the Board of BI‑LO of Mauldin, SC, Giant Food Stores of Carlyle, PA and Cada Dia of Spain. After retirement he continued to advise for VOMAR and Ranzjin in the Netherlands.

Hans loved the water, he was an expert sailor and enjoyed cargo ship travel around the world. He also loved the mountains, was a resident of Switzerland for decades and settled in the mountains in NC.

Online condolences are available at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com. Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the van Meer family.