Dr. Siwo Rel de Kloet

Dr. Siwo Rel de Kloet, 90, passed away unexpectedly on August 30th, 2023, in Tallahassee, FL with family by his side. Siwo was born on February 22nd, 1933, to Cornelis and Aafke de Kloet in Maarssen, Netherlands and he was the second of four children. Siwo married the love of his life, Dineke, on March 24th, 1964. Together, they had three sons (Arne, Edwin and Rolf), one daughter (Annette), and eight grandchildren. While his childhood was heavily impacted by World War II, which he often told stories about, he also, at an early age, displayed a natural curiosity and a love for music and nature. These traits were instilled in by his parents and were maintained throughout his life. Conducting scientific research was Siwo’s career and passion. He earned his PhD in 1961 from the Rijksuniversiteit in Utrecht, Netherlands and completed his post-doctoral studies in 1963 at the Rockefeller Institute in New York City, USA where he played a key role in the initial discovery and isolation of mRNA. In 1967, after working at Philips in Eindhoven, Netherlands for over three years, Siwo, Dineke and their eldest son, Arne, immigrated to Tallahassee, FL, USA. What was meant to be a temporary position, turned into a 30-year career as a Professor at Florida State University. There, he taught and mentored graduate students and conducted scientific research. In 1993, Siwo de Kloet and family started a biotech company (Animal Genetics). Establishing the business, and the consequent research and service that it provides, is one of Siwo’s proudest professional accomplishments. Up until the day that he passed away, he continued to pursue his passion for science by directing research and development for this company. Most recently, however, Siwo’s efforts were primarily dedicated to helping his youngest son, Rolf, fight his long battle against brain cancer. Aside from research, Siwo’s interests were countless. He loved listening to classical music and spending several hours a day playing his Steinway piano. He appreciated nature. He aspired to make a positive impact on the lives of wild birds and other endangered animals, and at a younger age, he would seek to experience nature and wildlife first-hand. He enjoyed traveling the world to do so. At the age of 22, he toured Scandinavia for two months by way of his new “machine” (a 10-speed bicycle) and was, at that point in his life, referred to as the “Flying Dutchman”. After moving to the US, he cherished traveling back to his home, the Netherlands. As he aged, he continued to lovingly tend to his birds, fish and plants at his home in Tallahassee and he enjoyed watching nature documentaries. He also loved to read. Siwo had a voracious appetite for books, scientific papers and (primarily Dutch) news articles. He had an incredible sense of humor and loved to laugh and make people laugh. He appreciated his soft-boiled egg and a bowl of fruit in the morning and his glass of Chardonnay at night, and he absolutely treasured walking through his life with Dineke by his side. Siwo is preceded in death by his parents (Cornelis and Aafke de Kloet), his brother (Kees de Kloet) and his son (Rolf de Kloet). He is survived by his wife, Dineke; two sons, Arne (Katherine) and Ed; daughter, Annette (Eric); daughter-in-law, Marnie; and eight grandchildren (Jacob, Brett, Carmen, Josh, Skylar, Gabriela, Brinley and Myles). He is also survived by his sister, Sonja; brother, Ron (Marian); and numerous nieces and nephews. Siwo was a brilliant scientist, as well as a devoted husband, papa, and opa. As such, his life was filled with amazing discoveries and countless heartfelt memories. Siwo's love for Dineke and his unwavering dedication to family underscore the importance of nurturing personal relationships alongside professional pursuits. His life story is a testament to the power of passion, commitment, and the enduring bonds of family. A Celebration of Siwo’s Life will take place at 2PM on Sunday, October 29th at The Retreat at Bradley's Pond, 9002 Bradley Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32309. While flowers are welcome, memorial contributions in honor of Siwo may also be made to the World Wildlife Fund or to the American Brain Tumor Association, causes that he felt passionate about. (World Wildlife Fund; 1250 24th St, NW.; P.O. Box 97180; Washington, DC 20090-7180; https://protect.worldwildlife.org/page/52883/donate/1 ) (American Brain Tumor Association; 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. #550; Chicago, IL 6063; or online at https://www.abta.org/ ) Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the de Kloet family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Dr. Siwo Rel de Kloet

February 22, 1933 - August 30, 2023