I was looking through old photos this morning, photos shared by one of his best friends at the time, Piet van Kampen. And what struck me most was not that ten years have passed. It was that it still feels like yesterday. And not the designs he made, but the way they made me feel.
Stijn's impact on the floral world was immense. He was known internationally as a Belgian master florist, an educator, a regular contributor to Fleur Créatif, an excellent demonstrator, and someone whose installations at events like Fleuramour and Winter Moments and Gentse Floraliën inspired thousands. He passed away suddenly on July 23, 2016, while working at a flower festival in China, at only 43 years old.
His Soul Was Golden
Many people knew Stijn much better than I did. Many were closer friends, traveled with him more often, laughed with him longer into the night, and shared countless projects. But like so many in our floral family, I was fortunate enough to cross paths with him many times, and those moments have stayed with me.
I looked up to Stijn for always seeing the positive side of things. The way he was passionate about flowers and art I had seldom seen before, nor have I seen it again...
One Memory Keeps Coming Back Today
He designed the Church of Alden Biesen, and almost finished the work; we sat there by the side, and his mom joined us. We sang a duet, and the sound gave us goosebumps; we laughed and cried... That was Stijn to me, warm and sensitive, and close to you whenever possible.
Just a bit before his passing, we were together in Austria at Lehner Wolle. Stijn was there to give one of his demonstrations, doing what he loved most: creating, inspiring, and making impossible ideas look effortless.
Looking back at those days now, I remember he looked tired. At the time, none of us really thought much of it because that was Stijn. He worked endlessly. He created almost instinctively, often without sketches or elaborate plans. His hands seemed to know exactly what they wanted to do. He loved life, loved being surrounded by people, enjoyed a good party after the work was done, and always seemed to find energy where the rest of us had already run out.
We simply assumed he was being Stijn.
A bit later, while working at a floral event in China, he suddenly passed away.
Sometimes life leaves you wondering whether there were signs you should have recognized. Whether someone was trying to tell you they needed rest. Whether you could have said something different.
But life doesn't work that way. What remains are the memories. I remember his creativity more than anything. Stijn never seemed interested in following trends. He created his own language with flowers. His work had movement, humor, emotion, and often a touch of surprise. He Wasn't Just Arranging Flowers; He Was Telling Stories. And perhaps that's what made so many people love him.
He was generous with his knowledge, encouraging to younger florists, and never protective of his ideas. He inspired simply by being himself. Whether on stage at an international demonstration, creating spectacular installations, or sharing a laugh after a long working day, he made people feel welcome.
The floral industry has changed enormously over the past decade. New designers have emerged. Social media has transformed how we share our work. Trends have come and gone. Yet every now and then, I still see a design that makes me think, "Stijn would have loved this."
And I smile.
That's the thing about people like Stijn. They don't disappear when they leave us. Their influence remains visible in the people they taught, the friends they inspired, the photographs we still admire, and in the countless designers who unknowingly continue building on ideas he helped shape.
Today is not only about remembering the day we lost him. It is about remembering the joy he brought into our industry. His creativity, his laughter, his generosity, his unmistakable way of making flowers feel alive.
Thank you, Stijn.
For the inspiration, for the memories. And for reminding us that while flowers may be temporary, the people behind them can leave a legacy that lasts far longer.
Ten years later....I hope those who knew Stijn best find comfort today in the many beautiful memories they shared with him. And I hope that younger florists, who may only know his work through photographs, take a moment to discover the creativity of someone who helped shape modern floral design.
