JOHAN SANTESSON 1944-2001

          Johan Santesson, our friend and colleague, died on 11 May in his home in the Hague. Johan was one of the most well known and respected persons among those who devote their lives to eliminating or reducing the chemical weapons in the world. He was always full of ideas and energy in his efforts to reach that goal.
          The International Symposium on Protection against Chemical (and later including Biological) Warfare Agents was his idea and initiative. This series of symposia was started during the cold war and for Johan that was a challenge. Johan had always advocated for open dialogue and the Symposium was intended to be an important meeting point in that respect. He succeeded in gathering scientific and technical specialists from all over the world to present and discuss chemical protection issues (which at that time was a topic surrounded by much national secrecy in most countries. He was successful in this task, as he was in so many others.
          All of Johan's unique qualities were on display during the planning and conduct of a Symposium. Always active, with ears and eyes wide open to be able to pick up any useful information, brilliant in the way he chaired sessions and commented on contributions, always encouraging and caring for delegates and staff.
          No task was below him. If he saw that chairs should be moved, he immediately did it himself. Nor did any task seem too difficult for him. And, all of this was spiced with his unique sense of humor.
          At an age of only 24 years - which according to the Swedish standard at that time was extremely early - Johan completed his doctorate thesis in organic chemistry. The way for a rapid and successful academic career seemed open. Johan chose to apply for a position at the National Defence Research Institute (FOA), which he of course got. He was responsible for the chemical department, and, in fact, for all issues related with chemical warfare agents for roughly twenty years. These years included the period when FOA was relocated from the Stockholm region to UmeÂ. This move presented him with several problems and challenges: most of the personnel were new and had to be trained and further educated in defense related matters. It was surprising to see how rapidly the department was re-established as a result of Johan's efforts.
          Disarmament was always important for Johan. He took part in the CW negotiations in Geneva as a technical expert for many years. His contributions were of the greatest importance during the years when Sweden chaired the negotiations. After the CWC was adopted, Johan was one of the driving forces that made Sweden the fourth country to ratify the Convention. But he was not only a meeting room-person. He loved adventures and practical work. After the war between Iraq and Iran Johan was strongly engaged in the UN process to rid Iraq of chemical weapons. He joined the first inspection team to Iraq representing the WHO and thereafter he participated in many inspections and field investigations.
          The loss of a highly respected colleague and a remarkable and admirable personality is deeply felt.

By ‰ke Bovallius and Gertrud Puu

With special thanks to Dr. Brian Davey, the following has been extracted from a tribute to Dr. Johan Santesson from his colleagues at the OPCW.

Johan Santesson
18 April 1944 -11 May 2001

          Johan Santesson, Head of the International Cooperation Branch of the OPCW, died at home on 11 May 2001 after a long illness.
          Johan was a man of this life, who looked forward to and lived every day, hour, and minute to the full. Although he was a private man, those who got to know him found an intense, lively and curious mind that offered up an astounding feast of knowledge and observation. He loved life, not for its own sake, but because he was passionate about things he found in life. He had genuine, passionate interest - in everything.
          Despite his quiet and private nature, Johan had a major and beneficial influence on a huge number of people - through his teaching, through his writings, and through his daily interactions with nearly everyone that works in the field of disarmament and defence against chemical weapons. Johan loved his work. He found it stimulating, and it gave him a sense of purpose. As long as it was physically possible, he kept going to work. Not because he had to, but because it was fun and meaningful.
          His humour, talent and depth of knowledge endeared him to all that listened to him speak, either delivering a presentation or simply introducing a topic. Johan had a passion for communication and he is perhaps best known by many members of OPCW Member State National Authorities in this respect.
          Johan had a varied professional career, including research on pharmaceutical products, work with the National Defense Research Establishment in Sweden on protection against chemical weapons, consultation for the World Health Organisation, and early involvement with UNSCOM inspections in Iraq. He was recognised worldwide as an expert in the field of chemical weapons in general and international cooperation, in particular.
          Johan first joined the Provisional Technical Secretariat of the OPCW in September 1993 and was, therefore, not only a founding member of the International Cooperation and Assistance Division, but also of the Secretariat itself. His influence extended into many areas of the Secretariat, and in particular, to the establishment of the OPCW website, for which he was the driving force. After entry into force of the Convention, he became the Head of the Assistance and Protection Branch, and then Head of the Protection Branch, and finally the Head of the International Cooperation Branch once more.
           Johan fought his unforgiving illness bravely and in the end, it is not he who lost, but those of us who shared his life with him: his wife Anne, his three children Jessica, Rebecka and Peter, his four grandchildren, his parents, his colleagues and his friends throughout the world.

Please permit ASA to add a footnote. Johan was a friend and mentor for almost 20 years. He encouraged ASA to ensure the Newsletter would be truly international. In fact, he wrote the very first non-ASA authored article for the Newsletter. This article "Investigations on the Alleged Use of Chemical Weapons" was for ASA Newsletter 89-1, February 1989. He later permitted ASA to accompany him around the UN and UNSCOM, sometimes with, and most times without, an authorized U.N. entry. Irrepressible at best and part rascal and rogue, Johan, we will miss you very much. Bon Voyage

01-3, issue no. 84