Foto W. v. Loo
Dr. Heinz Jaeger, honorary president of the German Philatelists’ Association, founder and honorary chairman of the Consilium Philatelicum, esteemed internist in his long-time hometown of Lörrach, important, world-renowned and recognized philatelist and philanthropist, has left us forever.
Dr. Heinz Jaeger was born on May 8, 1924, in Grafenhausen. After finishing school, he studied medicine and worked as a doctor at Lörrach Hospital from 1950 to 1962. In 1963, he settled in Lörrach as a specialist in internal medicine. Heinz Jaeger became a stamp collector in 1936 when his father gave him a packet of stamps.
He was an assessor on the board of the German Philatelists’ Association from 1967, vice president from 1970, president from 1973 to 1991, and then its honorary president.
Despite his professional commitments as a physician, he promoted all areas of the association’s work with great personal dedication. Under his leadership, exhibitions and juries gained in importance and prestige, both nationally and internationally. He valued and supported the work of local associations as well as that of working groups, recognized the significance of philatelic literature, and contributed to it himself with outstanding works until well into his old age. Even in his old age, at 97, he took up his pen again and wrote the book “Briefmarken Sammeln – warum?” (Stamp Collecting – Why?) to encourage people to indulge in this hobby he loved so much.
During his time as president of the German Philatelists’ Association, he was responsible for numerous national exhibitions (NAPOSTA’s), IBRA 73 in Munich, the FIP Congress in Essen in 1980, various bilateral exhibitions with the eastern neighbors USSR, Hungary, CSSR, and Poland, and NAPOSTA/IPHLA 89 in Frankfurt. He was also the long-standing president of the Foundation for the Promotion of Philately and Postal History and remained its respected curator until old age.
In addition, he was a member of the program advisory board of the DBP/Deutsche Post (1970-1972) and a member of the art advisory board (1972-2002). He initiated the Consilium Philatelicum, was its chairman from 1999 to 2013, and, last but not least, succeeded in integrating the newly formed regional associations of East Germany into the BDPh in 1990/91.
With him as president, the German Philatelists’ Association enjoyed what were probably its best years. He and his team on the executive committee made the association a valued partner in politics, the postal service, sports, and the philatelic trade, always looking beyond its own horizons and determinedly implementing what was feasible.
In 1970, Dr. Jaeger received the BDPh’s Gold Pin of Merit, in 1975 the Richard Renner Medal, in 1978 the Baurat Luce Medal, and in 1984 the Hans Wagner Medal. This was followed in 1984 by the “La Grande Plaquette d’Honneur” from the Liaison Nice for his services to philately in Europe, in 1987 he was honored with the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists, in 1991 he received the Sieger Prize, the Kalckhoff Medal in 1996, and the Paul Hartung Medal from the APHV in 1999. Also worth mentioning are the Hesshaimer Medal (Austria) and, in particular, the Federal Cross of Merit 1st Class in May 1988.
Through his work in philately, Dr. Heinz Jaeger was always close to collectors. He sought contact, listened, was approachable, and also had a great sense of humor. Many collectors experienced this during the BonnPhilatelie series of events organized by “his” Consilium Philatelicum, to which he was deeply attached. Not only did he introduce the concepts of “outsider front-runner” and “long-running favorite,” but he also contributed his extensive expertise with lively lectures on his many philatelic and philatelic-historical hobbies and other niche collections, such as his “dolls.” Just a few weeks ago, Dr. Jaeger celebrated his 101st birthday, physically weakened but mentally alert and interested in world affairs and philately. In May, when CPh Chairman Günther Korn and CPh Honorary Chairman Wolfgang Maassen visited Dr. Jaeger on their way back from BERNABA, he wished them a speedy reunion as they said goodbye, even though it was clear that his strength and will to live were gradually fading.
We now mourn the loss of Dr. Heinz Jaeger, as we will miss his interest in the BDPh and its committees, as well as his consistently sensible, forward-looking, and well-intentioned advice. We will remember him with great respect and gratitude.
Dr. Jaeger expressly wished for a funeral service and burial in the closest family circle after his death. This took place on August 22 in Lörrach.
On behalf of the Board of the Consilium Philatelicum in the BDPh e.V.
Günther Korn, Chairman