It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Peter W.H. Koster, 92, from Windham, NH.  He departed this life peacefully at home on March 28, 2026 with his wife, Joyce, at his side.  He was born on July 2, 1933 in Medan, Indonesia to Dutch parents; Hermanus Koster and Cornelia Bornhijm Koster.  At the time, Indonesia was a colony of The Netherlands; otherwise known as the Netherlands East Indies.

In 1942, during WW2, the Japanese invaded Indonesia.  Eventually, they got to Medan and took Peter's mother and children, including Peter, who was the oldest child, to an internment camp that was set up by the Japanese for prisoners.  His father was taken separately to work on the Burma Railway, a project the Japanese initiated that would enable them to supply forces and supplies to the area without relying on waterways.  As Peter got older he was taken from his mother and brothers and relocated to yet another internment camp set up for men.  Peter was just 11 years old.  He endured endless atrocities at this camp.  He was tasked to burying dead POW's, once tied to a post and left for hours in the burning heat of the day because he forgot to bow to the Japanese, and much more.  He was subjected to the pains of malnutrition, sickness, disease and beatings.  Eventually, all things end, as did this war, with Japan surrendering after the U.S. took the drastic step to use nuclear force.

The family was reunited in 1946.  Amazingly, all survived this nightmare.  In due course, Indonesia got their independence and the Koster family moved back to The Netherlands

Peter went on to complete his schooling, then worked for various companies, finding his way into the world.  Eventually he moved to Australia where, after a time, he married.  Their first child Marcel, was born in Australia.  After several years they decided to move back to the U.S., (Massachusetts, then New Hampshire), where they had two more children, Andre and Sophia, in the early 70's.  Peter found a job at a Boston chemical importer and enjoyed his work there as a marine claims manager.  After several years he decided to start his own business specializing in cargo surveying and marine insurance.  Sadly, during this period, the marriage faltered and divorce followed.

My name is Joyce Bova-Koster, Peter's second wife and the author of this obituary.  I worked for shipping agencies in Boston for many years.  As ports go, Boston was, and perhaps still is,  considered one of the smaller ports on the East Coast.  Shipping was a niche business for Boston where, for the most part, everyone knew everyone working in this field.

I came to meet Peter at one of Massport's dinner parties held in Boston for this business segment.  I found him to be a very interesting guy.  So smart.  Upbeat.  He knew something about every aspect of the shipping business.  A very unpretentious man.  Meticulous. The only person I ever met that actually read the very fine print on the back of a cargo bill of lading!  Impressive.  We chatted for a long while and I got to asking about his background.  His accent. Where was he from?  He eventually began to tell me about his experiences during WW2 as a young child.  I was completely caught off guard and stunned by what I heard.  Truly.  How did this man mentally and emotionally survive this…..I drove home thinking about it.  The suffering.  The inhumanity of it all.  We exchanged cards at the dinner.  I hoped we could meet again for more conversation.  Thereafter, we did meet for coffee maybe twice a year.  I could see how much Peter loved his work.  He was quite happy to be building a successful business.  My career was also flourishing which necessitated more travel, and more commitment to the company.  No more "coffee klatsches" for awhile.

Peter and I eventually reconnected.  Realizing we had a lot in common and enjoyed each other's company, we dated. Had many more coffee chats and meaningful conversations.  I was convinced at this point that Peter was addicted to Dunkin' coffee (or was it the glazed donuts?).  I got to learn and see more of his character; his patience and kindness, his deep faith.  We then decided to marry in 1991.  A beautiful wedding in Boston to a wonderful man.  A man who survived and prospered after experiencing the savages of war at such an impressionable young age.  We enjoyed a very happy nearly 35 year marriage with much peace, love, respect, and stability throughout.  I am forever grateful to have had the good fortune to have known this man.

In addition to myself, Peter is also survived by his children; Marcel, Andre, and Sophia as well as their spouses, many adored grandchildren; both near and afar, his three surviving brothers; Armand, Hans, and Rob from The Netherlands, Peter's two dear sisters-in-law that became his biggest fans; Angela and Lorraine.  Also, several nieces and nephews from The Netherlands who kept in touch with their uncle regularly, which Peter enjoyed immensely. And many younger nieces and nephews from the U.S. that saw Uncle Peter as nothing short of a rockstar!

With special thanks and love to nephew Erik Koster, niece Jessica Pecora, and step-daughter, Sophia Fowler for coming to my rescue during this time of deep sorrow.

In accordance with Peter's wishes, services will be private at the Carrier Funeral Home in Windham, NH.