Reinier Heere passes away

PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten yesterday lost Reinier Heere, one of its well-known citizens described by those who knew him as a fair, dedicated, instinctive and loyal human being. He was 83.

Born in The Netherlands, Heere arrived on the island more than 40 years ago and made St. Maarten his home.

He was first employed at Vinomar, but soon after started his own business Shipwreck Shops which he and his wife Lydia built up to become a big success. His and Lydia's innate good taste in choosing items that tourists visiting St. Maarten would like to take home as souvenirs made Shipwreck Shops very popular. The business grew and at a certain moment there were Shipwreck and Lord and Hunter shops all around St. Maarten and on other Caribbean islands as well.

In addition to his business career "Rein," as he was known to most people here, also was very socially engaged. Together with others he laid the foundation for what is now the well-attended St. Maarten Academy, the first school in St. Maarten with English as the language of instruction. He was also one of the staunch supporters of the late Vance James Jr. in his political endeavours.

Heere was a dedicated Rotarian and once served as president of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten. He was also a Paul Harris Fellow and District Governor for Rotary Clubs in the region. He also was a founding member and past president of the St. Maarten Hotel and Tourism Association (SHTA) and a board member for a number of years. He was one of the founders of Classical Delight Foundation, a former managing director of Gulf Insurances Ltd. and a former chairman of the board of Windward Islands Airways International Winair.

SHTA President Emil Lee said that besides being the founding father of SHTA, Heere had been his friend, a mentor, a visionary and a pioneer. "His contributions to St. Maarten have been inestimable. He will be sorely missed."

Fellow Rotarian and long-time associate Steven Thompson recalled having met Heere on December 11, 1970. He described him as a no-nonsense, highly capable person involved with many organisations that developed into important organisations for St. Maarten.

"His instincts about those organisations were usually correct," Thompson said, adding that Heere had been a pioneer who was always positive and loved St. Maarten. "He will be sorely missed," Thompson said.

Michael Ferrier, with whom Heere served on the board of Winair, said Heere had been one of his mentors and that he had done a tremendous amount for St. Maarten through his volunteer services with various vital organisations.

"He put in a lot of effort into the organisations and worked on the bigger picture to improve the lives of the people of St. Maarten. He was precise, punctual, fair and extremely loyal," Ferrier said.

Heere will be laid to rest in The Netherlands on Saturday. Management and staff of The Daily Herald extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/28920-reinier-heere-passes-away-.html

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