The sad news has reached ISSA that well-known Argentine ship supplier Willy Fainberg has died.
Willy was employed by major Argentine ship supply company Mattina Hnos. S.A.C.I.A.N., headquartered in Buenos Aires.
As a young man he played rugby at club level in Buenos Aires. He studied in the USA at University level and whilst there continued his rugby, becoming the team’s conversion kicker.
Apparently in the USA he started converting tries barefoot with the American football ball.
Spectators and team members could not believe their eyes and this talent turned into a pre-match spectacle!
On his return to Argentina, Willy undertook something of a portfolio career, turning his hand to many jobs.
In the late 1980s he moved to Puerto Madryn and for a while produced a local news programme there.
Latterly he was based in Mattinos’ Puerto Madryn Branch where his language skills were fully employed attending to calling vessels whose Masters only spoke English.
Puerto Madryn is primarily a South Atlantic fishing port and the majority of the trawlers are either Argentine or Spanish owned.
In the last few years a few Korean flagged ships have visited to discharge their catch at the port.
With his command of commercial English, Willy visited many overseas Exhibitions – including the ISSA Conventions – as Mattina’s Public Relations Maestro. He was able to inter-act with the Company’s many customers face to face to mutual benefit.
A Spokesman for Mattina Hnos. Paid tribute to Willy: “With all our sorrow and deeply sorry we inform that yesterday 20/05/2021 our friend and colleague Willy Fainberg has passed away.
“Our most warmest affection to his friends and family in this difficult moment.
“Con todo nuestro dolor y profundo pesar les informamos que ayer 20/05/2021 falleció nuestro amigo y colega Willy Fainberg.
“Nuestro más cálido afecto a sus amigos y familiares en este difícil momento.”
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