O B I T UA RI ES WLADIMIR ALVARES DE MELLO T he moving industry has paid tribute to Wladimir Alvares de Mello of Metropolitan Transports SA, who died at the end of January, aged 79. He was responsible for establishing the Metropolitan brand as one of Brazils leading moving and logistics companies, with a worldwide reputation. His son, Pedro Mello, said: My father, Wladimir, will always live in our hearts and in our memories as a generous person who believed in the best potential of others, had an immense joy for life and who strived for excellence. Hence, Metropolitan Transports and I will honour his legacy and his principles in business and in friendship. He loved the industry and, most of all, the people in it. Orphee MoschopoulosBeinoglou, past FIDI President, and CEO of Orphee Beinoglou SA, said: For 48 years, Wladimir and I were very close family friends. We have shared part of our life and business dealings. I first met Wladimir many years ago when we were both youngsters and he was involved with the board of CETI [now OMNI] and I was with the Eurovan board, but our friendship put aside the competition between the two organisations and grew. We both developed our business in similar ways. We loved moving HHGs but, at the same time, we expanded our business into multiple relative fields such as freight, logistics and record management. Wladimir built a huge business in Brazil and he had a high-quality life that he offered to his family and friends. He founded the mongoose brotherhood and, with his spontaneous sense of humour, he always looked for a good laugh and a good time. He was one of a kind a unique personality, a great father and mentor to many of us. I have lost a brother, a friend and a brilliant person who was highly gifted by God. Another friend, Laura Ganon, FIDI Vice President and CEO of FINK Mobility, said: Wladimir was one those few people who was the centre of attention as soon as he arrived anywhere. Intelligent, smart, funny, elegant. Always kind, even with his competition like myself, he showed us his deep WLADIMIR ALVARES DE MELLO WITH FRIEND ORPHEE MOSCHOPOULOS-BEINOGLOU confidence in his knowledge about our industry, was never reticent to share it, and had the ability to make it fun. Wladimir will be deeply missed, but his presence and personality will never be forgotten by those who had the honour to spend time in his company. I had the privilege of sharing memorable moments in 2019 with him in Seville, during his fabulous party to celebrate 50 years of Metropolitan. This was Wladimir he invited me, a friend but also a competitor, to share this precious evening with him, his family and friends. I am sure Waldimir will keep guiding and protecting his family and Metropolitan from where he will be. Jesse van Sas, Secretary General of FIDI, said: Wladimir was one of those larger-than-life characters in our industry. He will be remembered as one of the industrys tycoons and will be sorely missed. De Mello, who was based in So Paulo, leaves a widow, Marta; children, Pedro, Thiago, Nicolau and Cristina; and many other family members. LUCIANA VENTURA T ranspack Argentina S.A has announced the death of Luciana Ventura on February 14. She had been undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy for lung cancer and underlying complications. Cliff Williamson, the companys president, said Ventura was our dear dedicated employee, and friend of more than 30 years. To the very end, she believed she would conquer the disease and return to work. Her career began at the age of 17 when she was hired by Carlos Barrandeguy, founder of Transpack Argentina, and became an expert in Argentinian customs and international shipping. It seemed like Luciana was born into the moving business, said Williamson. She loved the business and loved most of all the 74 FF301 Q2 21 pp74-76 Obit.indd 74 opportunities the moving industry provided to travel and befriend moving colleagues around the world. She had many friends in many countries and was thrilled whenever she was able to see them and speak to them personally. In recent years, she participated joyfully in the LACMA Next TECHO Project, constructing homes in humble neighbourhoods, and returning home with blisters, bruises, tears, and smiles. She adored her son Lucas. She was a diehard River Plate fan, and she was extremely proud of her work and her vast knowledge of the moving business. No task was too challenging; without hesitation she would pick up the phone and start immediately, working to solve even the most difficult problems. Luciana will be missed by so many, and we ask that you remember her as she was in life, a fierce fighter for quality and transparency, for fairness and kindness. If you were her friend, you could be assured of her loyalty and support through the best and the worst of times. Rest in peace, Luciana. She is survived by her son Lucas, aged 17, her sister Maria Pia, and brother Pablo. WWW. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 09/03/2021 14:50