NETHERLANDS. The duty free industry has begun to pay tribute to Mr Bastiaan Parson, one of the most influential figures in the history of the business, who passed away last week at the age of 81.
A founder of Dutch duty free company Kappé International, Mr Parson dedicated several decades to his family firm and to the industry. As reported in our original story, he helped create one of the most successful companies in the business and one of the few to maintain its family independence.
Dufri International owner Sheila de Best, who knew Mr Parson well for many years, said: “As you know Bas was one of the pioneers of airport retailing, long before anyone had ever thought about selling at an airport. My first memory was during my time at Martinair, when I regularly visited the hairdresser’s salon in the days where he first opened his perfume shop.
“I will always remember him as a warm and friendly person, always interested in other people. He was a true gentleman and pioneer for Schiphol Airport.
“We treasure many fine memories also one special moment: his speech at my wedding. A person with so much charisma. Such people are just a few in the world – a small man with a big heart.”
Harry Diehl, chairman of the advisory board at Gebr Heinemann and a long-time business partner of Kappé International and Mr Parson, said: “He was full of humanity and humour and always honest – a great, great character.
“When I first met him, he was open to a wonderful ‘neighbourly’ relationship between our companies – Amsterdam Schiphol was always the main reference point for our airports. Together he paved the way for a wonderful long-term co-operation.
“Whenever we were in Amsterdam, he always invited my wife Rita and I to lunch for Dover sole and red wine – which in the old gourmet way was not the way to do things. Now it is – he was a visionary!!
“He was also maybe the best dancer in the business – he was a disco man when others were going into retirement.”
More seriously, the Gebr Heinemann chairman also recalled when Mr Parson handed over the reins of Kappé International to his son Jacques at an official function. “I sat next to Bas at the airport and he was so proud of his son who he had guided. He was always very good with young people.
“We will miss him very, very much. He was a doyen of the business. So farewell Bas, rest in peace.”
