William (Bill) Beuthin passed away on 20 February in Chantrigné, France, at the age of 79. Bill began his business career with North American Van Lines International in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with industry stars like Tom Harris and Roman Hildt.

After a period with the company in Munich, Bill headed the very successful Beirut office where his wartime escapades with Val Prinsep were the foundation of a lifelong friendship and partnership. 

Never comfortable with humdrum living, Bill developed the moving markets in Iran, Saudi Arabia and Oman and afterwards became the co-founder of the very first branch of Worldwide Movers Africa in Tanzania which, with his guidance, has grown into 18 countries across the African continent. 

Intrepid travellers, he and his wife, Myriam, visited too many moving convention cities to mention and places extraordinarily remote.  Never forgetting the smallest needs of staff, Bill’s experience, twinkling eye and universal kindness will be sorely missed by the entire Worldwide Movers Africa team, friends and colleagues around the globe. Bill is survived by his wife Myriam and children Eric and Greg and grand-daughter Maxine. A truly remarkable gentleman.  

Photo: Bill Beuthin