A Eulogy by Tony Richman – Past President of FEDEMAC

It is with the deepest sadness and regret that I have to inform you of the passing of Peter Scharrenbroich who passed away on 08 July, 2013, following a period of decline in health over recent years.

 

After taking over the company from his uncle, Peter went on to build PEJOZI, headquartered in Cologne, into one of the biggest and most well-respected removal and storage companies in Germany.

 

Starting with a horse and cart, Peter Josef Zimmer first founded PEJOZI back in 1863 which, with continued operation within the family, has led to it being one of the longest established removal companies in Germany: something that Peter Scharrenbroich soon became very proud of.

 

Always a firm supporter of AMOE (The German removers’ national association), Peter Scharrenbroich went on to become a member of the Board and eventually to becoming the national representative for Germany at FEDEMAC (The Federation of European Movers’ Associations).

 

His quality of leadership and his sincere belief in safeguarding peace in Europe by bringing the nations together through united trade and cooperation made him an ideal candidate for the Board of FEDEMAC where, after becoming vice president in 1987, he went on to become the Federation’s president in 1990; his inauguration taking place in November of that year in Ruedesheim, near Frankfurt.

 

Under Peter’s leadership, the FEDEMAC Board set out to explore new ways of improving communication with and between the associations of the various European countries as well as continuing with the other important agenda dossiers.

 

Meetings of the ‘National Association Presidents’ were convened in conjunction with the annual FEDEMAC General Council in order to establish better liaison and to share information and experiences: an early form of ‘bench-marking’ to allow advantages and ideas to be taken up by the different organisations.

 

Meetings also took place with FIDI to clarify and maintain the important role for FEDEMAC in Europe – especially with a view to future lobbying needs. This was a tough period and top-level diplomatic skills were need by both sides in order to keep matters on an amicable basis and reach a successful agreement: a challenge which was ideally suited to Peter.

 

Under Peter’s leadership, FEDEMAC soon went on to create marketing literature and information, lobbying papers, a Pan-European survey in 3 languages, newsletters and a biannual news magazine.  He also took on the daunting task of creating a single set of trading conditions throughout Europe; a complicated task due to the vast differences in working terms at each national level. Whilst formal approval of the conditions was against European protocol, the European Commission were eventually persuaded to provide ‘A letter of Comfort’.

 

Peter handed over the presidential responsibility in 1993 but continued to support and work with the Board until his retirement from FEDEMAC activities in 1996.

 

Outside work his favourite sport was tennis and it will come as no surprise to learn that with his will to contribute to all matters he was involved in, he was elected as Chairman of the KKHT North Cologne Tennis & Hockey Club in 1984 and remained an Honorary Member thereafter – a club he had remained loyal to for 65 years. In 2005, he was awarded the prestigious Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany) from the German authorities.

 

Whilst the industry has lost a stalwart pillar of wisdom and strength his legacy will always be alive, and he will eternally be remembered as an outstanding mentor and colleague by his innumerable associates and friends. With much appreciation for the time he has shared with us and the great memories he has given us, our thoughts and prayers also go to Peter’s wife Gisela, son Jorg, daughter Petra and the grandsons. We wish them all strength and courage during this difficult time.

 

 

From left to right: Johan Wiersma (FEDEMAC President from to: 1997-2000), Klaus Moericke (2000-2002), Lucien Pot (2006-2009) Tony Richman (1993-1997), Peter Scharrenbroich (1990-1993), Denis Caulfield (2002-2006).

 

Photo by Dierk Hochgesang