TFWA is sad to report the passing of Thom Rankin after a short illness. Thom was a member of the TFWA management committee for a number of years and also served on the board for several years, with responsibility for conferences and research.
TFWA president Philippe Margueritte said: “It is with deep sorrow that I learned of the passing of Thom. Alongside former TFWA president Erik Juul-Mortensen, I, the TFWA board, management committee and permanent team would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Thom’s family and loved ones. Thom will be remembered as a loyal, committed and proactive member of our association, as well as a long serving vice president. His dedication and contributions will not be forgotten.”
Erik Juul-Mortensen, who worked with Thom for more than a decade said; “Thom was a much-valued member of the global duty free and travel community, who was well respected by all. Under his tenure, TFWA’s conference and research programme was developed into an essential resource that still stands its members in good stead. He truly embraced the spirit of our industry, and was fully devoted to ensuring that TFWA fulfilled its promise to be ‘by the trade, for the trade’.”
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“Dear TFWA, the board, management committee, staff, friends, former colleagues, and everyone who has been connected to Thom Rankin, worked with him, or knew him,
I want to thank you all for the love, support, and courage you gave me and my family to get through this past week, following Thom’s passing on Sunday, May 18th.
I also want to thank the TFWA board for the beautiful flowers you sent me. They meant so much to me. It has been a rollercoaster for me and my family—and honestly, for everyone—because it all happened so quickly.
All of a sudden, we had to face this loss, and it reminds us once again: enjoy every day, don’t wait for later. Embrace life. Make it count.
Thom came into my life and changed it for the better. I will never forget him. He will be in my heart—and in all our hearts—forever.
Thank you, sunshine. You will be missed.”
Jeff van der Veen, Monnickendam