FIDI expresses sincere condolences for Mario Martínez Valdivia
Our FIDI family and the entire industry has yet again been profoundly shaken by the loss of a treasured and valuable member. It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Mario Martínez Valdivia of SIM, Peru. Mario was a well-known and very active member of the international moving industry. Having served as FIDI Board member and as President of FID Latin America and LACMA, many have fond memories with Mario and his family.
Ebru Demirel, FIDI President: “I know for certain that whoever had the opportunity to get to know Mario, would agree with me that he was a true gentleman. I had the privilege to work with Mario on the FIDI Board when I first joined, some eight years ago. He was one those rare souls who would make you feel cared for and protected without making it obvious. His sudden departure breaks my heart deeply, especially when I think about Yvonne and his family. My prayers are with her, their kids and all his loved ones.”
Freddy Paxton, former FIDI President: “Mario was not just a trusted partner and fellow Board member – above all, he was a dear friend. Over the past few years, I was fortunate to spend more time with Mario and his beautiful family. I will remember fondly when he and Yvonne welcomed us into their home in Lima, and he showed me the authentic preparation of my favorite dish, Lomo Saltado. It was a memorable night filled with fantastic food and lifelong friends! I was so looking forward to continuing this friendship and I will cherish these memories. Steve and I hope our love and prayers can help sustain Mario’s family through this very difficult time and hope his memory is a blessing to all fortunate to call Mario a friend.”
Errol Gardiner, former FIDI President: “Mario and I were inducted onto the FIDI board at the Melbourne conference in April 2010. The somewhat hackneyed expression “one of nature’s gentlemen” was so applicable to Mario, who was a warm, kind and lovely man. He never spoke much at our meetings, but he listened and thought a lot and when he did speak his comments were valid and insightful and his contribution to FIDI and the Board were significant. Mario was great company at our Board dinners and I remember how the other members would tease him over his aversion to raw fish, which he refused to eat, and yet admitted to devouring ceviche in his beloved home country, Peru! I truly appreciated Mario’s warmth, his friendship and personal encouragement. I am richer for having known him, just as so many of his FIDI friends and colleagues are poorer at his passing. My personal thoughts and condolences go to Mario’s bereaved wife Yvonne. They were such a close and happy couple and it was always a joy to me to see them together. Thanks Mario, for everything that was you.”
The FIDI Board, office and all our membership would like to express our most sincere condolences to Yvonne and Mario’s family, as well as the SIM team. Our thoughts are with you.
Condolences can be sent to Yvonne D. de Martinez: ymartinez@simoving.com.pe, simoving@simoving.com.pe.
