Former Public Works Minister Kranenburg dies

Jules ‘Dickie’ Kranenburg

Former Minister of Public Works Jules “Dickie” Kranenburg has died.

Kranenburg, who had served as the minister from 1986 to 1992 under the former PNC government, died on May 30. He was 83.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Kranenburg served as a Chief Pilot in the Maritime Division of the Transport and Harbours Department under the Ministry of Public Works before he made his way to the Bauxite Industry Development Company (BIDCO) as head of its Shipping Department. He was then appointed minister in 1986. It added that he later went on to serve as a director on the board of the Canawaima Ferry Services Inc. (CFSI), under the ministry, when it began its operations in November 1998. Up until his death, he continued to serve as a member of CFSI’s board.

Jules ‘Dickie’ Kranenburg
Jules ‘Dickie’ Kranenburg

The ministry added that outside of his “stellar professional achievements,” Kranenburg was remembered by ministry staff as jovial and always willing to lend a helping hand. “The nation has truly lost a great son,” it added.

Kranenburg is survived by his wife of 59 years, Megan, as well as his only daughter, Karen.

A wake is planned to celebrate his life on June 9th, at the Georgetown Club, from 6pm.

There will be a mass remembrance at the Brickdam Cathedral on June 10th, from 3pm, followed by a cremation ceremony at the Memorial Gardens.