"Martin" Johannes Marinus van't Zelfde

Our deepest sympathy to Frances and family, we thoroughly enjoyed our time spent with you a few years ago, with you guys showing us around your beautiful country. A very well respected and special man, our thoughts are with you at this sad and difficult time Condolences Ian & Jenny Woolley New Zealand.

Sending all the love and strength to two very strong ladies I admire. He lives in you!

I am saddened and surprised to hear of Martin’s passing. Martin was always such a thoughtful and caring person, with obvious, excellent business acumen, experience, and pragmatism - there was nothing he couldn’t do at work. Beyond that, however, what really shone through from Martin was his kindness and selflessness. I’d lived for a year in Luxembourg, and Martin always went out of his way to be thoughtful about me, to help me understand so much that was ‘foreign’, and to try to make me feel a bit at home there. My deepest condolences to Frances and Jacqueline. Martin and his wonderful spirit will be sadly missed in this troubled world. I was privileged to have known him.

A kind man with an easy smile, Martin exuded "Dad Vibes" (in the best way): proudly talking about his kids, making sure colleagues were cared for and included, and dropping a funny comment bringing laughter. I am grateful I got the chance to know and work with him. His impact continues with all of us lucky enough to have met him.

I am absolutely shocked to hear this sad news. Martin was my manager at Britiish American Tobacco GmbH, Moscow for five years. Thereafter he has been my guide, mentor and referee for many years. I think I emailed him about 14=15 months ago and told him about my move from Sydney to Adeaide. I will miss his kindness coupled with his pragmatism. I am very sorry for your loss. May god bless his soul. Prasad. Adelaide South Australia.

I was deeply saddened to learn of Martin’s passing. We had the great privilege of working together at Constellation Brands for a couple of years, and even after our time there ended, we kept crossing paths regularly. Each encounter was something I always looked forward to. Martin was much more than a valued colleague - he became a good buddy. His openness, his easy-going and quick wit, and his genuine curiosity about the world made each conversation unique. I learned so much from him; he shared his experience generously. Seeing him was always a highlight of every event for me. My thoughts are with you and all his loved ones during this painful time. I hope you can draw some comfort from the many lives he touched so positively and from the countless good memories that will remain. Please know that you are in my thoughts during these hard days. With deepest sympathy, Alexander Ultes

My deepest condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of working with Martin in Constellation for a few years and he was so smart, kind and funny. I didn't come from a wine or a sales background but I learned so much from Martin and have taken these leanings with me over the past number of years.

Many times over the years, Uncle Martin welcomed me into his home on both sides of the ocean, not just because I was family, but because he had a generous heart. Looking back, he was always seeking to do what was best for everyone in a given situation, even when those parties didn't agree. I distinctly remember one time that he taught me and my cousins the importance of including everyone in our activities, to not leave others out. That's a lesson I've carried through life and am very grateful for. He was also very supportive of everyone, making sure we all had a turn even if I wasn't as physically capable as my cousins. Martin would make a point to check on us, asking "you good?", not just as a parent figure keeping us out of trouble, but also to make sure we were having fun! Martin enjoyed life, especially on the lake. I have many fond memories of boat rides with him in the captain's chair, Fran next to him, with Jax between Sean and me in the back. Fran and Jax, I send you my love, hugs, and prayers. May Martin rest in peace. -Krissy

I was very sorry to hear about your loss. I often think back to the time when we shared the same office at the start of the Luxembourg office — it feels like yesterday. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I hope you find strength and comfort surrounded by your loved ones. My thoughts are truly with you during this difficult time.