Tributes paid to Deputy Kuttelwascher

Thursday 23 January 2020

States members have been paying tribute to Deputy Jan Kuttelwascher, who passed away yesterday.

The husband, father and grandfather had served the island as a Deputy for his home parish of St Peter Port (South), since being elected in 2008.

We were shocked and very sad to learn of the death of Deputy Jan Kuttelwascher, who served #Guernsey faithfully and with conviction for so many years. The Bailiwick has lost a loyal and hard working public servant. Deepest condolences from @GvHouseGuernsey to all his family.

— Gov House Guernsey (@GvHouseGuernsey) January 24, 2020

Most recently, Deputy Kuttelwascher was a member of the States' Trading Supervisory Board, and he was the Vice President of the Committee for Economic Development, before he resigned from that role earlier in this term.

Having been in the States for three terms, he has held a number of other political roles in the island, most notably including a period as the Deputy Minister for Treasury & Resources, one of the most senior roles in the States under the previous machinery of government.

At this morning's Institute of Directors meeting, Chairman John Clacy said Deputy Kuttelwascher was a "force for good" who will be much missed in the business community.

Many States Members have taken to social media to fondly remember their colleague.

"This is very sad news indeed to hear," Deputy Chris Green commented on Express' article. "I liked Jan and respected his views, even if I didn't always agree with him."

Deputy Neil Inder added: "I liked Jan, he just had a devil may care way about him. Never fazed, shrug of the shoulders and always amiable. And a fascinating Czech refugee story that I hope his family tell some day. All the best I vrai homme!"

I liked Jan, he just had a devil may care way about him. Never phased, shrug of the shoulders and always amiable. And a fascinating Czech refugee story that I hope his family tell some day. All the best I vrai homme! https://t.co/C5IXIrdcR9

— tothevale (@tothevale) January 23, 2020

Before launching his career as a politician, Deputy Kuttelwascher was a professional pilot for 32 years, something which he was always intent to use to further benefit the Bailiwick which he had made his home many decades ago.

That lengthy experience as a pilot led him to spearhead the movement to have Guernsey Airport's runway extended, and toward the end of last year he took a successful requête to the States to have a business case for that extension finished.

"I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected and untimely death of Deputy Jan Kuttelwascher," said Deputy Gavin St Pier. "We worked closely together for 4 years when he was Deputy Treasury & Resources Minister (2012-16). Completely unflappable: ideal skillset for his first career as 747 pilot."

Tributes have also been paid by the 2020 Association, which Deputy Kuttelwascher had been involved with since its launch in 2018.

"The 2020 Association are deeply saddened by the passing of Jan Kuttelwascher," a spokesperson said. "Our thoughts are with his family at this time."

The 2020 Association are deeply saddened by the passing of Jan Kuttelwascher. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. pic.twitter.com/gbdzyjFW7g

— 2020 (@2020Association) January 23, 2020

Previously, Deputy Kuttelwascher held a number of voluntary roles which benefited the wider community, including as the Chairman of Age Concern between 2008 and 2012, and before joining the States he was a St Peter Port Douzenier.

His death was confirmed by Deputy Mary Lowe, the Mother of the House, and a political colleague of Deputy Kuttelwascher since he was first elected in 2008.

She said: "I can confirm that, sadly, Deputy Jan Kuttelwascher passed away [Thursday] morning. It is a shock to me and his colleagues in the States, he was dedicated public servant and his passing is a great loss. I would kindly ask people to respect his family’s privacy at this difficult time."

Pictured top: Deputy Jan Kuttelwascher. Photo taken by Chris George.