It is with deep sadness and regret we report that after several gruelling years battling with cancer, Mr Lorenzo Selva, former President of ICOMIA, Vice-President of Italian Marine Industry Association, UCINA, and beloved-President and Managing Director of Selva Marine SpA passed away in the early hours of Monday 11 June 2012.
Mr Selva was a long-time colleague and dear friend of ICOMIA, becoming a member of the Executive Committee in 2003 and serving as ICOMIA’s 18th President from 2010 – 2012. Mr Selva was a UCINA Board Member for many years and a successful businessman.
Mr Selva followed in his forefather’s footsteps, not only by taking over the family-business but also becoming a professional competitor in powerboat racing. This passion for powerboat racing ran through the Selva family, and was passed down to Lorenzo – who was European powerboat champion in 1981 and 1983.
In the spring of 1959, the family-business relocated to Tirano in north Italy, where it remains today. Selva Marine has been described as a ‘typical and historical Italian family company’, with a long and unique tradition of international relations, run with great passion and dedication by the third generation of ‘small north Italian entrepreneurs’.
It was this passion in powerboat racing combined with the commercial interests of the family business that has led Mr Selva and his brother, Maurizio, to lead Selva Marine into becoming Europe’s last remaining outboard manufacturer and builder of small boats.
The marine industry aside, Mr Selva’s proudest role was as a husband to his much-loved wife and father to his five precious children and our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the Selva family at this tragic time.
We were all humbled by his courage and impressed with his irrepressible humour, which never wavered even during his darkest days fighting his illness.
We mourn his passing and give thanks for his life of service to our recreational marine industry, and his years of friendship.