ST. EUSTATIUS--Kenneth "Wompie" van Putten passed away unexpectedly in St. Eustatius on Thursday. He was 77 years old. Residents had heard the wailing of sirens in the lower part of Oranjestad as the ambulance came through, but it was too late for Van Putten.
Van Putten was a Democratic Party member and leader for many years. He worked on the island- and central level of government. He was also one of the founders of St. Eustatius Historical Foundation more than forty years ago.
Van Putten was born on St. Eustatius on January 29, 1937, and was very knowledgeable about the island. People could call on him for anything pertaining to Statia or its history. He would tell people old-time Statia stories in such a way that they became more knowledgeable, yet they would end up laughing.
His last recording was done by Walter Hellebrand for the Historical Foundation's exhibition "Days of Slavery" that is still running in Statia Museum.
Island council members were seen paying their respects to his sister, who is also well known in the community of Statia.
Van Putten leaves to mourn his sister Louise van Putten, his son and further family, the DP on Statia, many friends and relatives, both locally and worldwide, too numerous to mention. He will be greatly missed.
