Newspaper Article 1994 – Businessman Will Franssen dies

Businessman Will Franssen dies

Hastings identity Will Franssen, lessee of the Mayfair Hotel for 20 years, died on Saturday after a lengthy illness. He was 78.

Dutch-born Mr Franssen came to Hastings in 1951 and after running a small cafe leased the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ tearooms with partner Jack van Bohemen, running them until 1959 when he took over the lease of the Mayfair.

Mr Franssen developed the Mayfair, owned by Leopard Breweries, into arguably Hastings’ most popular hotel, with the reputation of its restaurant and lager bar being noted throughout the country.

His success as a businessman made Mr Franssen a wealthy man and he was generous in his support of worthy causes, particularly if the projects involved his beloved city of Hastings.

His luxurious home in Fitzroy Ave which borders Cornwall Park is deeded to the city.

Former Hastings mayor Jim O’Connor today paid tribute to Mr Franssen for the generosity which he had shown, both public and behind the scenes.

“Will was an extremely astute businessman and everything he was involved in, the Windmill Cafe, the Farmers tea rooms, the Mayfair, all thrived under his administration.”

Mr O’Connor said Mr Franssen never declined anyone who came to him with a worthy proposition and would often approach groups himself to offer support.

“He was a gentleman and I cannot speak too highly of him and his philanthropy,” Mr O’Connor said.

Mr Franssen’s funeral is being planned for Thursday and in accordance with his wishes will be restricted to family and friends. Mr Franssen was predeceased by his wife, former international opera singer Gerda Pons.

Photo caption – The late Will Franssen outside his home deeded to the city.