East Africa & Rhodesia - 15/4/54 - Mr J.J. Colinvaux died aboard the 'Winchester Castle' on Monday on his way home from Mombasa. Mr John Colinvaux, who died at sea on April 12 while on his way to visit England, had been chairman and managing director of A. Baumann and Company, Ltd., since its incorporation in East Africa in 1948. Born in 1891 in the village of Chatelineau, near Charleroi in the Belgian Ardennes, he came to England before the first World War to perfect his English. He later worked in Antwerp, and when Antwerp fell, returned to England and found employment with Messrs. Leslie and Anderson, which was interrupted by war service. In that capacity he traded with East Africa and foresaw the vast future of that country. He joined A. Baumann and Company at the beginning of 1926, and shortly afterwards proceeded to Mombasa to open the company's first office in East Africa. Returning to London later the same year, he proceeded, in collaboration with Mr A. Baumann, to devote all his energies to the consolidation and well-being of the new venture. In 1931 they entered into partnership. John Colinvaux paid regular visits to East Africa, and in fact returned from one of those trips only just in time before hostilities confined him to "embattled Britain" in whose struggle he paid a useful and self-sacrificing part. In 1947 he finally moved his home to Kenya - his second adopted country. Late in 1951, without warning, he was struck down by a severe illness. He faced his disabilities with great courage and determination to recover, and within a year was back in harness. But his constitution had been permanently undermined, and by the middle of 1953 he was obliged to announce his intention to retire completely at the end of that year. He was a man of great ability and penetrating mind, with a high sense of duty. He was a tower of strength to his colleagues in difficult times. He always showed great devotion and loyalty to the countries of his adoption. His confidence in the future of East Africa remained unshaken. He was liked and respected by all who had dealings with him. His friends and colleagues will remember "J.C." for his sociability and great sense of humour, and they mourn the passing of a good companion. In his later years he took a keen interest in the local affairs of Mombasa, which he loved, and gave generously of his time and money to institutions which he felt the community should support. In this connexion he will be remembered especially by the Mombasa Hospital and the Mombasa Little Theatre Club. He was in his 63rd year at the time of his death. He is survived by his widow, 2 sons, and a daughter.

Who's Who 1954 - Chmn. A. Baumann & Co., Ltd., A. Baumann & Co (Coffee Mills) Ltd., Pres. European Hospital Assn.

Gazette 6 Sep 1955 probate