John Philip Frederick Craane
a.k.a. Boechi
This building is dedicated to John P.F. Craane, affectionately known as "Boechi." Born November 24,1913. Boechi spent most of his life working on or around boats. His love for boats was greatly influenced by his father, who was a well-known boat builder on the island of Bonaire.
As a young boy, Boechi worked with his father, helping to build boats after school. As a young man, he captained several of the boats his father had built, including the Endeavour and Rainbow.
In 1954 Boechi was hired by the Federal Government and remained in its employ until an accident forced his retirement in 1987, at the age of 74.
During the 33 years that Boechi worked for the Government, he captained several boats, such as the Blue Peter, the M.Y. Antilia and the M.Y. Hertha. In 1963 he became a pilot at the A.C. Wathey Pier until 1978 when he was promoted to Harbor Master of St. Maarten, and remained in that function until his retirement.
For a lifetime of love for boats and dedicated service, we thank an honor Boechi by naming this building the "John Craane Cruise Terminal."
Marker is on Cruise Ship Terminal (The Harbor Point Village) 0.03 kilometers west of Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, on the right when traveling north.
Courtesy hmdb.org
