The Belgian coin machine industry was shocked on July 16 to learn that Vincent Van de Wege of the amusement machine manufacturing company VdW International had died, aged 69.
Vincent died after a short illness; he was diagnosed with cancer in May but was in his Brussels office working only a day before his death.
He began his VdW company 40 years ago and although he often branched out into other types of amusement machine, he was best known as an innovator of pusher machines. His company was credited with many pioneering developments over the years.
VdW will continue under the control of his son Laurent. Vincent leaves a wife, Christiane, and another son, Olivier.
David Snook of InterGame, who had known Vincent for many years, said: “Our sympathies go to the family and to the Belgian industry. Vincent was a lovely man, constantly upbeat about the market and always with a friendly smile.
“He was a shrewd businessman as well, building up a strong trade in pusher machines with the Belgian, French and Dutch showmen – they are permitted that type of game – and Vincent developed a steady business with British operators too.
“The industry on both sides of the North Sea will miss him.”
The photograph was taken at the London EAG show in January of this year.
