The Spanish street market has lost one of its most respected characters in the death of Pablo Arranz at the age of 88 at the weekend.
Arranz was an industry leader and in his youth a highly successful motor cycling racer. In his racing days he was nicknamed Cauca, from the Latin name of the city where he was born, Coca in Segovia. He was a several times winner of the Spanish Grand Prix until he lost an eye in a severe accident in the 1960s.
Arranz then started a successful business career as a motor cycle distributor and in the early 1980s he opened his first gaming arcade. Latterly he founded and became the president of Anesar, the national arcade association.
Fellow Spaniard Eduardo Antoja, president of Euromat, said yesterday: “Pablo was highly respected as a person and as a businessman. He was a hard worker; I remember he used to say: ‘Many people have good ideas but only a close and dedicated follow-up effort can lead to success.’ I had many business meetings with Pablo and I learned many things from him and also later from his son, Pablo Jnr.
“If the Spanish gaming industry had, say, 10 leaders, then Pablo Arranz was no doubt one of them.”
The funeral of Pablo Arranz is being held in Madrid today.
