UPDATED 21/03/2013

In a statement, ESTA secretary general Ton Klijn said, "He was one of the select group of people that laid the foundations of ESTA and continued to build it up to its current position. He possessed the charisma to put efforts in to real action, could speak words of wisdom and had the gift to unite people as if they were a true family.

"Our thoughts go out to his family who we wish much strength in this difficult time. The ESTA team will miss him very much."

As well as helping develop ESTA, Vernazza built up his company Mediaco into the largest rental firm in France.

Cranes Today editor Will North said, "Christian-Jacques Vernazza played a vital role in promoting the work of ESTA and the importance of industry harmonisation. He was always ready to extend a warm welcome at ESTA events, and to advise us on how best to help spread the news of ESTA’s work. Cranes Today, along with many others in the industry, will miss him."

The funeral will be held at: Friday March 22nd at 9.30 AM at the Saint-Michel Church in the CASSIS village, close to Marseille. Address: 2 Rue Abbé Paul Mouton, 13260 Cassis, France