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Wayne Huizenga
1937 - 2018
Wayne Huizenga
1937 - 2018
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1937
DIED
2018
Wayne Huizenga Obituary
Huizenga (HY'-zing-ah) died Thursday night at his home, said Valerie Hinkell, a longtime assistant. She gave no details on a cause of death.
Starting with a single garbage truck in 1968, Huzienga built Waste Management Inc. into a Fortune 500 company. He purchased independent sanitation engineering companies, and by the time he took the company public in 1972, he had completed the acquisition of 133 small-time haulers. By 1983, Waste Management was the largest waste disposal company in the United States.
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The business model worked again with Blockbuster Video, which he started in 1985 and built into the leading movie rental chain nine years later. In 1996, he formed AutoNation and built it into a Fortune 500 company.
Huizenga was founding owner of baseball's Florida Marlins and the NHL Florida Panthers — expansion teams that played their first games in 1993. He bought the NFL Miami Dolphins and their stadium for $168 million in 1994 from the children of founder Joe Robbie, but had sold all three teams by 2009.
The Marlins won the 1997 World Series, and the Panthers reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1996, but Huizenga's beloved Dolphins never reached a Super Bowl while he owned the team.
"If I have one disappointment, the disappointment would be that we did not bring a championship home," Huizenga said shortly after he sold the Dolphins to New York real estate billionaire Stephen Ross. "It's something we failed to do."
Huizenga earned an almost cult-like following among business investors who watched him build Blockbuster Entertainment into the leading video rental chain by snapping up competitors. He cracked Forbes' list of the 100 richest Americans, becoming chairman of Republic Services, one of the nation's top waste management companies, and AutoNation, the nation's largest automotive retailer. In 2013, Forbes estimated his wealth at $2.5 billion.
For a time, Huizenga was also a favorite with South Florida sports fans, drawing cheers and autograph seekers in public. The crowd roared when he danced the hokey pokey on the field during an early Marlins game. He went on a spending spree to build a veteran team that won the World Series in the franchise's fifth year.
But his popularity plummeted when he ordered the roster dismantled after that season. He was frustrated by poor attendance and his failure to swing a deal for a new ballpark built with taxpayer money.
Many South Florida fans never forgave him for breaking up the championship team. Huizenga drew boos when introduced at Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino's retirement celebration in 2000, and kept a lower public profile after that.
In 2009, Huizenga said he regretted ordering the Marlins' payroll purge.
"We lost $34 million the year we won the World Series, and I just said, 'You know what, I'm not going to do that,'" Huizenga said. "If I had it to do over again, I'd say, 'OK, we'll go one more year.'"
He sold the Marlins in 1999 to John Henry, and sold the Panthers in 2001, unhappy with rising NHL player salaries and the stock price for the team's public company.
Huizenga's first sports love was the Dolphins — he had been a season-ticket holder since their first season in 1966. But he fared better in the NFL as a businessman than as a sports fan.
He turned a nifty profit by selling the Dolphins and their stadium for $1.1 billion, nearly seven times what he paid to become sole owner. But he knew the bottom line in the NFL is championships, and his Dolphins perennially came up short.
Huizenga earned a reputation as a hands-off owner and won raves from many loyal employees, even though he made six coaching changes. He eased Pro Football Hall of Famer Don Shula into retirement in early 1996, and Jimmy Johnson, Dave Wannstedt, interim coach Jim Bates, Nick Saban, Cam Cameron and Tony Sparano followed as coach.
Harry Wayne Huizenga was born in the Chicago suburbs on Dec. 29, 1937, to a family of garbage haulers. He began his business career in Pompano Beach in 1962, driving a garbage truck from 2 a.m. to noon each day for $500 a month.
One customer successfully sued Huizenga, saying that in an argument over a delinquent account, Huizenga injured him by grabbing his testicles — an allegation Huizenga always denied.
"I never did that. The guy was a deputy cop. It was his word against mine, a young kid," he told Fortune magazine in 1996.
Huizenga was a five-time recipient of Financial World magazine's "CEO of the Year" award, and was the Ernst & Young "2005 World Entrepreneur of the Year."
Regarding his business acumen, Huizenga said: "You just have to be in the right place at the right time. It can only happen in America."
In 1960, he married Joyce VanderWagon. Together they had two children, Wayne Jr. and Scott. They divorced in 1966. Wayne married his second wife, Marti Goldsby, in 1972. She died in 2017.
We invite you to share condolences for Wayne Huizenga in our Guest Book.
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Written by STEVEN WINE and TERRY SPENCER, Associated Press Writer
Copyright © 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
174 Entries
charles candler sadler
June 1, 2024
my stepfather took me to his corporate offices in South Florida. as growing up on an island in South Florida when former President Nixon and Senator George Smathers were still present my stepfather felt very grateful to educate me about the HUIZENGA empire. I have traveled the world with blessings of the founding family of coca-cola.
CHARLES CANDLER SADLER
June 1, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
A R
October 1, 2019
Last year i was helping a friend buy a nissan car and the dealership had been purchased by autonation... it instantly reminded me of 17 years ago when i was fortunate to meet Mr H
We received the reservation for the sunday blockbuster awards in los angeles ( 2001) and when i looked at the name of the passenger i was surpriced and exited and scared.... i knew who he was and how he was worth millions !!!! I always got nervous when a high profile client was going to be in my limousines.
That reservation stated suv Hummer limousine and 3 passengers to be in vehicle.
I spend sunday morning detailing the interior and making sure it would be like being inside a private jet, i also purchased corona beer, a plate , and limes... but i went an extra mile by purchasing a plate with special snacks from gelsons market.....
There were no body guards and he did not stay at the fancy penninsula hotel or the four seasons or the beverly wilshire..he stayed at the mondrian (nice hotel on sunset blvd)
I called his assistant when i pulled up... i had a 5 second greeting for the passengers at the hotel... and after the award show another 3 or 4 seconds.
He said thank you and goodnight...
A few weeks later we received a letter from his personal assistant... stating that MR H was impressed with your service and send me a gift certificate to the local steak house.
I have always remembered him from going out of his way for a minute and taking the time to confirm the type of service i provide and provided to my clients.
I am still in the business in los angeles and continue to take care of high end clients etc etc.
But even with our regular clients, i have always treated them and provided the same exact service i provide for everyone.
I read all the comments for Mr H and i am not surpriced just because the time he send me a letter :)
Priceless...
God bless
Steve DeBarre
September 20, 2018
Wayne was a great boss to me at Blockbuster Entertainment.
How you can show support
Always inspiring, Always lovable & Kind! Thank You Both For Being Apart of Our Lives! May You Rest in Peace!
David & Elizabeth Adams Poet,Owners of The Riverwalk Eatery
July 16, 2018
We are Deeply saddened by The loss of Our friend,Wayne Huizenga.We have SO many Very fond Memories of Him & Marti...They would come Visit us often...
David & Elizabeth Adams Poet,Owners of The Riverwalk Eatery
July 16, 2018
Founders of Shiloah Ministries Incorporated
Jospeh & Marla Mooibroek
June 28, 2018
Marla and I are thankful to God to have had your friendship and support as you now are with the LORD
Rev Dr Joseph and Marla Mooibroek,
Shiloah Ministries Incorporated
509 Riviera drive
McKinney, TX 75070
We would be honored to name the New Kitchen at Zana Presbyterian Christian School, Uganda in honor of your support and recognition of your family (in process)
www.shiloahministriesincorporated.org
tina and tom Maurer
May 3, 2018
Accept my condolences on the loss Wayne Huizenga - worked for Waste Management in the early years.
He always remembered me and that meant a lot. A very good man.
Tom Maurer
Dave Johnson
April 28, 2018
Prayers to the Family and Friends of Mr. and Mrs. H
They say you never know what a person is like until you work for them. I was not in upper management or for that I was not in any management I was an old Retired Police Officer that was allowed to be a security Guard at the most beautiful place on this earth the Floridian club in Palm city. Never was I ever treated better than by the management. My boss was Dennis my job was to insure the Golf course was secure and to insure Marti was given the answers to her questions. We were treated like Family.
A little story that now is safe to tell. I always felt that when MS's H asked you a question she knew the answer. At that time The Floridian Yacht and Country Club was a private club. No money passed hands at the refreshment Carts. They were just positioned at different locations on the course. Marti asked if I ever treated myself to a coke at the cart, and it was ok. So I knew that she knew, and I replied I sometimes have a cold beer not any cokes. She was ok with that because she was told the truth. And to my knowledge she never told my boss.
The public has no real ideal how much Wayne and Marti did for Charity they were the real deal. As we mourn their deaths let us give thanks to God they lived for this world is a better place because they did.
David Johnson
Stuart Florida
[email protected]
March 30, 2018
Im So so sorry for your loss, remembering you in my prayers. May you rely on almighty God to comfort you and grant you peace while we await paradise in the near future.
Sheri
March 30, 2018
I am sorry to the family and friends of Mr.Huizenga.
I met him one time when my grandpa was working painting his home on the waterfront.
He was a sweet man who was down to earth.
Please except my condolences
Robert Willis
March 30, 2018
Wayne, Fonda and Family May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Robert Willis from Wings and Things
March 30, 2018
Wow - what an Entrepreneur! Rest in Peace xx
March 30, 2018
My condolences to the Family and friends. May the God of all comfort give you strength and hope during this time is sorrow.
Tom Wilde
March 29, 2018
Thank you for your contributions to South Florida. Your acts of kindness will live on forever!
karen harper
March 29, 2018
may he rest in paradise with his beloved marty. mmay his children carry on his lovliness in being a decent human being
March 29, 2018
We lost a true entrepreneur and a first class person in every sense of the word. I happen to be bidding against Wayne for Blockbuster in Dallas Texas but his zeros and my zeros were in different places. He ended up with Blockbuster and I decided to get involved with a competitor - Major Video - with the idea that I would eventually use it as a vehicle to acquire Blockbuster from Wayne (whom I did not know at the time). A month or two later I got a call from Wayne and he informed me that we needed to meet because he just acquired Major Video (always one step ahead). I learned a lot from Wayne in my years of dealing with him and his entourage. A true gentleman who understood the value of hard work and never give up attitude. My stories could go on but the business world will miss a leader like Wayne.
May you rest in peace Wayne and may God bless your family during this period of your passing. Thanks for all that you did that much of which is still unrecognized.
Bob Hux
Houston Texas
LaRhonda Ware
March 29, 2018
Thank you for give me opportunity to work for you in a filed where dominate eviroment .. of Santation
Timothy Taylor
March 29, 2018
Wayne was always a true gentleman always made the little guy feel important he was inspirational in his thinking and a pleasure to work for.
Jeffrey Todd
March 29, 2018
My Condolances to the Huizenga Family and Friends. I volunteer at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and see The Huizenga name all around, I'm so grateful for Wayne and Marti's support for the arts. I just read Mr. Huizenga's Obituary, I didn't know all that he had accomplished in his lifetime. Mr. Huizenga is truly an inspiration to me and I'm sure to many others.
jas young
March 29, 2018
thank u for the sporting empire you gave to south fla.
Mayda Torres
March 29, 2018
Rest in peace, you will now be reunited with your master. Thank you for everything you did.
March 29, 2018
R.I.P Mr. H.
Thank you for the opportunities that you provided for so many. We will continue to make you proud.
Anthony
Sharon L. Bryant
March 29, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bryce Canady
March 29, 2018
Thanks for the times that you've given me! Your memories are forever in my heart...Thank You for your smiles! And Thank You for teaching me the fist dap.
Annice Canady
March 29, 2018
I pay great honor love and tribute to one of God's finest servant. One who gave of himself with, humbling dedication throughout South Florida, and also around the world. Wayne/Mr. H two (2) of the cherished names he answered to, was also a friend, loving mentor, and to many others, outside of his immediate family, a Father figure.
He spoke softly, and never shunned or showed himself to be above anyone. Giving so much of himself to all.
I was introduced to Wayne and Marti, along with Mrs. Bonnie, in 1974, at Southern Sanitation. A little girl at that time, who just happen to come, to work with two (2) ladies who were friends of my family. Who also was employed by the Huizenga's at their home. Three (3) of the kindest people I'd ever met. Marti said to me then, I have a daughter around your age. Maybe one day you will get to meet! They then became like God-parents twice a week to me. Because they only worked at Southern Sanitation two (2) days a week. They mentored me every time they saw me and always steered with love and kindness.
I will never forget them and the love and kindness they each gave me. Wayne served, and he shared...Love Conquers All.
I will forever remember each one of them.
2007 the Dolphins played in London. Wayne, Marti and I, sat in hotel lobby talking about our first meet, and Mrs. Bonnie. What a enjoyable time spend.
To The Beloved Father, Friend, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur and Angel of Hope; You will be Forever Missed! Without you, there wouldn't be a downtown Ft. Lauderdale, and many other flourishing developments you brought to life. Thank You for being a good and faithful servant! Well Done...Well Done!
You've left us lifetime legacies, that we will always admire in memories. And I Thank Marti, God rest her soul Wayne Jr., Scott, Pam and Rob for sharing your with all of us!
What A Mighty Good Man...The worlds lost! But, God's Gain,
Your warm smile and laughter will carry us through...
Let's not merely say that we love each other, let us show the truth by our actions (1 John 3:18 NLT)
True Love Never Dies...R.I.P. Beloveth
Mark Zollo
March 28, 2018
I am proud to say I knew Mr, Huizenga for many years. He touched my life and will be forever grateful for for his help and understanding. he will be greatly missed but now he is with his lovely wife in a more restful place.
Rigo & Linda, Regal Sedan & Limousine
March 28, 2018
We are deeply saddened by the news of Wayne's passing. He was a great man. Wayne and Marti are together again. Our deepest sympathy to his Family.
RIP Wayne!
Alberto Cobos
March 28, 2018
Thank You for all your philanthropy in South Florida. You will be missed.
March 28, 2018
With heartfelt sympathy. Please accept my deepest condolences. May you continue to cherish his precious memories together. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort to offer you comfort and the strength to endure during these difficult times ahead.
Emilia Lelong
March 28, 2018
Thank you Mr. Huizenga for All The Wonderful Jobs.
R.I.P. May Your Spirit is reunited with God.
March 28, 2018
Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers on the passing of your dear Father. He was a truly a brilliant and talented man of integrity. May God provide strength during this most challenging time. With Love & Prayers ~ Al & Ann
J P
March 28, 2018
May the smiles continue to be on your heart when you think of Wayne Huizenga
May friends and family bring comfort to each other and the hearer of our prayers grant peace from above
Len Wilson
March 28, 2018
thanks for the opportunity to have known a great gentleman,my thoughts and prayers are for the family.
D'Royce & Sue Peterson
March 27, 2018
We were very privileged to have met Wayne and Marti. They were both wonderful people. They are together again.
March 27, 2018
It was a pleasure to know Wayne Huizenga. May he rest in peace. My sincere sympathy to his family. Joanne Elliott
Mitch Walters
March 27, 2018
It is not often that a man achieves so much in life and remains a humble servant to others .
May Wayne Huizenga continue to be a mentor for others in life.
Thanks for leaving the world better than you found it.
God Bless.
Aza Krotz
March 27, 2018
RIP Wayne (as you so casually introduced yourself to me).
The world was a better place because you lived and will never be as good without you.
All of the words written here by so many are a testament to your kind soul.
J. John Simione
March 27, 2018
Sat with Wayne and Marty at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards Dinner. Never met the man before, and he made me feel like I was the only person at the table. VERY special person who genuinely accomplished so much to help others. Special person who will be missed by so many.
Fred Hartzell
March 27, 2018
Are thoughts are with all the family on the loss of a great man Mr.H. Had chances to meet him many times great business mind and a just as much for a great man,husband, father and grandfather.
Christian
March 27, 2018
My deepest condolences for your loss. May the God of all comfort prove to be your stronghold during this difficult time.
Psalm 18:2
John Arwood
March 27, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Shahin Jalali
March 27, 2018
So sorry about your death Mr. Huizenga! So god rest your soul in peace!
Sean Mckendrick
March 27, 2018
A true South florida Legend. Wayne you will be sadly missed by many throughout the States but South Florida was your Home. Your legacy will last forever & your generosity will never be forgotten. You changed Fort Lauderdale's skyline forever & brought hundreds of 1000's of jobs into our City. Thank you again Wayne Huizenga for everything. The time has come for you to go join your loving wife Marti in Heaven. RIP Wayne Huizenga.
Paul McGannon
March 26, 2018
Thank you Mr H as you were my Mentor. Hosting our group from Kansas City was so special. We still are pursuing the NHL for KC. You are the BEST!
HOWARD ALLMON
March 26, 2018
Had a great run. Meet you on the other side someday.
March 26, 2018
So sorry for your loss. May our heavenly father comfort you at this most difficult time.
Duane Baker, MD
March 26, 2018
Mr Huizenga's humble nature was very impressive on my very brief encounter with him over twenty years ago. A relative of his was having surgery at our hospital and he was with everyone else in our sparse waiting room with was filled with small grade school student desks. He was obviously cramped up in one of the small chairs meant for 3rd graders. He had placed all around him on the floor many important looking business documents he had to attend to. I offered him a different room with a bigger table to work on and get his papers off the floor. He politely declined and chose to stay where everyone else was and not be given what he perceived as special preferential treatment. It wasn't preferential treatment. We would have offered this to anyone else in the same situation to help. He still chose to stay there and do his work.
His entire life was and will continue to be a great example of how to use your God given talents to serve others. For years I have used him in my motivational talks and book titled How To Soar Like An Eagle
Timothy Broderick
March 26, 2018
A incredible business tycoon and even a better person. Humble, generous and kind are three words that come to mind right away. My family and I were blessed to know the man.
March 26, 2018
To the family, I am sorry to hear the news a about your loss.
May God who "binds up the broken hearted" and comforted all who mourns" sustain your family during this challenging time. Isaiah 61:1,2
Steve Jackson
March 26, 2018
Jr.
So sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Blessings to you and the entire family. He is leaving quite a Legacy.
Robert Maldonado
March 26, 2018
Sorry of his passing r.i.p.i know him from auto nation he talk about two years ago and he was going to help me...got sick but i still waiting on him but the load needed him for a reason i hope you are in god hands best to the family......
SUE ANN
March 26, 2018
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Martha Fifield
March 26, 2018
I never had the honor of meeting Mr Huizenga but, as an Auto Nation sub-contractor, I got to learn much about him through a good friend of his. I am deeply saddened by the news of Mr Huizenga's passing but I know he is now in a better place and has been reunited with his wife. He was a godly man and is now in the presence of His Lord and Savior Jesus! I pray the Lord comfort the Huizenga family and friends. God bless you all.
March 26, 2018
Wane had a very interesting life. It seems that many things were accomplished by him. Here's to hoping that his family receives comfort from his fond memories. My most sincere condolences for your loss.
Samantha Schwebke-Wotell
March 26, 2018
Our Deepest Sympathy on the passing of your dear Father........He was a great man. He is with Marti and is healthy again. Prayers for strength and peace amidst your grief......May you Rest in Peace Mr. Huizenga....
Kerry Becker
March 26, 2018
My favorite Wayne story
We were honoring him at the 2011 Concours with an Automotive Lifetime Achievement Award for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. He had never met Jay Leno and was excited to meet him.
He came to the event during the welcome reception and asked me to show him his table. He wanted to make sure all was good with the wine he requested at his table.
He said with a twinkle in his eye- it's gonna be a good night- I am going to make you cry. Well if you know Concours- it always makes me cry.
Fast forward to the gala- We have Jay Leno surprise Wayne with his award. Wayne loved it- He then matches all donations for the entire evening in honor of his wife Marti... Later Jay says Damn I feel cheap so he sold 122 Tonight Show tickets and tours to his garage... It was crazy.... Everyone was saying they wanted one- they were $5K each. Then Wayne grabs the mic... He said you are cheap- I am matching that -
I am seriously in shock and tears down my face on the side of the stage - Wayne comes down and says I told you I would make you cry...
RIP Mr. H. Wayne Huizenga.
March 26, 2018
Rest in Peace
March 26, 2018
My sincere sympathy to the family. BJ
Tina Bartholomew
March 26, 2018
I met Mr. Huizenga when I started with Republic Services 22 years ago in Ft laud in a very small trailer. Within 2 years he built a new building that held all of us comfortably and IT was up stairs. He was one of the people I met with this company. He actually took time to take us to Football and Baseball games when he had spare time. (which he didn't have too much then) but he still made the time. May God bless your family in this time of sorrow. RIP Mr. Huizenga
Mac McConnell
March 26, 2018
The Mr. H. I knew.
When I read the news of Mr. Huizenga's death, I had to just stop and think of the enormous impact he had on the community I know, and on me. No, I could barely call him friend, we didn't travel in the same circles, but when we did meet you would never know it. Mr. H was a regular attender of The Fort Lauderdale Christmas Pageant and was so gracious to say, Mac, I appreciate your contribution as narrator of this amazing presentation.
When my fulltime drama ministry began a friend and financial supporter told me, Call Wayne, he might be interested in supporting you too. Really? Me call Mr. Huizenga? I don't think so. But I had no choice. I called and spoke briefly with his efficient personal assistant and mentioned the purpose of my call. She too was gracious, Mac I will be sure to give Mr. Huizenga your message, and we all enjoyed the show last night. Last night? Hello, maybe this was a good idea.
In less than five minutes she called back to see if I could speak with Mr. H. This was a no brainer. Of course. Mr. H. started with, Mac, so good to speak with you. What a wonderful performance last night, What can I do for you? I'm sure I was less than professional and blathered something pretty dumb, but managed to tell him about my drama ministry, and Mr. H. simple said, Well that sounds great and I'd like to help. And you keep in touch, you hear. Yes he did indeed help generously through the years. And, yes I did keep in touch, at least every year at the pageant, and once asked up to his office to bring him up to date.
At no time did I feel like and intruder or underclass. That's the Mr. H. I knew. A gentleman, gracious to many and to me.
Thank you Huizenga family for the many blessings.
Mac McConnell
March 26, 2018
As you reflect on the wonderful memories of your love one may those comfort you and grant you a measure of peace during this difficult time. My heartfelt sympathy to the Huizenga family and friends.
March 26, 2018
Our prayers goes out to the family and friends
of Wayne Huizenga. His spirit of working hard make quite a difference in the lives of so many people. Cherish the many memories you shared together. May Almighty God give you strength, courage but most of all peace in the difficult days ahead. I Corinthians 1:3,4.
RH-IL
Larry Thompson
March 26, 2018
Truly one of the greatest men I have ever met...not because of his wealth and success...but because of his heart. Quite sure I will never meet another giant like this man of grace.
Gail DeGeorge
March 25, 2018
Beyond his success as an entrepreneur, H. Wayne Huizenga loved his family and friends, gave generously to his community and made many others very successful. He shaped South Florida in so many ways. I was privileged to spend hours with him in writing the book "The Making of A Blockbuster" and tried hard to convey his incredible work ethic, his contagious enthusiasm, drive and focus, his sense of honor and integrity. He really did strive to make deals that were not only the best for his companies -- but also worked for the entrepreneur on the other side of the deal. He honored his own parents, something I observed and admired, and wanted his own children to be successful. While he didn't like everything in the book, he was gracious enough to call me after publication -- actually after the birth of my second son -- to wish me congratulations on both my son and the book. My sympathy to Marti, his children and grandchildren and all of his close family and friends. He will surely be greatly missed.
March 25, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
May Wayne RIP
March 25, 2018
May he RIP and reunite with his bride
Jackie Jones
March 25, 2018
He will be missed by this community, but Wayne and Marti shared their success in their business and with so many that were in need. They certainly will not be forgotten. I hope they are smiling down on all the good that they left here. A Heart Felt Thank You to both of them. Together they sparkled...
Roy and Kathleen Roberts
March 25, 2018
We are so saddened by the loss of our friend Wayne Huizenga. We met Wayne and Marti thru their extended family many years ago and we enjoyed seeing them on several occasions over the years. Wayne always made us feel welcomed. He was down to earth and a great host! He was a great entrepreneur and a wonderful man. To his children, grandchildren, and extended family we send our thoughts and prayers. May you be comforted during this time with the hope of reuniting again in eternity.
Roy and Kathleen Roberts
March 25, 2018
May the GOD of all comfort be with the family.
Nancy Boggs
March 25, 2018
"That which the caterpillar calls
death...
The Master calls a Butterfly!" this
quote is true....
Mr.and Mrs. "H".......NOW HAVE ANGEL
WINGS.
Brendan Reilly
March 25, 2018
Mr. H, boss, mentor, hero and friend. The generosity of your love and compassion far outweighed any other worldly possessions. I will miss you so much....until we meet again boss.
Craig Fritz
March 25, 2018
A simple thank you to Marti and Wayne for your never ending support of the arts. You will be greatly appreciated and missed by many generations.
March 25, 2018
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
March 25, 2018
Truly saddened to hear about Wayne Huizenga'a passing. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! Luke23:43
Susan Hayes
March 24, 2018
I didn't know Wayne well mostly speaking with him at charity events, especially for the Humane Society of Broward County where I served on the board with Marti for several years. When I first met him he smilingly said "call me Wayne". Their advocacy for the homeless animals of our area was tireless and the donation he made to name the new shelter for her and the lovely honeymoon/anniversary story that she shared surrounding it, was heartwarming. A personal story about your parents which I hope gives you a smile during this sad time: I took my elderly aunt to a performance of "Annie" at the Broward Center and we were seated directly behind Marti and Wayne. Marti noticed us and I introduced my aunt and they were very kind. At intermission, they turned and asked if we were enjoying the show. We were and when we inquired the same of them Marti replied yes, but I like the dog best! Wayne laughed heartily and said, "but of course." They will surely be missed and I send heartfelt condolences to you all.
James O'Hara
March 24, 2018
Was the Huizenga's chef on board M/Y Starship and M/Y Floridian for 4 years. The Huizenga's were one of the best owners in the yachting industry. Amazingly humble and generous. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.
Pam Stryder
March 24, 2018
It is with heavy heart and sadness of the passing of a great man and leader. I had the pleasure of meeting him while working at (back) then, WCKT Channel 7, North Bay Village. He was always a kind and friendly person. A great manager, owner and one who will be missed deeply. Many thoughts and prayers to the entire family and the sports community and their families. P.Stryder Weeki Wachee, FL
M D
March 24, 2018
He was a very goal driven man. A person who really believe in chasing your dream. May God be with you and your family
Brian Walsh
March 24, 2018
I grew up down the street from Mr. Huizenga. I remember he'd get his hair cut on Saturday's at the same place my Dad and I went to, Big Bob's Barbershop. All the guys in there would tell Mr. Huizenga which athletes to trade and how to run his teams. He always took the advice with grace, humility, and a big smile. What a great man. Much respect for you, Sir.
Robert Leonardi
March 24, 2018
Thanks for 40 years of loyalty to me and our team who were privileged to serve you and your family in your home and businesses all those decades. We will not only remember you and Marti fondly; we will always cherish the memories of your kindness and generosity. You made us feel like one of your family and we will be forever grateful for the pleasure. "The Lord is God and He has made His light shine upon us" Psalm 118:27. Certainly this was true for all of us who knew Wayne. God bless you Wayne and may he have a very special place reserved for you in His Kingdom of Heaven! I'll never stop thanking God for bringing you into my life. Bob Leonardi
March 24, 2018
I joined AutoNation at it's inception because I believed in his ability. I am honored to have met Wayne and have been a part of the AutoNation family. A true business titan. Prayers and love to the family during this difficult loss. - Steve H.
Jeff Martin
March 24, 2018
A true gentleman who pioneered the Waste and Recycking industry we know today and will forever benefit from. Wayne's legacy is the bedrock of the industry. Condolences to the entire Huizenga family and friends.
Jim & Wendy Mayotte
March 24, 2018
You made our life in Florida very interesting. The Dolphins, Panthers and Marlins were a big part of our life. As a sport collector, I proudly display your autograph in our Miami Dolphin bar.
Love you and thank you. Enjoy heaven.
Janie Kauffman Carver
March 24, 2018
Wayne was a wonderful man! A true philanthropist, businessman, Christian, friend and so much more! A privilege to know him.
Terrence Thomas
March 24, 2018
Your legacy speaks for itself Mr. Huizenga so I will simply say thank you. <3 I am a lifelong native of South Florida and I am honored to have witnessed all that you have done for this community.
Lynda Guess
March 24, 2018
May God's holy spirit comfort the Huizenga family, friends and relatives during your time of bereavement.
Adrian Barnette
March 24, 2018
We'll miss you !
Nancy Taylor
March 24, 2018
Thank you for your service and for being the example of how we should all live. The good works you have done will live on forever and the blessings will continue to grow for all the lives you touched. God bless you and all your family.
Jul Medenblik
March 24, 2018
On behalf of Calvin Theological Seminary and others in the Christian Reformed Church, I want to express thankfulness and appreciation for catalytic gifts and encouragement. I had the pleausre of meeting Mr. Huizenga along with retired President Jim DeJong and it was a wonderful time of memory sharing and good questions. As a person who also was an attorney in South Florida in the 1980's, I am also glad for the civic involvement and perspective of Mr. Huizenga. The pastoral insight to employ Rev. Jack Vanderlaan as the first industrial chaplain in the Christian Reformed Church is an example of a heart for people and business. May the God of all comfort be present. Calvin Seminary President Jul Medenblik
Art R
March 24, 2018
My sympathy to Mr. Huizenga's family during your time of grief. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow. Revel. 21:4.
Leonor Martinez
March 24, 2018
Thank you Wayne and Marti for all that you gave to our South Florida community through the years. Your positive energy, giving hearts and strong presence was felt everywhere in our community and you built a legacy which will live on forever. May you Rest In Peace and now enjoy blessings of eternal life in heaven.
Randa Flinn
March 24, 2018
RIP Mr. H. Wayne Huizenga! Prayers for your family. This kind-hearted gentleman donated to our Northeast High School 2012 Lemelson-MIT Team out of the blue after reading a small newspaper piece in the Sun-Sentinel. He did this quietly and generously, he had nothing to gain! He was inspired by our team's effort to sanitize water after a natural disaster. Northeast will always be grateful for his kind generosity, and felt we had a friend. For a successful business giant to notice the inventive work of young people at a public school and to help them speaks loads about his True character. Deepest condolences to his family!
March 24, 2018
My condolences to Wayne Huizenga's sons and their families for the loss of your dear father, other relative and friend. May you continue to be blessed with his memory and legacy and may your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together (Daniel 12:13) ~ Linda, Queens, NY
James A. De Jng
March 24, 2018
So very sorry to learn of Wayne's passing. The entire family and his associates have my deep condolences in the loss of such a remarkable business person, generous patron, and fine humanitarian.
Michael Ternes
March 24, 2018
Sad to hear of Wayne's passing and I send prayers to Our Lord for the repose of his soul and of course condolences to the Huizenga family, friends & associates. I'm sure Richard Cromie will be in Heaven leading a prayer for Wayne & welcoming his old friend. I still can see Wayne waving to me from his back yard as I was heading up the New River in Fort Lauderdale. It is an honor to have known such a wonderful man and his contributions to the business community & of course his legendary philanthropy & civic leadership will never be forgotten. God bless.
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