Henry A. SCHIMBERG

SCHIMBERG, Henry A. Passed away at the age of seventy-nine years on the 29th of June, 2012. He is survived by his loving wife Marjorie and his two children, Aaron Schimberg (Vanessa) and Alexis Rothenberg (Jason). In addition, Henry leaves behind his loving siblings, sister Elsa Dimick (Dean, deceased); DeeDee Gartman (Jerry); and brother Jacob Schimberg (Hollie). Though a renowned and successful businessman, to us he was our beloved brother. His remarkable memory was especially apparent when, in his most lighthearted moments he spontaneously burst into song or recited countless poems in their entirety. His intellect and aesthetic sensibilities led him to pursue a broad range of interests. In those pursuits he became deeply knowledgeable. The Henry Schimberg who was known to family and friends was a man of many parts: an intellectual with refined aesthetic sensibilities and a perpetual seeker of knowledge. A lifetime learner. All who knew him are aware of his extraordinary energy and equally extraordinary competitiveness.
In our intimate family celebrations, Henry displayed a playful, loving aspect of his nature seldom seen by others. At these times his toasts were a heartfelt: "A La Famiglia". He overcame many childhood adversities to become an accomplished athlete and celebrated corporate leader. Henry's legendary career in the bottling industry culminated in his tenure as president and CEO of Coca Cola Enterprises, the largest bottler of Coca Cola in the world. Henry learned the bottling business from the bottom rung up, driving a delivery truck for Royal Crown bottling company of Chicago in 1958. Eventually he climbed to that company's presidency. In 1982 he took an executive position with Johnston Coca Cola bottling group and during his nine year tenure presided over a tenfold increase in sales. In 1991 Coca Cola Enterprises bought the Johnston Group and Henry became CCE's COO, advancing to president and CEO in 1998. He is credited with playing a major role in tripling the size of CCE and raising its share of Coca Cola case sales to 75% in North America and 22% overseas. After his retirement he became vice chairman of Panamerican Beverages Inc., the largest bottler of Coke products for Latin America. He was also a director of the Service Corps of Retiree Executives, providing mentoring and business advice to proprietors of small businesses. He established the Schimberg Endowment, the aim of which is to foster a strong sense of personal and business ethics among corporate leaders. His lifetime passion for teaching was apparent to his enthusiastic students at UCSB. Henry's influence on the lives of those who knew and loved him was profound. He will be sorely missed.