We regret to inform readers of NGV Global that Carlos Lugones passed away on April 30th at the age of 70 years after a long illness. Carlos was the fourth President of IANGV, 1992 – 1994.  He presided over a significant period of development and growth of the association during which the numbers of NGVs around the world rose from 500,000 to over 800,000.

Much to the surprise and thanks of the IANGV Council, he offered to hold the second conference NGV90 in Buenos Aires at a time when the NGV industry in Argentina was nowhere near as strong as it is now.  He put the resources of his not so large company behind the organization of the conference which was a most successful event.  He enlisted his daughter Marina to get her friends to assist with registration, etc and add great colour to the event.  With characteristic flair, he arranged the exhibition and opening ceremony to be held in an enormous marquee erected on the median strip of Avenida 9 Julio, the huge main avenue in central Buenos Aires.

Carlos had great charisma.  He was a larger than life character affectionately christened “King Carlos” by all the ladies.  He fulfilled his presidential role with dedication and visited many countries to find out about the state of NGVs, to offer advice and to recruit members for IANGV.

Carlos spent 30 years in the oil and gas industries, mainly involved with construction.  He worked on projects in Argentina, Netherlands, North Sea, Persian Gulf including Iran and Kuwait.  From 1981 to 1983 he was involved in construction of 200 km of natural gas pipeline and facilities in Argentina.  His company IDESA Ingenieria provided technical services to the oil and gas industries.

His surviving family wife Susana, and Marcela, Pablo, Fabiana, Marina and Fernando, sons and daughters are bearing up through this painful bereavement. Carlos has been, by far, one of the most important leaders of CNG in Argentina and in our Association, and a good friend to all of us.

Juan Carlos Fracchia and Garth Harris