"Hi Rob, Mrs. Kits, and Kits VH family, Was very sad to hear of Mr. Kits passing. He had a gift for making those who worked for him feel so appreciated. I will miss such a great example of a classy gentleman. My sincerest condolences."
In loving memory of
Arent H. Kits van Heyningen
April 9, 1916 - May 11, 2011
Arent Hendrik Kits van Heyningen, 95, of 67 Rhode Island Avenue, Newport, RI, died Wednesday, May 11, 2011 in Newport, RI. Born in Apeldoorn, Netherlands on April 9, 1916, he was the son of the late Arend and Adrienne Kits van Heijningen.Mr. Kits van Heyningen grew up in the Dutch East Indies in Java and Sumatra. He returned to the Netherlands in 1931 to study and earned his undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Delft. A decorated officer, he fought in World War II for the Dutch army and the underground resistance, and later as part of the British Army. He worked at Phillips Electronics in Eindhoven, Holland for several years before immigrating to Montreal, Canada in 1953. There he worked at Central Dynamics and Canadian Aviation Electronics where he designed one of the first flight simulators for military aircraft.After moving to Newport, he joined Raytheon Submarine Signal division in Portsmouth where he worked as a principal engineer until retiring in 1986.In 1982, Mr. Kits van Heyningen started Sailcomp Industries along with his two sons, Robert and Martin. Sailcomp became KVH Industries in 1986 and he served as Chief Scientist until 2010. An avid sailor, he was a longtime member of the Ida Lewis Yacht Club. He sailed locally in many regattas and sailed in the Newport to Bermuda race regularly. Last year, at 94, he became the oldest sailor to compete in this classic yacht race.Mr. Kits van Heyningen was a prolific inventor with numerous patents and enjoyed combining his love of engineering with his favorite sport. He worked on the electronics for several America s Cup campaigns, starting with the French challenge in 1980. He invented several innovative sailing instruments that are still produced to this day.He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Josina de Smit Kits van Heyningen of Newport, RI, his sister Adrienne Kits van Heyningen of Specchia, Italy, his son Robert W. B. Kits van Heyningen and wife Debra, his son Martin A. Kits van Heyningen and wife Kathleen, and his grandchildren: Hendrik, Arent, Willem, and Thomas. Calling hours will be held Saturday, May 14 from 1:00-4:00 pm in the Hambly Funeral Home, 30 Red Cross Ave, Newport.A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, May 15, at 2:00 pm at the New York Yacht Club, 5 Halidon Ave, Newport.
Tributes
"My sincerest kondolences. A great man and role model was taken from us."
"I am sorry to all friends and family and coworkers for the loss of such a great man. He has been a beacon in our industry and a great inspiration to all. His legacy will live on in all the people he has influenced over his many years of being here."
"Truly saddened to learn of Arent's passing. He was a brilliant man but more importantly a true gentleman. Fair winds."
"Mr. Kits, you will be missed. I am honored to have worked with you, a brilliant person and an inspiration to how you lived your life. Our deepest condolences and sympathy, Tom and Ana"
"Dear Kits van Heyningen Family, Sorry for your loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences."
"My sincere condolences, my heart & thoughts go out to your entire family."
"Dear Kits Family, Sorry to hear of your loss,Mr.Kits was a great man he will be missed by many."
"To the Kits Family, I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Kits' passing. I worked at KVH several years ago in shipping. I'll always remember this sweet man coming in to ask if he could please borrow this compass or that one. He owned the building and everything in it but was always very polite and kind. He will be greatly missed by many people."
"To the Entire Kits family; Our deepest & most sincere condolences to you all. He was a very great man and he will be sorely missed."
"Dear Martin and Kathleen; Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your father/father-in-law. I know he will be sorely missed. Roger Thibodeau"
"One of the good guys and member of the greatest generation has passed! Kits was an innovator & leader in his profession. He created a path to opportunity for countless others. Kits was capable of thinking great thoughts and then making the resulting ideas a reality. Kits coached many towards growing professional careers. Finally first and last team. One must remain true to yourself, family, friends and colleagues. Kits is a man that we learned much from and have always respected and admired. Kits family, friends and professional colleagues must now say farewell fair winds to this giant among men. Wm F Horan Engr Fellow & Sr Mgr Life Mbr IEEE Prov Sect Ex Com"
"Martin so sorry to hear of your dads passing.My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Dear Kits family, I worked at KVH some years ago as receptionist and still can remember Mr. Kits coming through the door in the morning with a nice smile to greet me. I really enjoyed working for Mr. Kits and truly enjoyed his stories and sense of humor. God Bless the family and may he RIP."
"My the peace of the Lord be with you and or family in your time of need. And I pray that the Lord shed's his holy light on your family."
"My condolences to the Kits family."
"Dear Kits family, please accept my sincere condolences, Mr. Kits was a very important person to me and I feel truly blessed to have known him. May the memories you shared be a comfort to you all and give you strength at this most difficult time. Love Angela"
"Martin, Rob and Mrs Kits, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Mr Kits, we loved to hear his wonderful stories and what a great life he lived! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Bill and Lynn"