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DeJongh Extends Condolences to John Klindworth Family

Governor John P. de Jongh Jr. offered his sympathies to the family and friends of the late B. John Klindworth, who died on Monday due to complications from gastric cancer. "Mr. Klindworth made a lasting impact on St. Croix and the Virgin Islands, during his years on the island. He established St. Croix Cable TV and developed the Carden Beach condominium project during the 1980s. He will be remembered as a pioneer in the cable television industry, an avid sailor and lifelong traveler, and a beloved husband, father and grandfather," reminisced the Governor.
Byrl John Klindworth, known widely as John, was born and raised in Minnesota. He served in the U.S. Navy, and then received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State University. An entrepreneur and visionary, he was one of the first in the nation to realize the potential of bringing television signals into each home. He established K & M Electronics, which later became Todd Communications, a Minnesota-based broadcast integration company, and was a major contributor to the formation of Pioneer Public Television in the state.
An accomplished sailor, he fell in love with St. Croix on a visit to the Caribbean, and then brought his business acumen to the islands. He was awarded the franchise for cable television services on St. Croix in the early 1980s and then went on to build a cable system that served the entire island. He expanded his enterprise to include BVI Cable TV and St. Maarten Cable TV. In 1997, the three cable systems were sold to Innovative Communications.
"Cecile and I extend our condolences to John’s wife June; to his daughters Tamie, Teri and Tracey; to his son Todd, who continues to reside on St. Croix; to his 10 grandchildren; and to his many friends and admirers. John Klindworth was an intelligent, thoughtful and generous man, and he will long be remembered in the Virgin Islands for his many contributions to our community," concluded the Governor.

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