Longtime shipping executive William Keldermans passes away
William M. Keldermans, for many years the general manager of Palau Shipping Co., passed away Oct. 27, according to Palau Shipping.
Keldermans was the general manager for decades, amassing a wealth of knowledge on logistics in the Western Pacific and transportation to and from Micronesia. He retired in January 2025.
He attended the Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology, a college within Saint Louis University.
William Keldermans (right) at FIBA’s 50 Years Celebration with Kazuki "Topps" Sungino. Photo courtesy of FIBA Oceania
But it was the Peace Corps that would bring him to Micronesia.
Keldermans came to Palau as a Peace Corps volunteer from 1968 to 1970 on an education project and taught school in Koror. He served as treasurer of the nonprofit formed to organize the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Peace Corps in Palau.
Aside from his professional career, Keldermans is remembered for his contributions as a founding figure of basketball in Palau and the Oceania region and referred to as “the grandfather of Palau basketball.”
In a release, FIBA said that “his voice and vision consistently championed the growth of basketball in small island nations. His contributions were marked by a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by Pacific communities and a tireless drive to ensure that basketball remained accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all.
“Under his guidance, Palau joined FIBA in 1988, becoming Oceania’s youngest member federation. He played a pivotal role in developing local competitions, mentoring young athletes, and fostering a culture of sportsmanship and pride through basketball,” FIBA said.
“Bill’s leadership extended beyond administration,” Oceania President David Reid said. “He was a passionate advocate for Basketball initiatives, often working behind the scenes to support youth development, community engagement, and regional collaboration.
“His efforts helped pave the way for Palau’s participation in events such as the South Pacific Mini Games and the FIBA Micronesia Cup, where Palau earned a silver medal in 2022, a testament to the foundation he helped build. He will be sorely missed.”
Reid also said, “Bill helped maintain connections across the region with his work within the shipping and logistics world, helping FIBA to navigate the complexities that exist within the Oceania region when delivering equipment.”
Keldermans served on the Fédération Internationale de Basketball or FIBA Oceania Board from 2002 to 2014 and the FIBA Central Board from 2006 to 2010. He was also a president of the Micronesian Games Council and Chef de Mission for Palau for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Keldermans was awarded the FIBA Oceania Member of Honour award in 2015. mbj
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