Enrique Mons Memorial At Club Habana 01. August 2014

I received this report and attached pictures from a good friend (and lucky gentleman) who attended the memorial.

 Enrique Mons Difurniau 1942-2014

A memorial service was held on Friday, 1 August, 2014 at the La Casa Del Habano, Club Habana, organized by its current manager Leo Parez Hernandez. This date is special as it was Mons’s birthdate and he would have turned 72 years old. The event was meant to bring Mons’s family and friends together to celebrate Mons’s life, his accomplishments, his friendship, and of course his contribution to the cherished leaf we all enjoy. As expected there were roughly 60 attendees and included many Cubans as well as Mons’s family and friends from various countries around the world, Habanos representatives, local artists, and Fidel’s grandson Fidel Antonio.

The event included a heartfelt speech by Leo speaking in memory of Mons and how his absence was felt amongst all present. His speech followed by the introduction of Mons son and daughter whom were present and visibly touched by the speech. Leo showed a brief video which included some interviews as well as pictures with him and his family as well as many cigar friends from around the world, many of whom are probably reading this now!

After the video Leo unveiled a painting that was done by Inti Abascal del Rio. Inti is a great Cuban artist who has painted for Fidel Castro and is the man who painted the Rafael (La Escuela de Habanos) which used to hang at the club from 2010-2012 as well as the current paintings that hang there now. The painting of Mons hangs in the corner of the bar where Mons always sat. When you see it you imagine him sitting there and his presence is felt. It was signed by his two children present. In addition to the painting, Leo introduced a special and exclusive humidor custom made with a picture of Mons carved into it and included 72 Monsdale cigars (Mons favorite) with a custom band with Mons picture. After Leo’s presentation of the humidor it was offered for sale and a lucky gentleman agreed to purchase it. The humidor was signed by the members of the shop, Habanos, the artist, and Fidel Antonio.

Throughout the evening food was served as well as Havana Club 7yo rum and of course a Monsdale cigar for everyone to enjoy. Overall the evening was a success and ended with the attendees mingling with each other, lots of photos, exchange of Mons stories, and high displays of emotions through cries and laughter. Mons’s passing was truly a loss for his family, friends, and the cigar world as his contributions were many.

Next time on the island make your way to the shop and have a look at the painting, sit on the bar stool, enjoy a rum, puff on a Monsdale and give a toast to our lost friend.

H.