A Chatham-Kent businessman who was well-known for his strong work ethic and his commitment to the community is being laid to rest this weekend.
Theodorus Christiaanus Leonardus Heuvelmans -- known to many as "Theo" Heuvelmans -- passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, May 14, 2023, according to an obituary posted online by McKinlay Funeral Home.
Two years after immigrating to Canada with his family from the Netherlands in 1951, he left home to board with local farmers so that he could help support his family and later went on to work various jobs -- including working on the construction of the Wallaceburg Hospital and then working as an orderly at the same hospital he helped to build.
Heuvelmans started working in the automotive sector as a mechanic in 1963 at the General Motors dealership, Chatham Motors, and was quickly promoted to Service Manager there before he purchased the GM dealership in Dresden in 1973, then known as Wilmott Motors and later as Dresden Motors.
He later started Heuvelmans Chevrolet Oldsmobile Cadillac Limited in 1992 and was able to celebrate the 25 Year GM Dealer Milestone in 1997 before he decided to retire in 1999.
His obituary noted that Heuvelmans continue to help his sons with the family business as they acquired Blenheim Chevrolet Buick GMC in 2006, Chatham Nissan in 2011, and Hyundai of Chatham in 2022.
Aside from his business ventures, Heuvelmans was also well-known for his commitment to those in need in the Chatham-Kent community.
His obituary said his family members were recipients of food baskets from the Goodfellows and, evidently, he never forgot about that generosity, as he later went on to organize and collect donations for the Goodfellows Porchlight Drive for well over 40 years. He was also recognized with the Goodfellows Life Time Achievement Award for his efforts.
There are still two funeral visitations on Friday at McKinlay Funeral Home from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will also be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 145 Victoria Avenue in Chatham at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023 with a live-stream link available on the funeral home's website.
Heuvelmans is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ann and their children Cynthia, Scott, and Jason and their families, including six grandchildren.