Obituary of Theo Heuvelmans

Theodorus Christiaanus Leonardus Heuvelmans was born to Catharina and Johannes Heuvelmans in Tegelen, Limburg, The Netherlands on February 24th, 1939 and passed on into heaven peacefully with family by his side on Sunday, May 14th, 2023.

Theo married the love of his life, Ann (VanUden) in 1963 and would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this fall. They travelled the world and spent their summers in their favourite place on earth, Manitoulin Island. Theo was the adored father of Cynthia (Cliff) White, Scott (Nicole) Heuvelmans, and Jason (Sara) Heuvelmans. He lived for his 6 grandchildren: Anastasia (Noah) Leschyna, Joshua (Megan), Fraser, Gabriel, Xavier and Alexandra Heuvelmans. He was also excited to welcome a new great granddaughter in the near future.

Theo is survived by siblings: Ann (late Andrew) Dorssers, Truus (Cor) Ermers, Chris (Phyllis) Heuvelmans, Mary (late Harry) Vandenberg, Cathy (late Jude) Denomy, Leo (Carol) Heuvelmans, Harry (Brenda) VanVugt, Dan VanVugt, and Nellie (John) Templin. He is predeceased by sisters Angela (late Martin) VanRaay, Else (late Eppie) Vandermolen, brothers Gerard Heuvelmans, John (Lorraine) Heuvelmans, Susie (VanVugt) Heuvelmans and brother-in-law Lorne Avery.

Theo will also be missed by his in-laws: Corry (late Nico) DeJonge, Willy and Frank Cruickshank (late Tony VanUden), John (Truus) VanUden, Yvonne (Nevio) Novacco, Fred (Margaret) VanUden. Predeceased by Johanna and Johannes Antonius VanUden, Case (Tina) VanUden, and Karel VanUden. Also missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family in The Netherlands.

Theo immigrated to Canada with his family in 1951. At the age of 14, Theo had to leave home and board with local farmers to help his dad support the family. Later at the age of 16, Theo worked on the construction of the Wallaceburg Hospital. When completed, he worked as an orderly at that same hospital. Theo then worked as an auto mechanical apprentice at Cameron’s in Wallaceburg for 5 years until he received his full mechanic's license. Theo started as a mechanic in 1963 at the General Motors dealership, Chatham Motors. By Christmas he was promoted to Service Manager and held that position for 10 years. Always wanting to be his own boss, Theo purchased the GM dealership in Dresden, Wilmott Motors in 1973. It became Dresden Motors for the next 19 years. He thoroughly loved his time in Dresden until 1992, when GM encouraged him to close that operation and purchase Connor Motors in Chatham. Theo had a decision to either retire or keep going and help his children with their future. He started Heuvelmans Chevrolet Oldsmobile Cadillac Limited in 1992. He achieved the prestigious 25 Year GM Dealer Milestone award before he made the decision to retire in 1999. Theo could never truly retire as he helped his sons with Blenheim Chevrolet Buick GMC in 2006, Chatham Nissan in 2011 and Hyundai of Chatham in 2022. He taught his children everything he knew to be successful in business and more importantly in life.

Theo loved supporting his children in everything they did growing up. Even with being busy running his own business, he always made time for family. He never missed a recital or sporting event the kids were involved in. Vacations were taken as a family across North America and Europe yet nothing felt more like home than on Manitoulin Island. It is here the kids and grandkids learned to fish, clean fish, have a shore lunch, water ski and enjoy nature at its finest. He always said that place was like Heaven on Earth.

Theo made a priority to help the less fortunate. When his family came to Canada, they were the recipients of food baskets from the Goodfellows. Theo organized friends yearly to collect for Goodfellows Porchlight Drive for well over 40 years, right until his last year. He was awarded the Goodfellows Life Time Achievement Award. Theo also sponsored many children through Foster Parents Plan. That is who he was, helping his family and others when most needed. He will be missed by so many family members, friends and former coworkers who respected and learned from him. He is truly loved and will be dearly missed.

Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Thursday, May 18, 2023 from 2:00 - 4:00pm and 6:00 - 8:00pm and on Friday, May 19, 2023 from 2:00 - 4:00pm and 6:00 - 8:00pm.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 145 Victoria Ave, Chatham at 11:00am on Saturday, May 20, 2023. A live-stream link will be available on the Funeral Home website. Interment to follow at McVicar Cemetery.

Donations made in memory of Theo to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, 519-351-2040

Please click here for the Live-stream link