Frank Vercouteren

With heavy hearts we say good-bye to a father, brother and friend Franciscus (Frank) Vercouteren, who passed away Friday, October 11, 2024.

Born June 12, 1938 to the late Theodore Vercouteren Sr. (1983), Wilhelmina Luke (1942) and Alida Pijpers (2011).

Husband to Theresa (Geelen) (2014).  Survived by two children, Janet Fulkerson and Michael Vercouteren.  Grandfather to 5 grandchildren; Tanner, Megan, Erica, Amanda and Kyle, and two great grandchildren Dexter and Lennon.   Brother to Maria (1938), Marie, Theodore Jr (Mary Ellen), Alida Jacobs (Ronald) and Alfred (1968).  Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Frank was a busy man, always on the go.  Upon leaving High School he was involved with Cadet training at the Chatham Armories.  He married Theresa, a Ridgetown girl, and was elected to the Ridgetown Council at age 25.  He became a licensed hairdresser and worked beside Theresa at their shop, then he started in Real Estate becoming a broker in Blenheim and operating Vercouteren Real Estate Ltd in 1970 for the next 35 years.  He was a member of the Chatham-Kent Real Estate Board and the Appraisal Institute of Canada.  He was a member of the Canadian Pheasant Association in 1980, operating a breeding hatchery, raising ornamental pheasants, peacocks and quail on his hobby farm.  He chaired the International Kent County Plowing Match and Farm Machinery Show in 1979.

Frank was elected to the Blenheim Council in 1980, serving 15 years and was elected Reeve of the Kent County Council in 1988.  He was a councillor for Chatham-Kent, Ward 2 from 1999 – 2018, Commissioner on the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission, President of the Blenheim District Chamber of Commerce, Past Chairman of the Blenheim Business Improvement Association, member of the Chatham-Kent Fires Advisory Board, member of the Blenheim Mosse Lodge, the Blenheim Royal Canadian Legion Branch 185, Chairman of the Blenheim Arena, Chairman of the Chatham-Kent Seniors Fair Committee, Chairman of the Agriculture Hall of Fame Committee and Vice Chair of the B.F.I. Advisory Committee.  He was a licensed Auctioneer and an Associate Broker with O’Brien South Kent Realty Inc.  Frank was a 3^rd Degree Knight and member of St. Raphael Council 8435, Ridgetown.  The Knights will do an honour guard at the funeral on Thursday.

Frank’s friends characterized him as a good guy.  If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t have many things.  He was fair and honest in his dealings with people.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m.

Frank was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church.  A Celebration of life and Holy Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on Thursday October 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Romeo presiding.  He will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery beside his wife Theresa.

In lieu of flowers, as an expression of remembering Frank, please consider a donation to P.A.W.R., St. Mary’s Building Fund or a charity of your choice.

Special thanks to staff and caregivers of the 4^th and 6^th floor at Riverview Gardens for their special care.