Willy Maurice Catteeuw
A poetic life to be remembered
Born in Belgium, amidst war's cruel skies,
A boy learned to live, where the strong survive.
With courage and grit, he carved his own way,
Leaving school young, to seize life’s new day.
To South Africa's sun, he sailed with dreams,
Building a life with sweat, beyond what it seemed.
A father, a builder, a man of bold might,
Whose love for his children was always in sight.
In Congo, he served, in war's bitter call,
Yet his heart held a vision much greater than all.
From Zambia’s plains to the Alps' snowy peaks,
He followed adventure, wherever it speaks.
With Freemasons’ light, he sought wisdom’s embrace,
Rising through ranks with a quiet, proud grace.
Now after his twilight, with stories to tell,
Willy’s rich life remembered as we bid him farewell.
Timeline
1938
September 30th
Born
Born in the small town of Mouscron, Belgium, two years before the German occupation. Despite the hardships of World War II, Willy's resilience and determination began to take shape during this time.
Mouscron, Belgium
1954
Left School
Left school at the age of 16 with a strong desire to make his own way in life, displaying his early independence and commitment to hard work.
Mouscron, Belgium
1959
First Child- Carine was born
Married his first wife, Marie-Louise Boule, and had his first daughter, a cherished moment marking the beginning of his family journey.
Mouscron, Belgium
1964
Immigrated to South Africa
Took a leap of faith by immigrating to South Africa with his young family, embracing a new chapter and building a successful career in the construction industry. His entrepreneurial spirit began to flourish during this time.
Johannesburg, South Africa
1967
New Family
Expanded his family, marrying his second wife, Myrice, and welcoming two sons into the world. William’s strong bond with his children became a defining feature of his life.
Johannesburg, South Africa
1975
High Power
Opened his own gun shop, showcasing his entrepreneurial skill. His ability to make connections and seize opportunities allowed him to thrive during this period.
Hillbrow, South Africa
1980
Zambia
Successfully led a project to build a duty-free shopping complex in Zambia, demonstrating his ability to adapt and take on ambitious ventures. His time in Zambia was one of prosperity and adventure, sharing these experiences with his family.
Lusaka, Zambia
1988
Restauranteur
Relocated to the French Alps with his family and opened a restaurant, bringing his love for hospitality and cooking to life in a picturesque setting.
French Alps
1990
Tough Times
Returned to Belgium, where he overcame significant health challenges, including heart surgery. His resilience and courage during this time were a testament to his strength.
Kortrijk, Belgium
2010
The Angel
Married Carine, after forming a deep bond over several years of companionship. This new chapter in his life was marked by love, stability, and happiness.
Kortrijk, Belgium
Gallery
Memory wall
Post your condolences or share your Memories.
April 20, 2025
Under a warm African sunset, we gathered to bid farewell to a remarkable man, husband, Dad, Grandpa, a true legend.
This cherished place, holds countless memories of laughter and love shared among family. Pa even walked these lands long before we made our own footprints here. Now his spirit soars over this special place.
As we raise our glasses of Amarula today, as the sun dipped below the horizon, we laid you to rest Pa, in the place we know you loved.
You are and always will be, surrounded by your family, who through three generations, will continue your legacy.
We will remember you, as well as your many African stories of adventure forever. Rest in peace Pa, may your love guide us.
Love you always. X
This cherished place, holds countless memories of laughter and love shared among family. Pa even walked these lands long before we made our own footprints here. Now his spirit soars over this special place.
As we raise our glasses of Amarula today, as the sun dipped below the horizon, we laid you to rest Pa, in the place we know you loved.
You are and always will be, surrounded by your family, who through three generations, will continue your legacy.
We will remember you, as well as your many African stories of adventure forever. Rest in peace Pa, may your love guide us.
Love you always. X
November 18, 2024
Tijdens het opruimen een klein tekstje gevonden van mijn liefje die ik hier wil neerpennen.
" I feel your presence in the wind.
I seeyour face on the clouds.
I hear your voice among the birds.
I MISS YOU
" I feel your presence in the wind.
I seeyour face on the clouds.
I hear your voice among the birds.
I MISS YOU
November 5, 2024
Liefje, ik denk aan jouw
Ik ga naar bed,
Denkend aan jouw♡
Ik sta op,
Denkend aan jouw♡
Wat ik ook doe,
Ik denk aan jouw♡
Je bent altijd in mijn gedachten!
Liefje ik mis jouw
Love you for ever♡♡♡
JE SCHATTEKE
Ik ga naar bed,
Denkend aan jouw♡
Ik sta op,
Denkend aan jouw♡
Wat ik ook doe,
Ik denk aan jouw♡
Je bent altijd in mijn gedachten!
Liefje ik mis jouw
Love you for ever♡♡♡
JE SCHATTEKE
October 29, 2024
I think of you each and every second that I am here Pa. In the beautiful home that you and Carine created together, the empty chair at the head of the table, your change of clothes in the downstairs toilet, your chair lift in the stairwell, your walking stick and hat in the hall way, your karekie parked in the garage. Tomorrow I leave this space to begin my journey home where reality and life continues. Never as it was before, as you are no longer there, but in my heart your spirit lives forever❤️❤️
October 23, 2024
Liefste willy vaarwel ,liefste carine en familie het was een waardig ,prachtig afscheid van een formidabele ,intelligente man ,liefs en sterkte carine en familie xxxxx
October 23, 2024
Met Willy in the winter of his life when his health problems limited his body but not his vibrant spirit. Always optimistic, with a generous smile on his face. Numerous times he told me about his adventures, letting me take part in a life lived to the fullest. I will for sure mis Willy, who now has his wings back. Sincere condoleances
Family tree
Eufrazi
Kamil Spreit
Emerentia Neve
? Catteeuw
Marie Spriet
Gerard Catteeuw
Carine Velle
Myrice Witman
Marie-Louise Boule
Rosa
Carine Fraser
Kaley Parkinson
Calvin Le Mottee
David Catteeuw
Gaby Catteeuw
Gage Catteeuw
Raymond Catteeuw
Cynthia Demeyere
Vince Van Huffel
Carine Velle
Myrice Witman
Marie-Louise Boule
Rosa
Carine Fraser
Kaley Parkinson
Calvin Le Mottee
David Catteeuw
Gaby Catteeuw
Gage Catteeuw
Raymond Catteeuw
Cynthia Demeyere
Vince Van Huffel
Willy Catteeuw
Service
Please join us to pay a last tribute.
We will come together to remember and pay tribute to our cherished Willy. While we mourn the loss of our dear Willy, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
We will come together to remember and pay tribute to our cherished Willy. While we mourn the loss of our dear Willy, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
made with 