RELOUW: Peacefully, at Jessica’s House Hospice, in Exeter, on Sunday, August 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family, Anthony “Tony” John Relouw of Grand Bend, passed in his 88th year. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Frances (Menheere) Relouw. Tony was born in the Netherlands and immigrated to Canada with his family at the age of 12. He developed an unwavering ambition and a deep desire to provide for his family, that sense of responsibility stayed with him throughout his life and shaped the man we came to admire so deeply. His life was one of quiet service — to his family, to his community and to the values he held dear. Cherished father and father-in law of Douglas “Doug” Relouw and his fiancée Sukalaya Prathumnant, Mark and Patty Relouw and Sandra and Andreas Heinzl. Loving Grandpa to Jackson (Meritt), Dylan, Jaiden, Madison (Jayden), Sydney (Nicholas), Tristan (Kyle) and Eden Relouw and Alexander and Ella Heinzl. Proud Great Grandpa of Sawyer and Everett DesJardine. Also missed by Sara Grimshaw, mother of Jackson, Dylan and Jaiden. Loved and respected brother and brother-in-law of Corrie Relouw, Nellie (Bernie) Comiskey, Angela (Glenn) Bryson, Cris (Anna) Relouw, John (Linda) Relouw, Jerry (Marcia) Relouw, Joanne Dorssers, Hugo Menheere, John (Karen) Menheere, Bill (Louise) Menheere, and survived by several nieces, nephews and their families. Reunited with his parents, Mathew (1985) and Elisabeth (Huys) Relouw (2002), brother Theodore “ Ted” Relouw (2007), brother-in-law Cor Dorssers (2010) and sister-in-law Hilda Menheere (2016). A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary, R.C. Church, Grand Bend, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 11 a.m. The Rev. Father Tony Laforet Celebrant. Interment Pinery Cemetery, Grand Bend. A Reception will follow the Interment at The Dark Horse Winery, 70665 B Line Grand Bend. Memorial donations to Jessica’s House Hospice or charity of choice would be appreciated. T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood, entrusted with arrangements.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Nicole
Dear Fran & Family,
Britt and I were sorry to hear of Tony’s passing.
We first got to know him on Wednesday nights at Castaways. He always had a way of making someone feel important when having a conversation, a true gentleman. May your memories provide you comfort.
Our sincere condolences. Nicole & Britt Gunn
Eric Bussem
Dear Mark and family Relouw, With heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your father. His vision and dedication as the founder will always be remembered. Our thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time. Eric Bussem, Team Abbi-Aerotech and team Multiheat
Mark Heimrich
Fran, Mark & Patty, Doug, Sandra, Cris & Anna, John & Linda and all Tony’s family & friends;
Our sincere condolences in the loss of Tony. He was a wonderful man and a pillar of our community. His generosity will go on to benefit many causes in South Huron and the greater area for many decades to come. As a younger local businessman myself, Tony was always someone I looked up to with deep respect and admiration.
Well done Tony.
You all remain in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Mark & Julie Heimrich, Sarah, Scott & Spencer
Liz Pache & family
Mark, Patty & extended family. We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of Tony. We know how much he meant to you all, a kind and humble man. May memories warm your hearts through this difficult time.
Roger and Lois Wallis
Dear Fran, Sandra, Mark, Doug and family sending our most heartfelt condolences. Tony was always the gentleman, so kind and thoughtful.
He will be missed terribly by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He made the world a better place.
Our thoughts are with you!
Roger and Lois
Billy and Cindy Crowe
Billy and I send our heartfelt condolences to you, Fran and your family! He was a wonderful man! Billy and Cindy Crowe
Karn Durdin
Dear Fran and Relouw Family our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. Tony was a very kind, generous person and will be greatly missed.
Karn Durdin and Don Thornton
Lucinda Hedger
Fran I am so sorry for you and your families loss.
My condolences
Jacqui and Charlie Regier
Dear Fran and Relouw Families,
So sorry for the passing of Tony. He was a respected and thoughtful man in our community. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Hold onto your memories. You have our sympathy at this very sad time…Jacqui& Charlie Regier
Jon and Sara Rizzo
Sending our sincere condolences to Sydney and the whole Relouw family. May all the happy memories of your grandfather bring you continued comfort. Thinking of you.
Catherine
I remember when Matt and I joined the cruising club that Uncle Tony founded. I wanted to try wine but didn’t know what to buy. I knew he was an expert on many topics so I asked him. He explained the various types so well. Later on, Aunt Fran and Uncle Tony would save their bottles for my son to collect the deposit from. It’s a sweet memory.
Lindenfield
Our heartfelt condolences Fran & the entire Relouw family.
Annie and Jeff lindenfield
Terri Kennedy
Dear Fran and Family,
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Tony. I will always remember our boating days heading north.
My thoughts and heart are with you during this difficult time.
With sympathy,
Terri Kennedy and girls
Doug and Betty Lynn Eckel
To Fran, Doug, Mark & Patty, Sandra and families, we offer our most sincere sympathy. Tony was a wonderful man who has left such an amazing legacy you must all be so proud of. Rest in peace, Tony. ♥
Pete & Dorothy Van Riel
Our sincere condolences to Frances and the Relouw families.
Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Tim & Maria Hamather
Fran & family: sending heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Tony will be truly missed. We have wonderful memories of him at the cruising club.
Holding you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim & Maria Hamather
Joanna Van Mierlo
Sending our deepest condolences to the entire family. We know that you will have so many wonderful memories of Tony to provide you with some comfort. Our thoughts are with you all. Tony and Joanna Van Mierlo
Don and Edith Lewis & family
Frances and family
We are sorry to see that Tony has passed.
He was a great guy and had done a lot for the Town of Exeter.
He will be missed by all that knew him.
Our condolence to you all.
JOSEPH W. WOODS
My condolences to the Relouw family.
The Woods Family/Joe Woods
Karen McLellan
Fran and family I send you my sincere condolences and warm hugs in the passing of Tony.
Angela and Ralph Rizzo
Our sincere condolences to all the Relouw family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Angela and Ralph Rizzo
Elaine Clarke (Ducharme)
Dear Fran and Family
I am so sorry for your great loss. Tony was a true gentleman and respected by many
Thinking of all of you at this difficult time
Elaine Clarke
Jill Geiger
Dera Fran & family,
Thinking of you at your time of loss. Tony was a gentle, thoughtful man.
With caring thoughts,
Jill & Ralph Geiger
Ad Menheere
Our deepest condolences for the loss of Tony.
Ad and Dian Menheere
Netherlands
Lorie SorgerNeedham
Our sincere condolences for Fran and all the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you be comforted by the wonderful memories and love you shared. We will remember Tony, his thoughtful nature, his kindness, and his gentle and generous spirit ❤️
Lorie and Mark Needham
RIchard and Pam Bieman
Our thoughts are with you. SImply “A true gentleman”.
Richard and Pam Bieman and family.
Joan Edwards
To Fran and family my condolences on the passing of Tony. So many memories of good times that we all had together. Sending hugs
Joan Edwards
Hank & Annie Baltessen
Our heartfelt condolences Fran & the entire Relouw family.
Cindy MacIsaac
We own the Tim Hortons in Grand Bend where Tony came most mornings to have coffee with a group of friends. He was always so kind, friendly and generous to the staff. We are going to miss him and we send our condolences to the family.
Mike McCann
So sorry to hear of Tony’s passing ,our condolences to the whole family . Mike &Bonnie McCann
Kathy Coolman
My condolences to Fran and all the Relouw family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy Coolman
Randall S. Oke
Fran and family,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Tony Relouw. May you find comfort in the memories you hold dear, and in the moments you shared with Tony as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
We will always remember the times we had the pleasure of meeting, working with, and sharing stories with Tony. He will be greatly missed.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Randy & Gail Oke
Andy DeHaan
Deepest condolences to Frances and family in your loss of Tony. Also to Tony’s siblings,I worked with Tony,his brother Ted, their mother and his sisters Nellie and Angela….60 years ago in Chatham!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Andy and Elaine DeHaan
Miriam Shoesmith
My deepest condolences to the family. He was well respected and admired.
May his memory be a blessing.
Rest in peace.
Miriam shoesmith.
Frank & Joyce Maas
To Fran, Doug, Mark, Sandra & The entire Relouw Family,
Please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences on the loss of Tony. He was always kind and soft spoken and I had a great deal of respect for him and what he accomplished. He started a very successful company that has kept me employed for 39 years, as well as my Dad in the 70s-80s.
We’re sorry that we could not attend the funeral as we’re away this week, but please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers in your time of mourning.
Frank & Joyce Maas
Rose Harrigan
Sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. He will be missed by all. Hugs to all.
Randy and Lynda Rapley
Dearest Fran and family, our deepest sympathy. May your memories of this incredible man, a Grand Bend treasure, be a blessing at this difficult time. Randy and Lynda
Barbara Shephard and Girls
Please accept our sincerest condolences in the recent passing of Tony. He had a smile that could light up a room, and always had a minute to chat and see how everyone was! What a great guy! We will surely miss him!
Bill and Mary Jane Comiskey
Frances, Mary Jane and I were sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care.
Heather Patterson
Fran, we are so sorry to learn Tony has passed. So many fond memories of times we shared at Boat Harbour especially on the golf course. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Tony quickly learnt he was a kind man of character that deeply loved this family. Bruce & Heather
Nelly Timmeans-Winter
Ook uit Blerick. Onze condoleances en beste wensen aan diegene die treuren om dit grote verlies. Nelly van Tante To.
Sandra and John Ulch
Dear Fran and family
We are sorry to hear that Tony has passed away. Many memories come to my mind of all the good times you shared with Dorothy and Bruce and how she would laugh while she would share the stories.
You were so supportive to Dot when Bruce passed away, which I always appreciated. Take care of yourself Fran, I will be thinking of you in the days ahead.
Helga en Maurice Stevens-Kuijpers
We wensen jullie allen heel veel sterkte in deze moeilijke tijd. In gedachten zijn we bij jullie. Veel liefs, Helga en Maurice Stevens-Kuijpers
Margo DeVries-Rizzo
Frank and I send our deepest condolences. All the stories we’ve heard of your dad, father-in-law and grandpa over the past few years have been remarkable. He has definitely left so many legacies in the broader community and with your family.
Love you have pieces of furniture from him in your home to honour him Syd and Nic.
May all the wonderful memories sustain you during this difficult time
Frank & Margo Rizzo
Deb Gehan
My deepest condolences to the Relouw Family
Tony was a very kind and gentle man. I had always enjoyed my conversations with him. Tony will certainly be missed
Ed and Marie Nethercott
Fran and family:
So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember when you lived across from my parents (Langford) on Thomas Street in Exeter and the kids were very tiny .
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ed and Marie ( Langford) Nethercott
Joe & Bonnie Hotson
Sending our sincere condolences to all the Relouw families. Thinking of you all during this sad and difficult time.
Joe & Bonnie Hotson & family
Bryan Kading
My sincere condolences to the Relouw family. I worked at Andex in high school then Tony gave me a chance to move up and was soon looking after Eastern Ontario. I have always had the utmost respect for him. He will be missed!
Diane Kaak
Fran and Family
Our sympathy in the loss of your loved one
Joe and Diane Kaak
Cheryl Becker
Relouw Family
Sorry to read of Tony’s passing. I started working at Andex I think in 1989. He was a great boss, and well respected. My sympathies to the family.
Cheryl Becker(Dowson)
Bradley Gregus
Tony was a highly respected builder, visionary, entrepreneur and philantropist, but even so much more than these, a solidly committed husband, father and brother…..Tony was a very fine example to us younger generation of men, as how to pursue our purpose with passion and integrity……Well done Tony…..well done !
Bernie Kelders
So sorry to hear of Tonys passing. Deepest condolences to Fran and family
Bernie & Cheryl Kelders
Rob and Michelle Reid
Mark, Patty and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
We did not have the privilege of knowing your dad but from what we have read he was a very special person.
May the many great memories help you get through these tough days ahead.
Our deepest condolences.
Rob and Michelle Reid
Trish Menheere
Aunt Fran, Doug and Sukalaya, Mark and Patty, Sandra and Andrea, and your families:
Sending my heartfelt condolences at the loss of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His deep love of family lives on in all of you.
I have many fond and fun memories of time spent at the Relouw’s growing up, such as barbecues, swimming in the pool, and hanging out with all the cousins. Uncle Tony always had a warm and ready smile. He also had a mischievous side: he enjoyed telling the story of how he sat behind Fran in grade school, and would pull on her pigtails. I wonder if he knew then that she would become the love of his life!
May you rest in peace, Uncle Tony.
– Trish Menheere
Jerry and Alice MacLean
Our condolences to all who loved Tony,
Tony and Jerry went into business about the same time, and many times they chat ed about the good old days.when they met up somewhere they were always good for a half hour visit! Those visits will be missed, Tony was a well liked and very respected man.RIP Tony
Gary and Marlene Nairn
Sending our warm thoughts and sympathy to all of Tony’s family. What a wonderful life well lived and loved.
Jim Turnbull
To Fran and all the Relouw family , our deepest condolences. Our community will never be the same with the loss of Tony. He was a man that we all looked up to but at the same time he was always interested in what we thought of any situation. Jim & Suzy Turnbull.
Xavier and Ruthanne Boogemans
Fran and Families We are very sorry to hear of Tony’s passing Thinking of You All ❤️ He is certainly being talked about with a lot of respect. Xavier and Ruthanne
Jim & Linda Dietrich
Fran & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Linda & Jim Dietrich.
Bonnie Sitter
My sincere condolences to all the Relouw family.
Bonnie Hogarth Sitter
Leny Kuijpers
“Unne gôje mins blief altiéd laeve”
After Tony, or Ton from aunt Lies, went to Canada in 1950, he often returned to his native region. Because that is where his earliest memories were. Also on the Bakhei in the Boekend. He loved coming back to his family, with whom he had a very close relationship.
He also loved the small communities and the solidarity between the people he saw here. Every time he enjoyed it. It is a pity that this will not happen again. We all share our memories of these times with him. We wish Francis, the children and the grandchildren a lot of strength with this great loss.
Leny, Jo, Chris and Petra, Ton and Nelly and Hen from aunt Leen and uncle Sjaak
Jane and John Musser
Sending condolences to Fran, Doug, Mark, Sandra and extended families. Sad to hear of Tony’s passing. Jane and John Musser
Martin Kelders
So sorry to hear of Tony’s passing.
Our thoughts and Prayers are with yuo and family
Fran at this sad time.
Martin@Debbie Kelders.
Brian Hodgins
Hired by Tony and Doug to work at Andex December 1 1973 and still there. Always fair and allowed you to do your work. A great community person and family man. He will be greatly missed. Condolences to Fran and all his family.
Joanne Muto & Frank Ortiz
Sydney, Nicholas and family,
Unfortunately, we never had the honour of meeting your beloved Grandpa – however the stories we’ve heard and this tribute to him truly is a celebration of a remarkable man. We hold your Grandpa Tony, your family and all who love him in our thoughts and prayers. May your beautiful memories carry you through this difficult time.
Much love and with our deepest condolences,
Joanne and Frank
Dave & Peggy Gray
Our deepest condolences to Fran and family. Tony was such a gentle man and gentleman. Our hearts are heavy to learn of his passing. May you find comfort at this difficult time in sharing all the wonderful memories of amazing husband, father, brother, and grandfather. We feel very fortunate to have known Tony and will cherish the memories made. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dave & Peggy Gray
Doug and karen courtney
Sorry for your loss everyone, Our sincere condolences to all. Doug and Karen Courtney.
doug courtney
What can i say? On Sun. Aug. 10 i lost my best friend and confidant. R.I.P. Tony. My condolences to all the family,. Doug Courtney.
Fred Ducharme and Vicki Wale
Our sincere condolences to the entire Relouw family. Tony was a true gentleman whose generosity knew no bounds. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Bill Rochester
Fran Mark Doug Sandra and families . Words cannot express the sorrow of Tony’s passing He was devoted to his family and his wife. Tony was a well respected man in business and all that he did. We will all miss him. Rest in peace Tony. Bill Jody , and Lindsey and Dayna and their Familes.
Leo and Lindsey Ducharme
Deepest Sympathies to Fran and Family at this very sad time. Leo and Lindsey Ducharme
Barry & Diane Tieman
Dear Fran, Mark, Patty and the entire Relouw family, we are very saddened to hear of your beloved Tony’s passing. What a quiet , respected and distinguished gentleman, certainly one of a kind . May your coming days ahead be comforted by his lifelong love he had for you all . Sincerely Barry & Diane Tieman
Ray Webb
You are all in our thoughts and prayers
Ray and Joan Webb and family
Cathy Barr
Hugh & I first met Tony & Fran in 2001 at Castaways on a Wednesday night. We quickly became close friends & decided Grand Bend was where we wanted to retire. Tony & Hugh enjoyed their martinis together one straight up with gin & the other on the rocks with Vodka. After our accident Tony always kept Hugh up to date on the coffee shop news which he appreciated
very much. Tony & Fran have been a great support for me after Hugh’s passing in 2021. My thoughts & prayers are with all the Relouw family at this difficult time. Tony will be missed by all.
Cathy Barr