Theodoor "T" Vreuls

After a long and courageous battle with ALS, our hero, Theodoor “T” Vreuls, 65, passed peacefully away, surrounded by his loving family on Dec. 11, 2018 Theo was born on 6/14/53 in the Netherlands to Antoon and Mia Vreuls. The family moved to the US in 1957 and settled in Sarasota, where he lived the remainder of his life. He went to Alta Vista and Sarasota High School, where he played football. He worked with his father during high school and eventually bought the family business. He owned and operated Dutchman Window Cleaning Services for the next 30 years. He was loved and respected by his employees. He was a hands on boss, working side by side with his guys. Always the first up the 40 foot ladder and the first one over the wall of a 20 story building. He was fearless in providing high rise window cleaning services from Tampa to Naples. Theo later sold his company and started a one man remodeling and repair company, Telly Services. He was a master at building, repairing and improving all things household related. Many of his clients became good friends over the years, always appreciating Theo’s expert skills. In his early 20’s, while running his business full time, Theo built his first home, almost single handedly. It took him over two years of after work and weekend hours. He was proud and thrilled that his daughter and her family now live in the house that he built. He said that for once, Karma got it right! He married his best friend, Jill McGarvey in 1995 and the pair made a happy, fun filled home in which to raise their two daughters. Every friend who attended one of their many legendary parties, left with a fond memory and a story to tell, that they will always have to cherish. They loved to travel and were lucky enough to travel to countries all over the world, once backpacking through Europe for a month with just one backpack and a couple of good friends. Along with an unparalleled work ethic that drove his successful career, he threw himself into his hobbies with equal zeal and passion. He was an avid fisherman, boater and diver, spending his most happy times at Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys, where he owned a vacation property for over 25 years. If he wasn’t on the water, you could be sure to find him riding his Harley. He traveled through the years to some of the largest motorcycle rallies in the US including Sturgis, Daytona and Laconia. His favorite riding was in the North Carolina Mountains with his good friends, following the winding roads. Theo became a Master Mason, holding the title of 32 * KCCH Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner. He later paired up with a good friend to found the Sarasota chapter of a Masonic Riders Association, the Widows Sons Knights of the Eagles. The chapter grew under Theo’s leadership into the single largest Widows Sons chapter in the world, growing in numbers to over 90 Brothers. He was President of his Chapter multiple times and held the office of State Coordinator for several terms. Left to cherish his memory and his legacy of love, hard work and fun is his best friend, partner and love of his life, Jill McGarvey, his Mother, Mia Vreuls, his beloved daughter, Sabrina Vreuls Lugo, her husband Carlos and grandchildren Nadia, Elena, Oscar and Sergio. Also his other adored Daughter Jennifer McGarvey, her partner Mario Orduno and beloved granddaughter Lily McCormack, aka “little Brat Face”. He is also survived by his brother Tony Vreuls (Sumer & Hailey), his niece, Shayna Vreuls (Jenn), a multitude of Clan McGarveys, who adored him and loved him as one of their own, and a brother Jon. And finally, he is survived by hundreds of Widows Sons Brothers and their ladies, whom he considered Sisters. He was truly loved and well respected by his member brothers from all over the US. He was predeceased by his father Antoon “Big Tony” Vreuls and good buddies, TK , Jamie, Billy and Debbie. The family would like to thank the many good friends who helped out so very much during the past two years. The many visits, Saturday afternoon get-togethers and daily texts that kept Theo smiling! Theo was well loved and respected by many and will be missed by everyone who knew him. When you think of Theo, don’t think of him as passing away. Think of him riding off into the sunset on his beloved Harley Davidson. A gathering to celebrate a life well lived will be held on Sunday, December 30th from 3:00 to 5:00 at the Sahib Shrine, 600 N. Beneva Rd. Sarasota, FL 34232 In lieu of flowers, please send your kind donation to: The Gleason Initiative Foundation, PO Box 24493, New Orleans, LA 70184 to help other families living with ALS.

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Theodoor "T" Vreuls

June 14, 1953 - December 11, 2018