Henri Emile Lenaerts

Henri Emile “Rik” Lenaerts passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Sunday June 23, 2024. Born on July 25, 1943, in Sars Saint Laurent, Belgium, Rik was a beloved figure known for his kindness and jovial spirit.

Rik served in the Belgian Navy, where he was respected for his dedication and service. He emigrated to the United States with his wife Ria and 2 daughters in the early 1980s, where he built a successful career in real estate. Alongside his partner Dianna Pitt-Walker, Rik co-founded Gulf-Tex Management, a prominent real estate and property management company. He was very involved in the Belgian and Flemish-American community in Houston throughout the years.

Rik had a passion for photography, travel, and food, which he explored with enthusiasm throughout his life. His hobbies were not only a personal joy but also a means of connecting with others, sharing stories and experiences from around the world. Rik also loved a good meal. He enjoyed going to restaurants and loved every type of food. He had his favorites, like IHOP, where he went for breakfast almost daily. Everywhere he went he was always kind to the waitstaff and made life-long friends.

He is survived by his wife, Maria (Ria) Geenrits; daughters, Vicky Zaccaria (Bruce) and Sabine Rhodes; grandchildren, Dameon S. Rhodes Jr. (Crystal), Kristen D. Shoemaker, John L. Rhodes, Callin C. Bartlett, and Caleb M. Bartlett; great-grandchildren, Zahara M. Rhodes and Zurion S. Rhodes; siblings, Anne-Marie Leemans (Tony), Odette Van Belle (Firmin), and Jan Lenaerts (Denise); brother in law Julien Geenrits (Karin) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Rik was preceded in death by his parents, Marie Louise Coninckx and Frans Peet, and his sister-in-law, Lisette Geenrits.

In remembrance of Rik's life, the family has opted for a private gathering rather than a public service. Brookside Funeral Home - Cypress Creek in Houston, Texas, is assisting the family during this time.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the www.MichaelJFox.org Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in memory of Rik. His legacy of warmth, generosity, and zest for life will be remembered by all who knew him.