Kees Loek

Kees Loek passed away on February 16, 2022, at the age of 90 in Livonia Michigan. His passing was unexpected, but peaceful. Kees was preceded in death by his beloved wife Fitan, his older brother Rick Loek, and younger brother Fred Loek. Kees is survived by his brother Dick Loek (Kay), sister in laws Barbara and Liz Loek, his children; Yvette (Tom) Dixon; Monique Brown; and his four grandchildren; Alex (Megan) Dixon, Mackenzie Dixon, Joe Brown, and Marissa Brown.

Kees was born on November 9, 1931 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He grew up during the German Occupation of Holland during WW ll. His family was active with the resistance. During the Hunger Winter (1944-1945) the war had taken a toll on Amsterdam residents and famine was widespread. At age 13, Kees was 1 of 86 Amsterdam soccer players fortunate to be chosen in a lottery system established by the Ajax soccer club that sent the children to foster care families in Heerenveen in northern Holland. Plenty of food and lots of soccer helped distract the children from the struggles of war. Before Kees passed away he contributed his story for a Dutch documentary called “Een Prachtige Daad” describing the time spent away from his family.

The war caused many interruptions with education, but once Kees returned to Amsterdam after the liberation in 1945 he was able to steadily catch up and he eventually completed his secondary education where he met Fitan. They later married in Amsterdam in 1957. As Amsterdam continued to rebuild after the war Kees jumped at an opportunity to begin a new life and new adventures in Canada working for Burroughs Corporation. His hard work with Burroughs offered ample growth opportunities in North America. They eventually settled in Kalamazoo, Michigan where Yvette and Monique were born. That was the first of many moves around the United States and one move overseas to London for five years. The moves and international travel with work provided a lifetime of great memories. Kees finished his career in Dayton, OH with NCR, where he retired. Kees and Fitan eventually moved south to Sarasota, Florida where they lived for 28 years.

From a young age Kees was a sports enthusiast, enjoying ice skating, ice hockey and soccer, but his true passion was cycling. Always a great mentor, Kees encouraged and recruited friends and family to join in the cycling fun, only to discover their untapped talent. He was a master at recruiting his Canadian brothers, along with many others, to cycle in the annual Tour of the Scioto River Valley, a 210 mile ride from Columbus to Portsmouth, OH, often made in rainy conditions. Kees’ cycling gang will reminisce for many years to come about the funny stories of those cycling adventures. He also challenged friends and family to ride 300 miles with Make A Wish (WAM) in Michigan. Whether visiting family in Ohio or Michigan, there was always a bike to be found for Kees and riders eager to draft behind him! Kees cycled well into his early 80’s and once coerced his 21 year old grandson to complete a 33 mile ride in a local park. Breathless and tired on their return, his grandson shouted out with a grin “grandpa…..you’re a freak!” When he wasn’t cycling, he and Fitan could be found at their favorite red life guard stand on Siesta Key Beach where they enjoyed walking, meeting new friends, and soaking up the beautiful sunsets typically with a glass of red wine. It truly was “their happy place”. 5 o’clock happy hour was always a must! He had his favorite stomping grounds…… O’Leary’s Tiki Bar, Crab & Fin, Sharky’s on the Pier, Daiquiri Deck and Spanish Point, just to name a few. They enjoyed many years of fun with family and friends and especially enjoyed some memorable cruises.

Kees was a devoted husband to Fitan. They did everything together. He was a people person, a social guy, a story teller, always the optimist and beloved by so many! When life got a little heavier with Fitan’s Parkinson’s, he remained that same guy, always by her side. After Fitan passed, his family was very fortunate to have Kees in Michigan for 7 months. Kees led a long and happy life. The end of a generation……you will be deeply missed dad.

The family would like to thank all those who provided wonderful care for Kees at The Glenridge Retirement Community in Sarasota, Florida and at Amy’s Place Senior Assisted Living in Livonia, MI. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (michaeljfox.org) or to a charity of your choice. The family plans to hold a private celebration in his honor at a later date.