We never met face to face but spent lots of quality time on the phone. He was a man of great patience and intelligence. He gave our new company a big heart and set us in the right direction - customers loved him as did we all. God bless you my friend.

 Posted by Joe Colliton - Gaylord, MI - co-worker, friend February 06, 2013

Dutch was a wonderful and generous person. Working with him at Oriole Park was a pleasure. His desire to help the staff of that school better understand how children learn was limitless. I felt like I was a better person when he worked with us. Dutch made me feel so at ease. His love for his own children was immeasurable. He was a great man. 

 Posted by Kathy Meredith - Wyoming, MI February 06, 2013

Dutch taught me what I know about technology during a blizzard in Maine. I was on an old Mac performa and a cell phone. This was just the start of an everlasting friendship. I remember the moment I asked him why he limped. I also remember fondly his visit to Maine the summer of 06, we were supposed to have lunch before he left for home. I was undergoing cancer treatments and was just too sick to leave my home. Dutch came to me, sat in a chair in front of me and we talked about our illnesses and how it had changed our lives. His love for Amy, unconditional, the same for his children. He will always be deep within my heart and soul as a man who smiled deeply and loved his family as much. A rare gem, was he! He has been released from his earth body, his soul and spirit lives on! Go in peace, my pal! Audrey Danforth 

 Posted by Audrey Danforth - Topsham, ME - Pals February 06, 2013

My heart goes out to Amy and the family. I will always remember Dutch for his positive outlook, love of life, and his love for his family. Although he has left us too soon his legacy will live on through his wonderful family. 
 Love Mark

 Posted by Mark Zook - Niles, MI - Friend February 06, 2013

Dave (Sir. Winston); 
 I am sorry to hear of your loss. Your brother looked like he was lots of fun. I am sure he will be truly missed.
 Praying for you and your family!
 Beatrice

 Posted by Beatrice Bishop - Indianapolis, IN - Co-Worker of Dave Heinhuis February 06, 2013

My heart goes out to your family. Loss is so hard. I have always had so much respect for Dutch. He was kind and generous ALL the time. We watched many soccer games games together and I can still hear him yelling "Nice ball Molly" or "NIce ball Pukah". And can clearly see him sitting (or mostly standing) at the games in his straw hats. He always asked about our family and how everyone was doing. The last time I saw Dutch he was talking about having a See Family Family dinner in his new addition. We didn't get to do that but knowing he wanted to means a lot. He will always be remembered.

 Posted by Denise See - Wyoming, MI - Friend February 06, 2013

Ryan and Family -
 My thoughts are with you and I am praying for your strength during this time. May you find comfort in the time you shared with him and in those around you. 
 Blessings, Kona

 Posted by Kona Dominick February 06, 2013

Ryan and family-
 I am so sorry for your loss. I know you have wonderful memories of your dad that will eventually bring smiles to you once again. My prayers and thought are with you all.
 Barbara

 Posted by Barbara Hile - Grand Rapirs, MI - co-worker of Ryan February 06, 2013

Ryan and Family,
 My thoughts and prayers to you during this difficult time. Ryan, you spoke so lovingly of your dad and with such great respect. Know that we are thinking of you and wish you peace.
 Amy and your friends at Gift of Life Michigan

 Posted by Amy Olszewski - Ann Arbor, MI - Friend February 06, 2013

I struggle to think of any other non family member who has had a greater positive effect on my life than Dutch. He taught me so much about the right way to treat others and those lessons will stick with me forever. Thank you Dutch.

 Posted by Joel Bierling - Rockford, MI February 06, 2013

The memories may be old, but there are so many and such good ones. We love you, Dutch.

 Posted by Bruce & Debbie Anderson - Erie, PA - friend / "cousin" February 06, 2013

To me Dutch was that a friendly voice at the end of the phone line, and wonderful source of encouragement. Always ready to figure out the details, never wavering, and always forging forward. Dutch fought a great battle and in some circumstances over came his battle with perseverance. Dutch extended his time with ALS far beyond his expected years, due to his perserverance. He will be greatly missed and remember with love. I miss you Dutch, Deb 

 Posted by Deb Thornton - Saranac, MI - Co-Worker and Friend February 06, 2013

Dear Ones: How fun it was to watch Dutch, the pied-piper of the neighborhood, from our living room window on Havana Avenue lead the neighborhood kids down the path and disappear into the trees to play games at Palmer Park. Jordan could not wait until he was old enough to join in the fun! When that magic day finally arrived and he was one of the gang, he was thrilled to join in step with the others! Watching Dutch truly enjoy the kids--their personalities, endless charm, laughter, humor, and talents--taught us to be better parents and to treasure the fleeting moments of their childhoods. Even when the kids needed a time-out on the rock, he always welcomed them back with a cheerful smile. What a special husband, father, man...truly an inspiration to all who had the privilege of callinig him a friend. Bill and Lynette Dooley 

 Posted by Bill & Lynette Dooley - Holland, MI - former neighbor February 07, 2013

Dutch had a great sense of humor and was a friendly positive man. He also was a great coach, teaching the kids soccer at AYSO as well as high school. He wanted the best of the kids, yet he understood that they were still kids and therefore made soccer a fun experience for them. He himself was a good soccer player and enjoyed talking about the Dutch International soccer team. It was not only soccer that Dutch enjoyed, he was a true Jayhawk and Spartan fan. I found Dutch to be open minded and easy to talk to and he always had an interest in how your kids, your wife and your parents were doing, it was never about himself... Thanks for the great memories Dutch, you will be truly missed. 

 Posted by Jan-Michel ter Kuile - Wyoming, MI - Friend February 07, 2013

Dutch and I worked on various projects since 2008. Most of our work was via email and some over the phone. His attitude about our projects and the way he made everyone feel they were "on the team" revealed his kind personality. He never told of his illness - losing him is quite a shock. My heart goes out to everyone who lost Dutch, especially his family.

 Posted by Deb Vandenbroucke - Madison, WI February 07, 2013

I was sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Heard that you help take care of him. Parents are precious. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Charlene

 Posted by Charlene Stevens - Grand Rapids, MI - Friend to Ryan February 07, 2013

Dutch Heinhuis was my best friend and I loved him.
 He was my confidant, my consigliere and my conscience. He was my favorite Jayhawker, my go-to guy, a companion and collaborator. I'm trying to figure out what I'll do without him. 
 We shared so many of the most important things in life. Together, we've been students, job seekers, homebuyers, road warriors, husbands, Dads, vacationers, business owners and poker players. Dutch was better than me at each one of these things. He was, in a word, the "best". 
 We mostly shared great times and a lot of laughter. We laughed about things that only the two of us knew or understood and which made no sense to anyone else. That was our bond - and that is why we were the closest of friends.
 And, of course, there were the trips and the places. Allen Fieldhouse, Glen Lake, the Manitou Islands, Boston, the Orange Bowl, the Palace, the United Center, Kansas Memorial Stadium, Wrigley Field, and all the Texas Hold 'Em tournaments. Each event and destination was fun, and was special, simply because Dutch was there. He was always positive, funny, and fun to be with. He was our Sinatra - he drove the agenda and brought the energy. I was always just happy that I could be there and be a part of it all - but I'm not sure he knew that I thought that about him. My memories of these times with Dutch are my most treasured possession.
 Knowing Dutch has made you a better person - and each of you reading this knows and feels that. Dutch raised the bar in every way. He always did his best and never compromised on quality. He was smart and resourceful - an idea guy who got things done. His finished product was always an excellent one. Dutch was a teacher, a leader, a mentor, an entrepreneur, and a thorough professional. Dutch was always giving and did so without any expectation of a return. He was sincere, caring and skilled as a listener. Most importantly, Dutch was a man of unwavering principle - his honesty and integrity could not be, and were never, questioned - by anyone. His, in my view, was always the final word. Dutch Heinhuis was among the very few that had my full respect and I admired him - especially his courage.
 Dutch was both a man's man and a truly gentle man. And he had that most special of all qualities - he touched each person he met in a genuine way. But then, that's what genuine people do. 
 I'll miss you my friend ... no more trips, or texting or email to dutch@abante.com ... just our memories ... I'm so happy you're at peace. 

 Posted by David Tepoorten - Little Glen Lake, MI - Best Friend February 07, 2013

May the love of your friends and family surround you and fill your heart as you journey down this new road. We know that the road ahead will bring you many ups and downs but know that your dad's/husband's love and presence will always be with you. Sending you and your family strength.
 The Albertas -- Jo, Holly, Jamie 

 Posted by The Albertas, Jo, Holly and Jamie - Wyoming, MI - Family Friend February 07, 2013

I went to high school with Dutch and remember him as a friendly guy with a big smile. So sorry for your loss.

 Posted by Mary Francell-Sharfstein - Johns Creek, GA February 07, 2013

To Dave and the whole Heinhuis family, My thoughts and prayers are with you as you make a big adjustment in your life. I remember Dutch as the guy who could make every smile if not laugh. What a fun man to be around from junior high through high school. Take care and God Bless you all.

 Posted by Beth Singleton-Craft - Culver, IN - school friend February 07, 2013

Dutch and I were in high school together and on the track team. He always had a positive attitude about whatever workout was planned by our coach. Forget positive -- he was PUMPED! When I graduated, Dutch was playing in the band and led a little cheer for me when my name was called and I walked across the stage into adulthood. I'm so sad to hear of Dutch's premature death. His difference is irreplaceable. Rest in the arms of God, friend, and may your family be comforted in knowing that they will see you again. 

 Posted by Michael Yeakey - Goshen, IN - friend February 07, 2013

I am very sorry to hear of Dutch's passing. He was as you know a great guy and I am glad I got to know him. I helped Marshal Sellers coach runners with his PAAVO camps and the Dutch Heinhuis stories from Elkhart Central always came up and were told to the runners. I talked to my runners at Rogers about how motivated this average runner was, and how he became one of the top five at Elkhart through hard work. Courtney Rodgers, one of my runners said she babysat Dutch Heinhuis's kids, and it turned out to be the famous Dutch from Elkhart Central. I thought that was pretty neat that he was in our school district. I bet not many people know that Dutch was very close to breaking the 4 minute mile while running for the University of Kansas. His family was a great addition to our school, good kids and a pleasure to have in class! Remember all the good times, he was a 1st class guy! Mr. Dood

 Posted by Al Dood - Caledonia, MI - kids teacher at R.H.S. February 07, 2013

I can only thank God for blessing us with such a wonderful person as Dutch Heinhuis. As a friend, classmate and neighbor, his memory can only bring a smile to my face. May God bless and give strength to the entire Heinhuis family, and to all of us who will miss the gift of a true friend. Your memory will be with me always.

 Posted by Burke Mitchell - Phoenix, AZ - Friend February 08, 2013

Dear Amy & kids, I remember you from your years at Oriole Park. When you were there, I remember your dad/husband as always being very supportive of the staff, kids and you, his family. He always had a smile on his face and was willing to help anyone that needed it. As time goes on you will remember more and more the good times. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. You are a special family and strong and you will get through this. Dutch will be missed by many. God bless you.

 Posted by Ingrid Wierenga - Byron Center, MI - friend February 08, 2013

"I look at it as just one more day closer to Spring." Amy and kids, It is with heavy hearts that Mary Ellen and I extend our sympathy to you in the loss of your husband and father. He was one of the finest men I ever had the privilege of knowing. I recall one occasion where I told Mary Ellen that I wanted to be like Dutch when I grew up. I never felt that way about a person 20 years younger than me before. As you recall, Dutch and I spent many hours together driving around Michigan, Maine, and Wisconsin working to grow and improve Abante. The more time I spent with Dutch, the more I came to respect him as a man, an engineer, an innovator, and most of all, a family man. I am sure that over the years he shared with all of you his love and respect for you as a family and as individuals. He shared those feelings for you with others as well. I recall a long, cold, early morning drive to Northern Michigan one winter during which I complained about the short, dark, and dreary days of Winter. I learned from and have never forgotten his response: "I look at it as just one more day closer to Spring." In a sense, Dutch has reached his final eternal Spring. I can imagine him running along with that big smile he got from his mom, enjoying the day and thinking lovingly of his family. 

 Posted by Steve Barnard - Hudsonville, MI - Friend and business partner February 09, 2013

I'm an old family friend that grew up with the Heinhuis family. I have fond memories of you all. I read the great tributes to Dutch and although I didn't know him beyond high school, he turned into a great man. I'm so sorry for your loss.

 Posted by Cheryl Scott Sharp - Elkhart, IN - family friend February 09, 2013

Ames,
 What to say. I remember you being a "junior member" and loving you from the time Dutch brought you home to the family. I always looked forward to seeing you. Dutch was so happy with you and you took such good care of him. Thank you! He will always be with us. He taught me to enjoy life every day and make the most of what you have, not wish for what you want. I love you Ames!
 Love Marcy

 Posted by "Marcy" Varda - Franklin, MA - cousin March 03, 2013

I knew Dutch because of Abante. My school district adopted his product many years ago and Dutch flew to Maine several times to train and help us. I can absolutely say that he was one of the nicest people I have ever worked with. I moved to another district (who also used Abante) and it has been many years since I saw Dutch. Just today a colleague asked a question about Abante and I had reason to think of him. My Google search sent me here and I had heard of his passing last year. I thought that it might be a comfort that many years later in far away Maine that Dutch is still remembered with fondness. 

 Posted by Laurie - ME February 28, 2014

OBITUARY

William "Dutch" Heinhuis

July 20, 1960 – February 4, 2013

Cook Funeral and Cremation Services

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