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ALPHONSE STROOBANTS Obituary
Alphonse Stroobants
Alphonse Stroobants, 78, of Forest, died Thursday, July 1, 2010.
Mr. Stroobants was born Wednesday, Oct. 21, 1931, in Chatelineau, Belgium, a son of the late Jean Bapt‚ste Stroobants and Ida Clementine DeWind Stroobants.
He was also preceded in death by a sister.
Al graduated with distinction in 1948 from College Technique de Charleroi. He came to the United States in 1954 through a student exchange program and began working for Ford Motor Company in 1956. He came to Lynchburg in 1959 to work a tool and die job. In 1962, he founded Belvac, formerly Belgium Tool and Die, and served as president and CEO until 1990. As the owner of Northcote Farm, Al was named the #1 Black Angus breeder in the world.
Known extensively for his business leadership, Mr. Stroobants has received awards too numerous to mention, but was proudest of the State Small Business Award given to him by the USA Small Business Administration. He was a member of the Virginia Angus Association Board of Directors and the Ut Prosim Society of Virginia Tech and was the founder and chairman of the Al Stroobants Foundation.
His compassion and philanthropy were far-reaching. Having received excellent care during cardiac bypass surgery, Al created a trust for cardiology services at Lynchburg General Hospital, which was named in his honor, The Stroobants Heart Center of Virginia. He loved his home in Bedford County and donated both money and land for several projects throughout the years to improve fire and rescue services as well as expand business and recreation.
He is survived by his cherished wife, Maria "Mary" Hanackova-Stroobants.
The family would like to thank Al's most special friends who meant so much to him: Carl Milko, Mark Maslow, Louann Burford, Rodger and Ann Fauber, Buzzy and Martha Ann Coleman, and JoAnn and Roger Stoudt, for their visits, care, support and friendship.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 7, 2010, at Northcote Angus Farm. A celebration of Al's life will follow at 11 a.m., with Fr. Stephen McNally officiating. A private interment will be in the Stroobants Family Mausoleum. A reception will take place after the interment
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Holy Cross Catholic School, 2125 Langhorne Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501, or Bridges Treatment Center, 693 Leesville Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tharp
funeralhome.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Danville Register & Bee (Danville, VA).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for ALPHONSE STROOBANTS
Sponsored by a friend.
Frank Taverna
July 6, 2019
Thoughts of Al come to mind as I am watching the opening day of the 2019 Tour De France. Appropriately it is starting in Belgium. Al enjoyed professional cycling and I did a little amateur racing when I had first met Al in Colorado. He had invited me come and ride back east around the Lynchburg area. I didn't get a chance to do that but missed that opportunity which I regret. Thinking of you Al. Frank.
Earl R. Carlin
July 15, 2010
may he rest in peace.......
Earl R. Carlin & Family
Godelieve et Germain Spileers - Vandeputte
July 10, 2010
Sinceres condoleances a MARIE,
Nous etions surpris d'apprendre le deces de notre grand ami Alphonse.
Nous gardons un bon souvenir de lui et ne l'oublierons jamais.
Bon courage Marie.
Godelieve et Germain Spileers - Vandeputte
Kammeland 2
9600 Renaix - Belgium
Shelby Rice
July 9, 2010
I have heard about Al Stroobants 16.5 years due to my brother working for him. I will never forget when I had to DJ a party for him on his property because the band cancelled on him. Talk about mad! He was a lovely person. My thoughts are with family and friends. He will be missed,
July 9, 2010
Dear Mary,
MaryLee and I were so sory not to be with you at the Service on Wednesday. Al meant a lot to us too, and we send our sincere condolences and Blessings in this time of sorrow. Having repesented Belvac for 22 years, Al and I had some great times and sumounted many obstacles. He was an honorable, far-sighted and enthusiastic man. Our hearts go out to you.
Sincerely, Alec and Mary Lee Robertson
Frank Taverna
July 7, 2010
Dear Mary & Family,
I first met Al when he purchased the Storm King Ranch in Colorado. I was the listing agent for the ranch. Al loved the ranch and turned into a real asset for Western Colorado. I was thinking of him just the other day, before I saw the obituary, when the Tour De France started. We often talked about bicycle racing. I am so sorry for your loss. Frank Taverna
Kenny Chattin
July 7, 2010
Dear Mary,
I will miss meeting Mr. Stroobants and looking at work he wanted done at Northcote.
I respected him in many ways.
I am sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
July 7, 2010
Well today is the day that we say good bye to "The Boss". I have been with this man over my 16.5 year experience in just about every situation that life holds. He could be loving, charming, shrude and one of the toughest guys you would ever dare to meet if need be. He didn't always express his emotions but he felt those emotions deeply. So many stories that I love to tell. I will charish them all. May God hold you near. Rest in peace.
Good Bye Sir,
Joe Rice
July 6, 2010
Dear Mary
Condolences , Al was a great man , with a great heart , he was so very good to all his friends , he did acomplished so much in his life , his reward will be great in heaven ...
we will miss him so much
our prayers are with You
Stephan and Christina Cieslak
John Isham
July 6, 2010
Your conversations and enjoyable stories will be missed. You were a true american success story, with an amazing understanding of life and all it has to offer. Wishing all my sympathy to Mary and your friends.
Bonnie Watts
July 4, 2010
Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. I am honored and blessed to have known such a gentle spirited man. I was always glad to see him and his smile. He always had a way of lifting my spirits. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Trust GOD to get you thru this difficult time. God bless you.
Melissa Markham
July 4, 2010
I didn't know Mr. Stroobants personally, but as a life long resident of Lynchburg, his generosity to the community is well known. He will be deeply missed, but his contributions will keep his memory alive for generations to come.
July 4, 2010
From the children and staff of Bridges Treatment Center. Please know how much we appreciated all the donations of coats to needy children over the years. We always looked forward to seeing your kind smile at our Christmas program.
Your generosity gave happiness and warmth to many children.
You will be missed.
Brenda Whitehead
July 3, 2010
Mary, and all Al's close friends, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope your memories will provide you comfort.
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