Pierre VanDerHeyden Obituary (1935 - 2006)

To view a video tribute for Pierre VanDerHeyden, please click here. “Bonpa” On June 30th, 2006, a beautiful summer evening, Pierre VanDerHeyden completed his final wire connection, as he passed away from this world to a greater workshop. He will be missed by so many. Pierre was a man of great integrity and accomplishment. He loved to work, study and explore the mysteries of new technology and science. He was intensely proud of his family and their achievements, but always remained true to himself, never forgetting his humble roots. His needs were few and simple: his tools, good food and a bottle of chardonnay. Pierre was born on June 26, 1935 in Gentbrugge, Belgium, second son of Engelbert and Elisa Van Lierde-VanDerHeyden. Even as a child he had a curious mind and exhibited great intelligence. He graduated from Ghent City College of Technology and fulfilled his patriotic duty in the army attaining the rank of sergeant. He was offered a civil commission post in the Belgian Congo in 1957, but civil war broke out interrupting his aspirations. Instead he followed his childhood sweetheart to the United States. Pierre married Maria Donkhorst in 1958 and together they forged a lifetime partnership encompassing four children, eight grandchildren, sharing a passion for work, business and community interests. Pierre had a tremendous work ethic. In 1960 he joined the IBEW Joint Apprenticeship Training program and went to work for Wasatch Electric as an inside wireman. That association lasted for more than 35 years, until his retirement. A hard worker he rose through the ranks eventually becoming Project Manager, supervising the electrical construction of many of Salt Lake’s high-rise office buildings, hospitals, malls and airport. Contractors and crews all benefited from Pierre’s skills and attention to details. A lifetime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Pierre strongly believed in the principles of good training, quality of work and loyalty to the industry. He performed his duties with great responsibility, always putting the safety of his men above all else and never backing away from a challenge. Under the umbrella of the JATC, he taught the elements of electrical construction to hundreds of apprentices for 29 years, never missing a class. Students viewed him as a tough taskmaster but one who taught them how to think and how to solve problems. Pierre was also an astute reader who taught himself business and economic principles and in later life created a very successful business portfolio. As a property owner he was a caring landlord who personally looked after his many tenants and their needs. Pierre enjoyed life in all its diversity. Besides being a man of the trades he served on many boards and committees, most notably his credit union, serving as Chairman of the Supervisory Committee; five year as a member of the Murray Planning and Zoning Committee; and a three-year term on the Federal Grand Jury, becoming its foreman. In addition, he promoted global understanding by hosting students, teachers and businessmen from all over the world through Rotary and AFS programs. He participated in Friendship Force of Utah as a goodwill ambassador. Pierre had a great love for classical music and the performing arts and was a frequent patron of both the opera and the symphony. He lived the American dream and still had many unfinished projects when Multiple Myeloma suddenly struck on Memorial Day. Pierre is survived by Maria, his wife of 48 years, children Nicole (Dwight), Eric (Sarah), Tony and Brian (Robyn); grandchildren, Ben, Miranda, Madelaine, Melissa, Griffin, Mason, Jack and Carson; one brother Norbert (Madeleine) and one sister, Nicole (Joseph) in Belgium. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Etienne. The family also extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff and angels at the Oncology Departments at Dixie Medical Center, L.D.S. Hospital and IHC Hospice Care Services and special thanks to Dr. Sebastien Kairouz, Dr. Clyde Ford, and their respective staffs. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Pierre on Wednesday, July 5th, 2006 at 7:30 pm, preceded by a viewing from 5:30 until 7:00 pm. Both services will be held at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 South State, Murray. The family requests no flowers, but appreciate donations of blood at your nearest hospital or Red Cross facility.