Jul 11, 2011
Heeren Brothers loses co-owner

Tom Heeren, a co-owner of Heeren Brothers Produce, was killed in a mass murder in Grand Rapids, Mich., July 7, along with his wife Rebecca, their daughter Jennifer and granddaughter Kamrie.

Hal Roy, CEO of Heeren Brothers, wrote this on the company’s website: “As a third-generation member of the Heeren family, Tom spent his entire career in sales and marketing at the Grand Rapids wholesaler of fruits and vegetables. As one of his favorite customers recently said, Tom was rough around the edges but had the warmest heart of anyone he knew. Tom was incredibly dedicated to our business and to his family. We remember him as a man with the kindest of hearts who would give you the shirt off his back.

“Tom Heeren and his family were deeply respected and loved by all of us at Heeren Brothers. They will be missed.

“As a family and company, we appreciate the outpouring of support we have received from the community. The calls, prayers, kind words and other gestures mean the world to all of us at Heeren as we struggle to find understanding, forgiveness and peace at this incredibly difficult time.”

A service will be held in memory of the Heeren family at 1 p.m. Friday, July 15, at Sunshine Community Church, 3300 E. Beltline Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49525. The family will be meeting friends July 13 and 14 from 12-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in their memory may be directed to the Carter Thomas Blease Scholarship Fund at Fifth Third Bank or Safe Haven Ministries.

Visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a favorite memory or photo and to sign their online guest book prior to arriving at church.


Tags: ,


Current Issue

On-farm AI: Water, farm, labor research guide decisions

Data collection tool expands farm management

Carmel Valley winegrapes: Parsonage Village Vineyard

IFTA Yakima Valley tour provides orchard insights

IFTA recognizes tree fruit honorees

Pennsylvania recognizes fruit industry professionals

Fresh Views 40 Under 40

see all current issue »

Be sure to check out our other specialty agriculture brands

produceprocessingsm Organic Grower