A Chatham-Kent man who passed away last week is being remembered as a true legend and a true gentleman.
Lucien "Luce" Cools of Ridgetown passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84.
Cools was a celebrity salesperson in Chatham who worked at Chatham Chrysler for many years. His colleagues at the dealership are mourning his loss.
"We have lost a truly great man, coworker and friend - 𝙇𝙚𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙮 Luce Cools. Most people around our region have either bought a vehicle from Luce or know of somebody who has over the years," posted the dealership on social media. "He just celebrated 60 years (yes 60!) of selling cars! Almost all of those years with the Chrysler brand and in Chatham. Luce was a true gentleman who not only sold cars but created friendships with his customers, and he sold generations of families as a result. Luce was always willing to help out and guide others in the business when they needed it. We were truly blessed to have been able to work alongside the man and professional that Luce was. No one will ever forget him, his stories, and his love for his customers, he is a true Legend. You will be missed by all. Rest in Peace Luce.'
Cools was also well known for his good morning posts and his family posted one a couple of days after his passing in his honour.
"Good morning! “You only live once. But if you do it right, once is enough,” the family post read. "Can’t you just hear Luce saying this?! And wasn’t he a perfect example of it?"
The family said they have "heavy hearts" but are deeply touched by all of the "heartwarming messages" received by the public at large.
"The loss of someone like Luce leaves an incredible void, not only in our family, but in the many lives of the countless people he touched," the family said.
Luce's obituary said he took great pleasure in connecting with people, both in his work and community service.
"Work was important to him and it brought him so much joy, working up until the day before he passed. He was glad to mentor colleagues, sharing his pearls of wisdom," the obituary stated.
He was also recognized by the Chrysler Corporation for his salesmanship and was recognized as a top 50 Chrysler salespeople in Canada.
Mister Cools also valued community service and giving back, according to the obituary. He was a proud member of the Ridgetown Legion, served as the Chatham Kinsman Club President, was a Board Member and President of the Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers for many years, and was the President of the Kent Club where he was an active member for many years.
"His involvement in these organizations resulted in life long friendships, and these connections were something he cherished," said the obituary. "He was a great man, loved and respected by so many, leaving an indelible impression and a legacy of kindness, loyalty and hard work."
The obituary said Cools loved football and was a devoted Detroit Lions fan.
Respects can be paid at the Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home at 156 William Street South in Chatham on Saturday June 22, 2024, from 1 to 4 p.m. or at The Kent Club at 287 King Street West in Chatham on Sunday June 23, 2024, for a drop-in Celebration of Life from 1 to 5 p.m. with remarks at 3 p.m.