René Henri Degrève

René Henri Degrève, loving and devoted husband, father and Bompa, was born in Brussels, Belgium on the 7th of March 1943, and passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, the 1st of January 2022. He was 78 years of age. Although born in Brussels, he lived most of his adult life in his adopted hometown, Houston, Texas. He proudly called himself “A Texan by Choice!”

René graduated from the Ecole de Commerce Solvay ULB and earned an MBA from INSEAD. Upon retirement from a highly successful and distinguished career at Solvay, René spent much of his time as an enthusiastic Bompa to his granddaughters, Tess and Sophie. He could routinely be found jumping waves, building sandcastles, digging sandcars, or just cruising with his granddaughters in the golf cart around Galveston, his “happy place."

In the last several years, René enjoyed following his passion for ballroom dancing and judging the dancers from one of his favorite shows, "Dancing with the Stars.”

René also selflessly volunteered generous amounts of his time to worthy causes near and dear to his heart, and most significantly to Junior Achievement. He loved challenging the kids to achieve their best and delighted in their successes.

René is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Myriam; his two adored daughters, Corinne and Stephanie; his precious, darling granddaughters, Tess and Sophie; and their father, Matt. René is also survived by his brother, Jean and his wife, Godelieve; his sister, Lucienne and her husband, Felix; his sister-in-law, Maggy; many cousins, nieces, nephews and godchildren and countless dear friends and colleagues and by his devoted dog, Chipie, who was the best-ever walk partner.

René was a larger than life personality who impacted so many with his kindness, compassion, great sense of humor, zest for life and good-natured spirit. He will be dearly and sorely missed by all whose lives he touched in meaningful and unforgettable ways.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation and reception with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Thursday, the 20th of January, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

The Funeral Service is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Friday the 21st of January, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons. For those unable to attend you may join the livestream by selecting the "Join "Livestream" icon in the "Funeral Service" information box below.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude, that memorial contribution be directed to the Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas, 2115 E Governors Cir, Houston, TX 77092; The Houston Zoo 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030 or Sans Collier ASBL in Belgium, Chaussée de Charleroi 68, 1360 Perwez

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