On 11 August 2023, the colourful life story of Freddy De Smedt came to an end. A Willebroeken native at heart, but also a globetrotter. A hard worker and a bon vivant at the same time. Someone who often gave himself away and rarely took the lead, but who did have a strong opinion.

That we are only now paying tribute to him with this text has everything to do with time. Time to let the loss sink in. Time to accept the grief. Time to put everything in order.

A look back at the man who played an unforgettable role in the Online Tapijten business, and more so in the lives of the people close to his heart.

 

Hard labour at heart

In Willebroek and the surrounding area, Freddy was so intertwined with the business that many people knew him as 'Freddy tapijt’. The family business was founded in 1907 by Freddy's grandfather; his son and Freddy's father Louis was known at the time as 'Louis tapijt'. Freddy's mother also took up her role. She stood in the shop as a saleswoman and took care of finances, while Louis dealt with purchases, markets and projects.

Sons Gust and Freddy had to roll up their sleeves at an early age, under the stern eye and iron discipline of their parents. Cold in the winter markets without a fire? If you work hard enough, you won't be cold ...

Case put on the map at home and abroad

That hard work paid off: the business grew and completed thousands of projects over the decades. From the age of 16 to 43, Freddy did placements in private homes and businesses, near and far. There are too many to list, but a few are worth mentioning:

  • the wall covering with carpet-look wallpaper in Den Hardy dancing in Willebroek;
  • 450 square metres of carpet tiles in the Sony offices in Schelle;
  • the floor covering at Willy's Moustache dance club in Willebroek;
  • the fulton floor covering on numerous boats and in servants' and captain's houses in Klein-Willebroek;
  • 1000 square metres of fixed carpet in the multipurpose hall (foyer and party room) in Wilrijk;
  • floor covering in the offices of Indonesian airline Garuda in Brussels;
  • carpets in two Bank of Amercia branches.

The common thread in all these projects? The speed, impeccable quality and flawless installation that have earned the company such an excellent reputation.

Entertainment and holidays as an outlet

From the age of 44 to 70, Freddy was in the business himself, going to present carpets at customers' homes in the evenings. Lashing and lifting, window dressing and selling, it all went well for him. His work ethic was unseen. But in his mere spare time, Freddy made the most of life.

Grabbing a pint in one of the local pubs. Having a nice dinner out. Meeting up with his many friends. And carnival, of course. He founded the club Freddy Tapijt and oversaw it with a strict eye. Clothes, music, choreography ... it all had to be perfect.

At a somewhat later age, he left the Willebroek borders behind him a bit more often. Then he travelled the world with his partner Cristian. They felt at home travelling, in faraway destinations in exotic countries, and in their beloved La Carihuela in Andalusia.

Joined forever in the heart and with the cause

In recent years, Freddy struggled with health problems, but he remained optimistic and kept his spirits up. No matter how hard you fight, some battles you unfortunately cannot win ... On 11 August, Freddy passed away.

The grief of his loved ones will linger for a long time, just as his memory will long be etched in the collective Willebroek memory. As a strong, courageous and gentle man. As the perfect 'wingman' for his parents, his brother, his partner. As a colourful and much-loved figure in local community life.

Cristian and his team at Online Tapijten continue the business as Freddy would have wanted. With hard work. With first-class service. With projects that Freddy would be proud of.