Milestone

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – Used car dealer Maurice VanCoillie, who had been the oldest known licensed independent dealer in the country, died on July 17.

He was 98.

“Mr. Van,” as he was known to friends and fellow dealers, was a colorful character and one of the most dedicated dealers in the industry.

VanCoillie had received just about every honor and award a car dealer could get. Every year, it seemed, he was honored by the Michigan Independent Automobile Dealers Association.

It was appropriate since VanCoillie was one of the founders of the organization. He also was a tireless supporter of the group, whether lobbying the legislature on behalf of dealers or encouraging people to buy tickets to the annual dinner dance or strong-arming others to buy raffle tickets for the group’s fundraisers.

He served on the board of directors for many years, as well.

In 2016, the MIADA gave VanCoillie the Michigan IADA Dignity

Award. Previously, he had won the state Quality Dealer award and the association’s President’s Award.

In September 2021, the city of St. Clair Shores – where he did business – even named a street after him and dedicated a historic plaque at the site of his dealership.

People in the industry said he will be missed.

“What a special guy,” said Otto Hahne, MIADA president and Na- tional Quality Dealer winner.

Annette Chapman, MIADA executive director, said VanCoillie loved to buy, sell and talk about cars.

She joked about how proficient he was at selling the MIADA raffle tickets, but that wasn’t what made him special.

“One of the nicest, down to earth, energetic people you will ever meet,” she said.

Former MIADA board member Joe Kuhta visted VanCoillie in hospice before he died.

“A true legend in the industry,” he said.

Chapman and Hahne were at the ceremony when the city named a street after Mr. Van. They joined about 60 people that day who stood in the pouring ran to honor their friend and colleague.

Late last year, VanCoillie was honored yet again. He received an envelope in the mail from the Secretary of State, a special dealer license plate and a congratulatory letter from Douglas E. Trutzl, the manager of the state’s Business License Section.

In 2020, the state issued new permanent plates and Trutzl pulled a special plate out of production to give to VanCoillie, with the special number “000 D 095,” in honor of VanCoillie, who turned 95 that year.

Trutzl praised VanCoillie for his commitment to his community and customers.

He described VanCoillie’s record as “extraordinary,” especially since he received his first dealer license in 1947.

VanCoillie said the letter and recognition gives credibility and honor to the dealer community. He said many dealers do this type of charity but nobody knows about it.

At press time, a public viewing and funeral service were scheduled for VanCoillie on July 24 and 25, respectively.

Charles M. Thomas Founder (1947-2002) Lynda R. Thomas, Publisher Emeritus Colleen Fitzgerald, Publisher

Editorial: Jeffrey Bellant, Managing Editor Ed Fitzgerald, Staff Writer

Advertising: Shannon Colby, Account Manager Tony Moorby Columnist:

Circulation: subs@usedcarnews.com

Production: Tom Savage, Production Manager Cee Lippens, Web Master

Used Car News is published every third week.

Subscribers: We print advertisements as sent to us by auctions and other advertisers. It is not possible to verify the correctness of listed vehicles in auction ads. Most lists are partial and all lists are subject to last minute changes by auto auctions, so before travelling a long distance for a particular auto auction event, contact the auction by telephone for a fax of vehicles in the sale.

Used Car News assumes no guarantees or liabilities concerning the accuracy of any advertisements. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the written consent of the publisher.

OUR ADVERTISING APPROVAL POLICY

Payments from first time advertisers must accompany the insertion order. Distribution is guaranteed by the USPS. The advertising reservation deadline is 12:00 noon Thursday, 11 days prior to the issue cover date.

Ad materials are due by 5 pm Friday, 10 days prior to issue cover date. For advertising specifications please email colleen@usedcarnews.com.