Dirk Wormhoudt

Dirk Christopher Wormhoudt, beloved husband, brother, cousin, and friend passed away peacefully at home on July 24, 2018, at the age of 67.  Dirk was born May 2, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois to Gerrit and Lelia Wormhoudt.  He graduated from Wichita Collegiate High School, Wichita, Kansas in 1969, and attended Wake Forrest University. He graduated from Berry College in 1974, where he earned a degree in Industrial Technology with an emphasis on furniture design.  Dirk moved to his beloved New Orleans in 1977 after which he began his lifelong work in the furniture industry, including design, production, and refinishing.  He worked in both factory and custom shop environments, including his own Magazine Street furniture reproduction/restoration shop.  Fluent in Spanish, Dirk spent several years in Costa Rica producing beautiful period piece reproductions (some of which are on display at Destrehan Plantation).  He also spent time in Mexico City setting up a factory refinishing shop.  Later he established SouthCoast Ukes where he was recognized as an expert in the design and production of ukuleles, more specifically, string production for ukuleles and guitars prompting a customer to comment “Dirk forgot more about strings than most of us will ever know.”  Dirk was extremely intelligent with a quick wit, yet he remained humble, gracious, and compassionate; always kind, interested in others, always willing to talk and share ideas, share himself, his knowledge, and experience with others.  Dirk never backed down from a challenge, even at the end.  He embraced books, literature, and especially his love of music and New Orleans.  Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Sheldra; brother, Eric; sister, Julie; and daughter, Alison Johnson.  He also leaves to cherish memories, several cousins and many friends.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at Mt. Olivet Episcopal Church in Algiers Point on Saturday, August 25, 2018, at 10 a.m.  Friends are invited to join the family at a gathering after the service in the church hall.  Dirk’s wife Sheldra would like to thank the staff of the Chateau De Notre Dame Hospice whose loving care and support allowed Dirk to remain at his beloved home.  Specific thanks to Kristie Thibodeaux, Pam Chance, Trinny Lemoine, Kristen Muller, and Tracy Peterson.  Also thanks to Penny Bankston for assistance in managing doctors appointments and all the support provided by family and friends.