Eeckman Léon (Fondateur)
(04/04/1898, Brussels - Brussels, 10/05/1987)
Founder of the Groupe Nervia
In 1898, an outstanding personality was born: Léon EECKMAN, on 4 April in St Josse ten noode. Let's delve for a moment into the captivating story of his life, rich in events and achievements.
From a prestigious lineage, Léon EECKMAN was the grandson of Emile EECKMAN and the nephew of Léon EECKMAN, both honoured as First Presidents Emeritus of the Brussels Court of Appeal. Further back in his family tree, we discover that he was the great-grandson of Vincent Deljoutte, Municipal Secretary of the City of Bruges. The EECKMAN family, with links to the Patriciat of Louvain and the Brussels lineages, wore coats of arms with a strong motto: VITA PRO REGE.
In 1914, at the age of 16, young Léon EECKMAN found himself at the heart of the First World War. Although he was initially discharged because of his young age, his determination led him to sign up as a war volunteer with the Carabinieri, taking an active part in the defence of Fort d'Opères and the fighting at Berlae. His campaign at the front as a private telephone operator, refusing to accept any rank, was marked by eight chevrons from the Front. His courage miraculously saved him from a dangerous mission where the fate of his promotion was sealed by a bomb.
After the war, in 1920, Léon EECKMAN explored various fields, from tanning to insurance brokerage, where he distinguished himself. A member of various professional bodies, in 1928 he co-founded the Nervia Group alongside his friends Anto-Carte and Louis Buisseret. His contribution to the insurance world came in 1939 when he became President of the Chambre syndicale des Courtiers et Agents d'assurances de la province du Brabant, a role he fulfilled with dedication until 1963.
Léon EECKMAN joined the Resistance in 1940 and carried out various clandestine activities, including acting as treasurer of "Faux soir". His involvement as an officer in the patriotic militia and as a member of the Belgian Periodical Press Union underlines his commitment to freedom and democracy.
The following years were marked by a succession of roles and responsibilities, ranging from managing publications to chairing artistic and professional organisations. His influence extended to the artistic sector, where he published works on renowned painters such as Anto Carte, Pierre Paulus and Louis Buisseret.
In 1987, Léon EECKMAN took his leave, leaving behind an impressive legacy of devotion to Belgium, art and justice. His death on 9 May 2003 at his home in Auderghem closed a remarkable chapter in a life dedicated to excellence and diversity in the arts and business.
In 2022, to mark the centenary of his company, a book was published by Françoise Eeckman and her sons Eric and Marc Hemeleers, in the form of a fictionalised biography of the complete life of Léon Eeckman (for more information, see fondation@leoneeckman.net).
In 1898, an outstanding personality was born: Léon EECKMAN, on 4 April in St Josse ten noode. Let's delve for a moment into the captivating story of his life, rich in events and achievements.
From a prestigious lineage, Léon EECKMAN was the grandson of Emile EECKMAN and the nephew of Léon EECKMAN, both honoured as First Presidents Emeritus of the Brussels Court of Appeal. Further back in his family tree, we discover that he was the great-grandson of Vincent Deljoutte, Municipal Secretary of the City of Bruges. The EECKMAN family, with links to the Patriciat of Louvain and the Brussels lineages, wore coats of arms with a strong motto: VITA PRO REGE.
In 1914, at the age of 16, young Léon EECKMAN found himself at the heart of the First World War. Although he was initially discharged because of his young age, his determination led him to sign up as a war volunteer with the Carabinieri, taking an active part in the defence of Fort d'Opères and the fighting at Berlae. His campaign at the front as a private telephone operator, refusing to accept any rank, was marked by eight chevrons from the Front. His courage miraculously saved him from a dangerous mission where the fate of his promotion was sealed by a bomb.
After the war, in 1920, Léon EECKMAN explored various fields, from tanning to insurance brokerage, where he distinguished himself. A member of various professional bodies, in 1928 he co-founded the Nervia Group alongside his friends Anto-Carte and Louis Buisseret. His contribution to the insurance world came in 1939 when he became President of the Chambre syndicale des Courtiers et Agents d'assurances de la province du Brabant, a role he fulfilled with dedication until 1963.
Léon EECKMAN joined the Resistance in 1940 and carried out various clandestine activities, including acting as treasurer of "Faux soir". His involvement as an officer in the patriotic militia and as a member of the Belgian Periodical Press Union underlines his commitment to freedom and democracy.
The following years were marked by a succession of roles and responsibilities, ranging from managing publications to chairing artistic and professional organisations. His influence extended to the artistic sector, where he published works on renowned painters such as Anto Carte, Pierre Paulus and Louis Buisseret.
In 1987, Léon EECKMAN took his leave, leaving behind an impressive legacy of devotion to Belgium, art and justice. His death on 9 May 2003 at his home in Auderghem closed a remarkable chapter in a life dedicated to excellence and diversity in the arts and business.
In 2022, to mark the centenary of his company, a book was published by Françoise Eeckman and her sons Eric and Marc Hemeleers, in the form of a fictionalised biography of the complete life of Léon Eeckman (for more information, see fondation@leoneeckman.net).