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Michel Vonderweidt Obituary
Michel Vonderweidt of Trumansburg died peacefully in his sleep on September 12, 2014 at the age of 66. He is survived by his children, Steve (Yvonne) of Syracuse, NY and Chris (Melissa) of Bowdoinham, ME; grandchildren, André, Callisthène, Arielle, Jeannette, and Amelie; sister, Carole (Mark) Hansen of Syracuse, NY; nieces, Leah and Erica. Born in New York City, Michel grew up living in the city, where he attended school during the week, and spent his weekends on a dairy farm in Bridgewater, CT. Michel went on to attend Cornell University and then worked as a manager at ISA Babcock for a number of years before finishing his career as an electrician at Cayuga Medical Center. Michel was generous, unpretentious, hardworking, practical, and he would do anything to help his family and friends. He was an accomplished gardener with two sizeable garden plots and intentionally planted more than he and his family could ever eat. The excess produce was joyfully gifted to his friends and neighbors. An avid soccer lover, Michel was a fixture at Trumansburg soccer matches in the mid-80's through 1997 when his son played. Michel supported the team in a number of ways, providing rides, bringing water, reluctantly coaching youth teams, and hassling referees. His support of the team played a significant role in the development of Trumansburg soccer. He was also a devoted fan of Syracuse University sports, especially men's basketball, football, and lacrosse. Michel was skilled in most of the trades, but he studied and taught himself finer woodworking techniques later on life. His patience and attention to detail were a perfect fit and he became a near-master woodworker. His works, mostly gifts for family and friends, included cribs, clocks, mirrors, pens, and a kayak that was the envy of his "paddling friends". Michel loved the outdoors and enjoyed hiking, bird watching, camping, fishing and boating; he spent the majority of his leisure time kayaking later on in life. Michel's family will be holding a celebration of his life on Saturday, October 4, 2014 from 2-4 p.m. at Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls, NY. You may leave the family a message of condolence, sign a guestbook, or light a free "Candle of Remembrance" at www.vedderandscottfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michel Vonderweidt
Barry Hayes
September 21, 2022
We miss Michel also. His back field neighbors sharing the pipeline right of way. Bsrry and Joanne
Deb Eichten
September 11, 2019
You are in my thoughts every time I see birds migrating.
Louise Adie
September 11, 2019
I still really miss you, my good kayak paddling buddy! Earliest spring paddling on Cayuga Lake, hitting the big time on Lake Ontario, you always rose to the occasion. I'm so grateful for our water time together, and am grateful to have had you as a friend in my life. The bench as Taughannock is a poignant reminder of a wonderful guy and his life well lived. RIP, dear friend.
Mike Morrissey
March 9, 2015
I do not live in the area and just heard of your father's passing. I was a fraternity brother at Cornell. I have nothing but the fondest memories of Michel and I am truly sorry he is no longer with us.Mike Morrissey
October 8, 2014
I'm so sorry to have missed the remembrance service. My thoughts were with you. My heart aches for your loss, Steve, Chris and Yvonne.
Joyce and Brad Boyer
October 7, 2014
We were so sorry to hear about Michel. My husband use to work with him at Babcocks and I worked with him at CMC. Nice gye. Always enjoyed talking with him.
Nina & Phil Andon-McLane
October 1, 2014
As long-time friends of Michel's sister, Carole Hansen, we had gotten to know Michel pretty well over the years. We enjoyed his company, his humor and shared in his interests in gardening and the outdoors. He was also a terrific Syracuse University sports fan. We will miss going to games with him, especially basketball and lacrosse. He was a kind and gentle person. We lost him too soon.
Nina & Phil Andon-McLane, Syracuse, NY
minh paine
September 25, 2014
Rest in peace. Michel
September 24, 2014
Yvonne, so sorry to hear of your loss. I just head you are back in NY. Love to you and the family, Meg Proulx
David Mastroberti
September 23, 2014
So sorry Steve and Yvonne! You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Joleen and Kent Krogman
September 23, 2014
Very sorry to hear that Michel is gone. Kent and I remember him Very fondly from his years at Babcocks and beyond. Our condolences to the family.
Barry Hayes
September 19, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of Michel's passing. We shared information and a back fence connection with tractors and back hoes to clear adjoining brambles at the back property lines. I noticed earlier this summer that he had mowed the pipeline right of way and I had yet to do my part of it. I was planning to come and chat sometime soon. Michel will be sorely missed.
Peter
September 19, 2014
Cream cheese and jelly sandwiches. Just one of the things that will always come to mind when I think of Michel. He'd have one every day when the Babcock building and maintenance crew would head back to the shop for lunch. I am very blessed to have spent so much time with Michel back then. He taught me a great deal in the trades, and I can rarely approach a project or home repair without some of Michel's tips or techniques coming forth. He was always so generous with his spirit and knowledge.
Steve and Chris, if you would remember me, it would be with the rest of that Babcock crew; Rumsey, Luoma, Rappleye, Drake. Or maybe when I would stop by Searsburg Rd after visiting my sister Janice.
Maybe we will have a chance to see each other soon...I welcome that connection and meanwhile will be thinking of you and the many wonderful stories and memories I have because I was lucky enough to know your Dad.
Another fun paddle outing with our friend. A group of us will paddle together this weekend in that same spot, one of his favorites.
Louise Adie
September 19, 2014
Deb Eichten
September 18, 2014
Michel will be remembered as one of those rare souls who always shared hope and optimism,who greeted friends with a smile heard even in his voice during the briefest of telephone calls. I will miss you my kayaking-camping-fishing-birding buddy. A paddles up salute to you. May your fmaily find comfort that you now rest in calm waters.
Marian & Steve Hovencamp
September 18, 2014
Chris and Steve: we were shocked and saddened to read about your Dad. You may recall that we worked with him for many years at Babcock's, and we have many fond memories of our years of friendship at work, visiting your home, seeing the fruits of his garden, his woodworking, etc. and sharing stories of our kids together. He was a kind, gentle spirit. He always had a welcoming smile whenever we would see him. Our thoughts are with you and your families. He will live on forever in your hearts!
Megan Henry
September 18, 2014
I'm so sad to read of Michel's passing. I worked at CMC with him for a short period of time. He made me feel welcomed, and always made me feel appreciated. I have a piece of his woodwork. A beautiful 6 piece candle holder he made for me as my secret Santa. I have kept it all of these years for it's beauty, and the obvious hard work that went into making it. My condolences to his family.
Carol Sue Uitos
September 17, 2014
I have known Michel for many years working at CMC. He always had a smile and a willing nature. I missed his garden as it was always so neat and productive. My sincere condolences.
Leo Luoma
September 17, 2014
Rest in peace old friend
September 17, 2014
September 17, 2014
September 17, 2014
On a very calm Lake Ontario
Louise Adie
September 17, 2014
I'm already missing Michel. I know his struggle was difficult but he was so lucky to have you all near him through his final weeks, days and hours. What a blessing you all are. I'm so sorry for your loss, Michel was always a bright light, a beacon of a friend to all us paddlers here in T'burg and Ithaca. He and I frequently paddled from Sheldrake, looking for bald eagles...and often finding them. We were usually the first ones on the lake in springtime, according to cottagers there. He always had time, and the prefect tools, for whatever hairbrained project I concocted and needed help with. He was so easy-going, always letting me use the tools and machinery, while he stood by and let me have a go at it. His presence has been missed these past two years at Women Swimmin'...he was a steadfast volunteer alongside us. I'll miss my frequent visits with him, before he started getting sicker and during his decline...it was painful to watch him but in typical style, he didn't want to dwell on it, choosing instead to be upbeat, positive and part of the living world, until the very end. He will be greatly missed. Your struggle is done, Michel, may you float eternally on calm waters. Rest in peace, my friend.
Dusk Lipton
September 17, 2014
I knew Michel as a kayaking friend for the last few years when I spent my summers in Ithaca. He was a kind, fun, unpretentious, interesting and nice man. I will miss him.
ED KELLEY
September 17, 2014
I was shocked to hear Michel had pasted,i had worked with him at babcocks, for years he was a good man taken to early. R.I.P my friend
Bonnie Rappleye
September 17, 2014
Sorry to hear of Michels passing.
Amy Brand
September 17, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I work at CMC and Michel and I have been friends for many years. He was kind and funny and I have alot of great memories. He will be greatly missed.
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Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home122 N. Genessee St., Montour Falls, NY 14865
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