David Vienneau

On behalf of my husband Howie and myself, I would like to express sincere condolences to Dave's family. Howie and I attended Parkside High School in Dundas ON with Dave. He was known as a great athlete, a prankster and a loyal friend. We have moved away and have not kept in touch, but during the televised leaders' debates in the recent federal election, Dave's appearance prompted Howie and I, with our son Jared, to go back and look at high school yearbooks and reminisce on our years together. Thanks for the memories.

I've enjoyed reading about Dave's accomplishments in life on the internet and would like to share some recollections I have of him.

I haven't seen him since about 1972 but I did give him a surprise phone call sometime in the last ten years to reminisce and we had a few laughs.

One of his earliest claims to fame was a wicked slapshot with a tennis ball. I remember playing goalie in street hockey games and he would take shots that really stung if you didn't catch them in your ball glove. Dave was 2 years older than I was so would usually talk me into playing goal so he could practice his shot. I remember he would compliment me on how much I was improving in my goaltending technique which convinced me to continue playing. It was fun even if his shots did sometimes hurt.

I recall that Dave hit a monster homerun when playing Little League baseball for the Orioles in his hometown of Dundas. He would have been 12 years old. He whacked it out of the park striking the clubhouse some 60 feet beyond the 180 foot left field fence. I believe it was the longest homer ever hit at Martino Memorial Park. I hope that the next time his little brother Roger is visiting Dundas, ON that he phones me and we'll go down to the park to replay that great hit his big brother Dave hit around 1963.

Another memory of Dave I have is drinking beer in the Collins Hotel when we were supposed to be at Parkside High School probably around 1970. The conversation turned to American politics. Dave dominated the arguments. He was passionate. I remember being highly impressed with his knowledge of politics because at the time I doubt that anyone at our table knew what a democrat or republican was. Dave showed a flash of brilliance which distinguished him and probably was a early sign of the bright future he would have in journalism.

I'm proud to say I knew Dave Vienneau. I offer my deepest sympathy to his family.

Gordon is the cousin of his mother Dorothy.

On behalf of myself and the Laking family, we wish to express our deepest sympathy to the entire Vienneau family. Nicole and Jordyn, I can't begin to imagine your sorrow at this time. Always remember all the fond memories David left you with and carry them with you forever. Jordyn, keep your chin up and remember the saying, "GO 6 GO". Our prayers are with you. Elsia, Lance, Sara, Shane and Jesse Laking.

Marie & Edward Connors

Marie is the cousin of Davids Mother Dorothy

On behalf of myself and the entire Lawrence family we wish to extend our deepest sympathies. We grew up with Dave and have many fond memories of the Vienneau family. Dave and I have emailed back and forth over the last couple of years and he was very proud of his family and loved his job. I kidded him about the numerous pronunciations of his name and his comment was - as long as the cheques keep coming they can call me anything. - Typical Dave. The last time I saw Dave was at the Catus Fest in Dundas when he came back to visit after his dad died and we talked about the PeeWee Herman Bike. He will always be remembered with a smile and missed by all that knew him.