Edgar Coleman VENNE

Just last week I was with some friends from the late 60s at OTHS and in the midst of a discussion on politics and a question we didn't know the answer to, I said we should get in touch with Mr Venne to resolve this. He taught us history and geography and awakened in me and my friends an ongoing interest and desire to learn and to understand. We felt that he was genuinely interested in us and in what we would do with our future. The best teacher I ever had and a wonderful human being.

Ed was a wonderful man to work for. I was the Guidance Secretary at SWL for many years and found him to be a most patient and understanding man. Never a bad word about anyone or anything. Always time for anyone who needed it. Rest in peace Mr. Venne.

Mr. Venne taught me History at Colonel By and provided valuable counsel in my teen years. His enthusiasm for his subject and his warmth as a human being helped to inspire me to become a teacher. Not every teacher has the self-confidence to laugh at themselves but Mr. Venne did. Possessed of a rail-thin body, he took off his shirt & struck a bodybuilder pose during a school assembly. This brought down the house & earned him the enduring moniker 'Edible Ed'. Rest in Peace.

Edgar Venne was my history teacher at Osgoode Township High School in the late 1960s. He was a truly inspiring teacher with a great sense of humour. Even before he became a guidance counsellor, he listened to and mentored many students, including me. He was instrumental in helping us make wise career choices, and because of him, I entered the teaching profession. My sincere condolences to the Venne and Coleman families on the passing of a caring and compassionate man.
Anne VanDongen-McCready

My sincere condolences to Edgar's family.

Wow. Deepest Condolences to the Venne & Coleman Families. I remember Edgar from our many conversations along the beach at Black Bay, Luskville, where he resided with his beloved Mother, who passed away quite recently as well. So sorry to see so ,any of the Black Bay crowd pass in recent years, including: Edgar's Mother Marie, Audrey de Carle & her beloved son, Peter; the family Matriarch Dom Disipio; our good neighbours, Joe & Mary Pelisek; our good friend Dr. Ken Faloon; and of course my mother, Noreen Quinlan. Not the same anymore up at Black Bay. Deepest Condolences to all ; and of course sorry if I have omitted anyone from this list.

I was a student of Mr. Venne's at St. Mark's High School in Aylmer. It possibly was the first year he taught. While visiting friends this past weekend, some of whom had been his students as well, he came to mind as we passed his Aylmer home. I shared a personal memory of his generosity and kindness as a young man. Others had wonderful memories of him as well. RIP Mr. Venne, you were one of the best.

I remember our 1950,s in Aylmer. Edgar couldn't hit the golf ball far, but he was very consistent. We played touch football at Barry Fortey's home with David Hughes etc. His uncle Coleman was my first hockey instructor, May our friend Edgar rest in peace.
Ralph Stahan

I remember Mr. Venne very well from my years at OTHS. His smile, great sense of humour and fairness were much appreciated by many students. He'd be proud of me now - I've gained an appreciation for history :)
My sympathy to his family. May he rest in peace.

Ed Venne was one of many individuals who made a difference in so many young people's lives. For me in particular he was both a caring listener and a wise mentor. One of the CB originals he will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace sir.

Rest now Edgar. Say hello to everyone up there.

Edgar will be missed by everyone who knew him and my condolences go out to the family.
He loved playing golf and he was a genius at the racetrack where he really enjoyed spending time.
You touched a lot of lives Eddie and all who were fortunate enough to know you were better off for it...may God Bless.

A truly wonderful lad and a great teacher. One of his great attributes was his memory for names and stories associated with them. He is missed. My condolences to the family.

I remember Mr.Venne very well, even though I graduated from high school over 35 years ago. He was so kind! He believed me when no one else did. Rest in peace, dear sir, you left a wonderful legacy.

Mr. Venne was always kind and friendly, a smiling face during my high school years - although not my GC he encouraged me to follow my aspirations - Thank you so much... When I returned for CB reunions he greeted me with warmth and enthusiasm - he is one of the educators I shall never forget...
My sincere condolences to his family and those whose lives he touched
Susan Sibbit

Mr. Venne was my guidance counselor at Colonel By High School in the 1970's. He was truly a kind soul who had a huge positive impact on everyone who knew him. Very sorry to hear of his passing.

I remember Mr. Venne as a kind man who provided me with much needed guidance. Journey well...

Our prayers are with you Edgar. We all enjoyed many good times. Now at peace & never to be forgotten!!

Wayne & Mary Harris

My sincere condolences to the Venne family. I remember Mr. Venne as a dedicated teacher and a very favorite of my husband's at Osgoode High. May he rest in peace.

My condolences to the family of this dear man. I returned to school as a mature student (two years older than he was I see) and was in Ed's Grade 13 History class at Metcalfe. What a wonderful experience for me having such a knowledgeable, gentle and understanding teacher! Under his influence I became interested in politics and cannot thank him enough for all that he inspired in me and the rest of his students. Rest in peace, dear Ed......you have earned your just reward.
God bless!
Linda Bekkers

I was a history student of Mr. Venne's at OTHS in the late 60s. Because I was at that time far from being an exemplanary student, it might have surprised him that I later became a teacher myself, and that I will always remember his classes as most inspiring. His passion for history instilled in me a love for that discipline that lead me to study it later at McGill - long after graduating from high school. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Please accept my condolences. Mr. Venne was my history teacher in 1972 at Colonel By High School. He was an excellent teacher, and, when I became a teacher later on, I tried to treat my students the way he had treated us. We always knew that we were important to him, and when we saw how much history meant to him, we realized how lucky we were that he had chosen to share his knowledge with us.

A gentle giant in the field of education. A wonderful man who so positively affected the lives of young people.

Rest in peace Ed. I remember the good times at Col By. You were a guiding light for so many students and a you had such a calming effect on so many others. Go with God.

Elaine Boudreau
Former front-office secretary @ Col By SS.