Vonnie was an intense man. He had great love for his family, Viv and his kids Fraser, Stacey and grandkids. That love extended to his sisters, Bunny and Sherry and Judy, his secretary (more family than secretary) of many years and on to the many nieces, nephews (one of which was named after him) and cousins and the many friends he made throughout the years.
He was very well known and a leader in the business community in Calgary, admired and well respected for his business acumen. He was successful in his business ventures and companies and was a member of many Boards. I remember when our mother passed, we were gathered together in Moose Jaw. I answered the phone and it was for Vonnie but he was out. The caller was a very prominent Ottawa politician and he was calling to pass on his condolences. Wow, my brother, a mover and a shaker!
He was lots of fun. One time when Bunny and I were visiting he and Viv in Arizona, Vonnie very excitedly told us we were going on a "secret adventure". Turns out it was a raid to pick grapefruit in someone's backyard. Lots of laughter and luckily it was a friend. Imagine two sisters from Saskatchewan picking grapefruit in an orchard in someone's backyard. An orchard in a backyard??
Dick and Vonnie became pretty good buddies. V & V came with us on our honeymoon to Mexico. Dick and Viv met each morning for breakfast while Vonnie and I overslept. Viv filled Dick in on how close the family ties were .. poor Dick I think he was a tad scared. We went to a naughty drive-in movie .. Viv and I in the back seat and the two guys in front. Another night stopped for gas and the two guys of course go in to pay leaving Viv and I in the car. They enjoyed some beer, came back empty handed. I of course took exception, Viv laughed and Vonnie was still my hero.
We arrived back in Calgary with about $7.00 between the four of us. While on this trip Vonnie lost his job. He never let on how worried he was and never let it interfere with our fun.
Losing his job was the start of good fortune. Vonnie started his first pension fund company and never looked back. He was very successful in the company and this led to success in all that followed. And with that success he was extremely generous .. in thought, word and deed.
Another memory in Arizona was of Dick and I and V and V going horseback riding. Dick was given a huge, rather spirited horse (Dick terrified) and Vonnie a small runt of a horse who did not move. Since Vonnie's feet were on the ground anyway he ended up just walking the horse. It was hilarious!
We spent a lot of time together while we were in Calgary .. good times! They came often to Toronto when we moved back .. many times with Fraser and Stacey in tow. One time in particular catching the chicken pox from Cam and Brad.
While in hospital Vonnie's memory started to fade but for a long time his mind could still focus on business and family until the dementia finally took over. The ultimate betrayal.
My brother.
A hug to Viv,
Love Sherry
