Donard P. Vieira, 52, of Dryden, Ontario, unexpectedly passed away on April 1, 2024. Donard, more fondly known as Don or Donny, was born to Jose and Maria Fatima Vieira, on December 23, 1971, in Dryden, Ontario.
Don spent his entire life in his hometown of Dryden, where he attended Dryden High School. He worked at Canadian Tire for 29 years, eventually becoming the Parts and Service manager, after starting at age 16. He was well-known for his vast knowledge and care for his customers. He was always seen with a pen tucked behind his ear and was known for pranking his co-workers. Eventually, he left Canadian Tire to work for Tera North for almost 8 years, completing jobs around the area.
Don is survived by his lifelong partner, Tania Weigelt, and his only daughter, Essence Vieira. He is also survived by his sister, Vitalia Potts (Brian), and brother, Paul Vieira, as well as his nieces and nephews, Megan, Brianne, Kane, Emilie, Riley, and Payton. Don was predeceased by his parents, Jose and Fatima.
Don was very close with his parents when they were alive. He spent every single lunch break at their house, where his mother would always have a meal ready for him. If he didn’t visit on his lunch break, he always made sure to visit on his way home after work. Don was always ready to help his parents with whatever they needed.
Don was known for his love of animals. He was known to stop and help every animal he could. Don deeply loved all of his previous dogs and made sure to give them an unlimited number of treats. He was usually found napping on the couch with his dogs laying on top of him. He was especially close with his boxer, Bella, who he took for walks multiple times a day and always made sure to share an apple fritter with her every time he went to Tim Hortons. They were often seen walking along the trails near New Prospect. He was well-known for his rescued macaw, Tiki, who he loved to show off to anyone who asked or didn’t. Don spent nearly every waking moment with Tiki and always had her perched on his shoulder.
Don was also locally known for his cars, particularly his red Camaro, which he has driven around and showed off since he was young. Near the end of his life, he became obsessed with RC cars and collected many over a short period of time. He spent nearly every day driving the RC cars around the yard and doing tricks while his family and neighbors watched.
While Don left us far too soon, the impact he had on the community will be felt for years to come, as he brought joy to the whole town with his Kellar Road Christmas lights display that he built with Tania. Together, they spent months planning the light display and collected lights all year round, with bigger and better ideas each year. Don was often seen peeking out the windows to watch everyone laugh and enjoy the show, while he counted how many people visited each night with a big smile on his face.
Condolences(11)-
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Rick and Lorraine Wyder says
April 10, 2024 at 9:40 pmDesr Tania and family
Please accept our sincere and deepest sympathy during your time of sorrow. Don will be missed by so many people who had the fortunate opportunity to know him as he touched so many people’s lives. Our hearts broke when we heard this devastating news and please know we are keeping you and your family in our hearts and in our prayers. Rick and Lorraine Wyder
Janine says
April 10, 2024 at 11:36 pmOur hearts and our deepest sympathy to his family ! I was fortunate to have met and worked with this man so funny and always smiling 😊love you Beautiful ❤️see you in the other side ☀️
Wendy Weist (Garon) says
April 11, 2024 at 1:22 amTania, Essence and Family
We were so sorry to hear about Donny’s passing. When we first met Donny he felt like family. He was an amazing person. We extend our deepest condolences to you and your family and we are thinking about you during this very difficult time.
Lawrence and Gloria Garon
Bob and Wendy Weist
Rosario Sittaro says
April 12, 2024 at 4:07 pmOur deepest condolences to Tania, Essence and families on your recent loss of Don. May the many beautiful memories that you shared help to comfort all of you during this most difficult time. Thinking of all and sending prayers and love. Rose and Mario Sittaro
Vanessa Viscek says
April 12, 2024 at 5:34 pmI remember the day I first met your dad (and you)- when your parents dropped you off to move into our student house in London. Despite our brief interaction, his warmth and genuine care for you were evident. Please know that you, your mom, and your family are in my thoughts. Wishing you strength and comfort during this challenging time. Sending you all my love and support.
Vanessa Viscek
Cathy says
April 14, 2024 at 5:10 pmI am really sorry for your loss. I have worked with him at Canadian Tire he was always nice to talk to and very friendly. Sending you all my love and support.
Cathy B
Garry and Pina Tirschman says
April 15, 2024 at 10:51 amSo sorry for your loss Tania and Essence and family,take care of each other and he will always be near your hearts.Sending deepest condolences.
Jim and Lori Bot says
April 15, 2024 at 1:02 pmOur condolences to Tania and Essence on your loss of Don/Dad.
Sylvianne Cardinal Pitre says
April 18, 2024 at 12:12 pmOur sincere condolences to you Tania, Essence and the family for your loss. We worked with Donny and he was pleasant and made us laugh. Your in our thoughts and prayers 🙏 ❤ Bernie & Sylvianne
Sylvianne & Bernie Pitre says
April 18, 2024 at 12:14 pmOur sincere condolences to you Tania, Essence and the family for your loss. We worked with Donny and he was pleasant and made us laugh. Your in our thoughts and prayers 🙏 ❤ Bernie & Sylvianne
Brigitte, Randy and Vanessa says
April 19, 2024 at 3:36 amThe news of Don’s passing has just reached us and we are shocked at the loss of a life so young, kind, fun and vibrant.
We have been reminiscing of our childhood; the days when we along with Donnie, his brother Paul and sister Vitalia and several others in our little neighbourhood would get together for one grand adventure or another. From building snow forts and sledding down the hill behind our school almost every day in winter to the fort building in our garages and then summer games in the playground, biking and games of tag and hide and seek late into the night while the neighbours stoically endured our loud shrieks of glee and laughter. And these were the tamer adventures. It wasn’t long before Donnie and the other boys wanted more excitement and thrills and along came the more daring do adventures on dirt bikes, motor bikes and ski-doos. And those are just the ones that we, the more sensible sisters, know about. Knowing the thrill seeking, fun loving and risk taking personalities of our brothers at that time, we can only imagine what adventures they dreamed up and participated in. I am sure our mothers were somewhat grateful not to know or grey hairs would have sprouted several decades too early.
Our lives have taken different paths as adults but the memories of those childhood days have not waned or been forgotten. And the world we now live in needs more kind, thoughtful and fun people like Don, so his loss is greatly felt by anyone that had the good fortune to share a part of their lives with him.
To Vitalia and Paul, our dear childhood friends, and to Tania and Essence, words of sympathy and condolence will not ease the grief you feel or fill the void in your hearts, but we offer them to let you know our hearts are crying alongside yours. Don will always live in our hearts and memories.
With love,
Brigitte, Randy and Vanessa
Should friends so desire, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Boxer Rescue via email at boxerwiggles@yahoo.ca or via cheque made out to Winnipeg Boxer rescue and mailed to: Winnipeg Boxer Rescue, PO Box 26, Komarno, MB, R0C 1R0. Donations may also be made to Boxer Rescue Ontario via cheque made out to: Boxer Rescue Ontario, PO Box 68510, Great Lakes, Brampton, ON, L6R 0J8.
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