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noralee posted a condolence
Saturday, September 7, 2013
hi there i have only recently had the pleasure of reading pariah as written by the late brian i thought to send him a thank you message and was saddened to hear of his passing but no matter his words live on and he was very helpful to me in sorting out a pernicious problem that had been bothering me of late you life was not in vein Brian and ta siul agam go tabharfaidh Dia solas and suaimhneas anois agus go brach le gra more nora
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Jim McGann posted a condolence
Sunday, July 28, 2013
I am so sorry to learn of Brian's passing. I was a class mate of Brian at Loretto High School and we lived together while at Michigan State (along with George Calery). Brian was great to be around and was always upbeat and positive. I saw him at our last reunion and we talked at length about his work, good times we had and looked forward to seeing each other at the next reunion. I know he will be missed by many. I'm sorry for the lateness of my message but I now live in Minnesota so am out of touch. My thoughts are with you and I'll always have fond memories of Brian.
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Sally (Wright) Hutt posted a condolence
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Brian was my very first true boyfriend back in high school (Loretto Catholic Central) in Sault Ste Marie MI. We were together for 18 months and I've never forgotten what a sweet, funny and talented guy he was. I am so proud of his sucess and so very, very sad to hear of his passing. I realize it's been over 50 years, but he was a man you would never forget. Rest in peace dear man, you bring to heaven with you a piece of my heart.
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Patti Brindle posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
I had the privilege of meeting Brian this past year when he was invited to speak by the shelter where I work in North Bay. While I have learned from his books and from listening to him speak, it is one thing he said to me that touched me more than anything - he told me that I was his hero. I know the same thing could be said about him. Through his words and actions, he inspired and help people that never even met him. What an incredible blessing to have lived this kind of life. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time.
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hana gartner posted a condolence
Monday, August 29, 2011
I'm staring at an old polaroid. Obviously a crew shot of us celebrating a wrap. Now I'm on my way to celebrate your life Vallee. You are missed. My most sincere condolences to all those who loved you. hana
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Dorothy-Anna Orser posted a condolence
Monday, August 8, 2011
Nancy - I was away on holidays, our annual jaunt to Maine, when Brenda told me the news. I emailed your work as had no other email. I was so sad to hear the news and wish I had known he was ill. It must have come up quite suddenly. Please know that we are thinking of you and send our most heartfelt condolences. You certainly will miss him. Stuart said he would have liked to have gotten to know Brian better. If there is anything I can do don't hesitate to let me know. All my love, Dorothy-Anna
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Kate Woodman posted a condolence
Friday, August 5, 2011
I still can hardly believe that Brian is gone--what a loss to us all! He was a tremendous man--so full of life, compassion, intelligence! His contribution to understanding domestic violence, its impacts and urgent need for solutions, was far-reaching. His vision, tremendous. While I engaged with him professionally on many of these initiatives--most recently on the creation of End Abuse Canada--I heard lots of his stories about his family. How you must all miss him! My heart goes out to you, Kate Woodman
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Tullio & Louise Provenzano posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
To Nancy & the Vallee Family: We are truly saddened to hear of the loss of your dearly loved and highly respected friend and brother Brian. May the love and support of family and friends give you comfort at this time and the strength to face the days ahead without him. He has left an indelible mark on today's society and his memory with undoubtedly live on forever. May he rest in peace. In Friendship and compassion .... Tullio & Louise Provenzano
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Heather Bickle posted a condolence
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Brian was a joy to work with (on his website) even if it was just for a little while. His passion for making people aware of the truth about domestic violence was incredible. His stories about his remarkable career(s) were very entertaining. This white knight is now riding in a new place! :)
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Francine Blais lit a candle
Friday, July 29, 2011
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It has been a privilege to have known you, Brian. My sincere condelences to Nancy and your family.
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Bob Culbert posted a condolence
Friday, July 29, 2011
Brian was a first-class journalist, a great writer and most of all a very decent and generous human being. His passion for his work..his dedication to the characters in his stories ..and the great humour he displayed in the often difficult search for the truth were infectious. The Canadian media industry has lost a great talent and a rare character. My sincere sympathies to all his family.
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Richard Chapman posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
It is with deep sadness and heartfelt regret I learned of Brian's passing. His blazing comet crossed my horizons only briefly at noon hour hockey pickup games at Moss Park Arena with assorted Toronto Sun skaters in the 1980's and '90's, and then through collaborating on a journalistic project. Brian was a well of good writing advice and despite doing his best every day to imitate a mean old grizzly bear barnstorming through the bush (a good description of his hockey style actually) it's hard to imagine a gentler bear or one with a kinder heart than Brian Vallee. It's comforting to learn that Brian was surrounded by people who love him. It will be impossible to pass by Moss Park Arena ever again without thinking of Brian's delightful soul and indomitable spirit.
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Mary Nowosielski posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
To Nancy & Brian's family: I had barely absorbed the fact of Brian's illness when I received the sad news of his passing and my first thought was there goes another one from our close circle. Granted, I have not seen Brian in quite a while but those growing up years have cemented a bond between our families which is not easily broken and therefore your sorrow is also ours. Brian was not a person you forgot - no matter how much time passed. My memories of Brian were of his enthusiasm for life and how he loved a good party, but you saw his compassion and sensitivity for people not only in his manner but through his writing. He was a great person and a great writer with the power of words which benefitted others, but mere words cannot easily comfort loved ones when they suffer such a loss. I will just say how deeply sorry we are and I know that through the closeness and support of family and friends you will have the strength to cope. Ada is away on a trip but she has asked me to convey her condolences also and her regret on what has happened. Love, Mary and Ada.
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Erlene Shea (nee Della Costanza) posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Dear Nelda, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother, Brian. Erlene
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Gloria Fraser posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
very fond memories from Gloria Fraser my deepest sympathy to the family Nancy you take care of yourself
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George Hutchison posted a condolence
Monday, July 25, 2011
Aside from the tortierre parties, Christmases by the hearth, the fishing, the poker, the golf, the boys’ nights out, quiet dinners, raucous press club sessions, political conventions, celebratory book launches, ball games, fireworks from the rooftop… One of my fondest memories of Brian was when Elaine and I found him (where else?) at the piano bar in the Windsor Arms. He handsomely commanded the room, his rugged good looks grinning from beneath his favourite brown leather cowboy hat. Brian’s looming presence, though, clearly displeased the house piano player, who tinkled out pleasant standards while patrons quietly sipped on their white wine and cocktails. You knew it was going to happen! The piano player took a break. Brian slipped onto his bench and began pounding out one of his rock ‘n roll renditions, shouting into the mic “Goodness Gracious, Great Balls of Fire,” or “A Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On.” The room erupted in song and applause, the audience seemingly recognizing the tunes Brian was mangling. It was one of those Brian Vallee in-your-face moments that again demonstrated his passion for life, an unbridled passion that led us to the conclusion that the guy would live well beyond all of us; invincible. Ironically, during one of our last times together, Brian led me to the basement of his favourite haunt, the St. Lawrence Market, where he counseled me on the goodness of stonecut oats, bran and other grains in prolonging life by keeping cholesterol in check and innards percolating. Brian will be remembered by many for his passionate brand of journalism; his scoops and books and television productions. But to the Hutchisons, he will linger in our lives as a wonderful friend with whom – along with Nancy and his eclectic network of buddies – we shared so many happy hours together.
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Clare Freeman posted a condolence
Monday, July 25, 2011
To Nancy and Brian's family and friends. Once in a while someone meets you on your path and changes you and those around him forever! Brian was one of those people. I am deeply sadened to hear of his passing. I was speaking to some of my fellow Violence Against Women advocates and they ALL spoke of his contribution and his respect for our hard efforts and the injustices of domestic violence and its negative impact on women, their families and their communities. When ever we spoke or presented together he was a breath of fresh air and I always enjoyed presenting with him. I will deeply miss him. Nancy, my condolences on your loss. Clare Freeman, Executive Director Interval House of Hamilton
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Dana McPhail posted a condolence
Monday, July 25, 2011
I met Brian when I was 19 years old. That was 31 years ago. My first memory of Brian was sitting at the piano at the TPC playing out his favorite hits from the 50's. I was smitten by his presence. He simply glowed. He commanded the room.....in his own quiet and unique way. Since that time, Brian became, and still is to this day one of the most positive influences in my life. He was the kindest, warmest and most intelligent human being. I was in an abusive relationship and ready to marry at 24. When Brian heard that I had called my wedding off.....he called me to effuse his relief that I had escaped. He knew.....I had no idea then how he knew....but he did. My wonderful friend Brian...I was devastated to hear that you of all people succumbed to cancer. I didn't know you were ill and am so sad that we missed your tortierre party this past January. We were away, and were sure we would see you this year. Cancer was the last thing I would have expected to take you my dear friend. You were the epitome of good healthy living. I thought you would live to 99....full of life. So unfair. Unbelievable really. I'm still reeling from the shock. My husband and brother are as well. Thank you dear friend for everything. For introducing me to Willy Nelson, Waylon and the boys. I will never forget you for as long as I live. My heart aches for your family and especially for Nancy. Such a great loss.....but a life lived so well and selflessly that I know without a doubt you will rest in peace. And I hear there are pianos in heaven. Goodbye Brian, see you at some time later. Love Dana. (and Brian and Lee)
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shirley teasdale posted a condolence
Monday, July 25, 2011
Nancy -- I was so saddened to hear about Brian's death. I also heard from Bob Thomas about the long days you have been spending at Brian's bedside. Please know that my thoughts are with you at this terrible time. Love, Shirley
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Lynn Bowering posted a condolence
Monday, July 25, 2011
In November last year, Brian made a passionate presentation at a Community Forum held by the Perth County Stop Violence Against Women Committee. His passion and commitment to ending women abuse was an inspiration to us all. Our sincere condolences to Nancy and all his family. Lynn Bowering, on behalf of the Perth County Stop Violence Against Women Committee
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Chief Bob Davies & All Members, Sault Ste Marie Police Service posted a condolence
Monday, July 25, 2011
Levis and family: our deepest sympathies on the loss of your brother, Brian. From your friends and colleagues at the Sault Ste Marie Police Service. Chief Bob Davies & All Members Sault Ste Marie Police Service
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John Cosway posted a condolence
Sunday, July 24, 2011
With heavy hearts we say farewell to Brian, but the memories remain. His selfless nature, his professionalism, his press club piano concerts, his poker table presence, his love for his years at the Toronto Sun, his books, his documentaries. Forever young, Nancy. Always remembered.
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Heather Bickle posted a condolence
Friday, July 22, 2011
Heather Bickle made a donation to Nellie's Shelter for Women
During this most difficult time I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathies to Brian's family and to Nancy. Brian was a joy to work with (on his website) even if it was just for a little while. His passion for making people aware of the truth about domestic violence was incredible. His stories about his remarkable career(s) was very entertaining. This white knight is now riding in a new place! :)
