Donard (Don) Peter Vieira
December 23, 1971 – April 1, 2024
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 neighbours 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.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. The service will be held at the Dryden Fairgrounds, located at 99 Scott Street in Dryden, Ontario. There will be a private internment of ashes held at a later date.
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.
Condolences may be posted to the www.dcfh.ca
Arrangements entrusted to the
Dryden Community Funeral Home
249 Grand Trunk Ave. Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
