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Susan Richards posted a condolence
Friday, December 25, 2015
Mr. van Dongen was a positive influence in my youth. He, along with other music teachers in St. Catharines, taught and encouraged me to make music a part of my life. I also, was a member of the original Niagara Youth Orchestra. I still play the French Horn in various ensembles in Victoria.
Thank you, for making music a part of my soul.
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Rosemary Thomson donated to NIAGARA YOUTH ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
In memory of Paul vanDongen a wonderful musician and mentor
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Rosemary Thomson posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Dear Edith and family;
I was so saddened to hear that Paul has died. Alison sent me his obituary and a flood of memories came rushing in; auditioning for him when I was 10 for the youth orchestra, playing under his baton and becoming aware of the possibility of just what a difference a conductor can make, working at summer camp and spending evenings at your home playing chamber music and being very well fed, Paul's joy as we struggled through Verklarte Nacht and then listened to the recording- my first introduction to this incredible piece, playing again under his baton at the youth orchestra's 35th anniversary and maybe strongest of all, having him play under my baton when I conducted the Niagara Symphony. I thought I would be so nervous conducting him, when he had such an impact on my life, but he was just full of pride and joy and so encouraging.
I can honestly say that I wouldn't be conducting today without him. I started cello in the school instrumental program because of him, I played in the youth orchestra because of him. Both of those things were instrumental in my development as a musician and I would never have taken up conducting myself had I not had those experiences. I will be forever grateful for what I learned from Paul in all aspects of music making, but mostly for the incredible joy that he took from music and teaching and passed on to so many of us.
I know that you will feel his absence and your loss more keenly than the rest of us, but please know how much of his life will continue to impact the world through the hundreds of students that he inspired to make music. I am sending you my sincerest sympathy. The world is a sadder place without Paul in it, but because of him, we will continue to make music to lift our spirits. With love, Rose
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Sheila Busch posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Mike, Sheryl & family
So sorry to hear about your Dad. We will always remember him and your Mom at every elementary school concert. There was also a great evening that he help us pick a violin for our Julia. Such a lovely gentleman.
Thinking of you all
Tom & Sheila
Alex, Julia & Olivia Busch
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Natalie Vonlanthen posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
My thoughts are prayers are with you all. I am so sorry for your loss Paul. Much love - Nat
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Susan Armbrust donated to NIAGARA YOUTH ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
My sincere condolences Paul gave to me the great gift of music at an early age. Heartfelt thanksPaul
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Julie Mason (nee Leighton) posted a condolence
Monday, December 21, 2015
It was with tremendous sadness I read today of your father's passing. I have such fond memories of Mr. van Dongen from music class at Laura Secord. I was undoubtedly the worst violin player he ever encountered, but his gentle manner and sense of humour always prevailed. I struggled with music theory too, and I will never forget how he allowed me to re-take my theory exam which I had failed miserably. He gave me extra help, I studied like mad, and when my 2nd result came with at an astonishing 100%, no one was more pleased than him. He was truly a class act, and definitely one of my favourite teachers. To his sons whom I was at school with - your dad was one in a million, and I am so terribly sorry for your loss, but hope that, in time, you can take comfort in the many wonderful memories you surely have of him.
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Susan [Hunter] Guise-Bagley posted a condolence
Monday, December 21, 2015
I first met Mr van Dongen in the mid-60s, at an in-school violin program at my public school in St Catharines. He changed my life dramatically from that very first class, although I didn't know it at the time.
I also knew Mr van Dongen for many years while I was a member of the former St Catharines Youth Orchestra and St Catharines Symphony. I still have my SCYO patch and a very blurry photo from the 1st Canadian Youth Orchestra Festival in Banff (in the early 70s).
I remember many Saturday mornings rehearsing at First United Church in the youth orchestra and I'm sure it kept a lot of us out of trouble. My favourite quote of his: "My mistake, you're wrong".
I simply adored the music that we learned and performed.
I'll always be grateful to him for his musical gift and teaching. He was one of those few people who made a difference in my life, and I was fortunate enough to tell him that at the youth orchestra reunion some 15 years ago. I was also deeply touched that Mr and Mrs van Dongen both attended my mother's memorial service, almost 8 years ago.
I want to offer my deepest condolences to the van Dongen and Harder families. I live two hours away, so won't be able to attend the visitation, but I will be there in spirit and with deep gratitude.
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." - Albert Schweitzer
From "Peanuts" (his nickname for me that first class)
Susan [Hunter] Guise-Bagley
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The Belchior Family posted a condolence
Monday, December 21, 2015
Our condolences to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Carolyn Watson & Christopher Lortie posted a condolence
Monday, December 21, 2015
We are very sorry to hear of Paul van Dongen's passing. We have happy memories of visiting him to select Christopher's violins. It was a great honour for Christopher to be conducted by Paul earlier this year at the 50th anniversary celebration for the Niagara Youth Orchestra. His enthusiasm and support for the young music community of Niagara will certainly live on in the countless lives that he touched.
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Judy Fuzzen posted a condolence
Monday, December 21, 2015
Dear Edith, Paul, Chris and Mike,
Erin, Leigh, Meghan and I were deeply saddened to hear of Paul's passing. His passion for music was passed on to countless others in the community, including two generations of our family. We were so pleased to be able to play together under his baton at the Youth Orchestra reunion. We will miss his guidance, humour and wonderful smile and will hold his memory close. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you all.
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Cécile Desrosiers and Daniel Swift posted a condolence
Sunday, December 20, 2015
We are very saddened by the news of Paul’s passing. He and Edith welcomed us very warmly in St Catharines, and many good moments spent with him now come back to mind. As fellow musicians, we had the greatest respect for his knowledge, his talent as a teacher, a performer and a conductor. Paul was also gifted with a “smiling soul” that helped put all difficulties in perspective. Moreover, his wit and humor enlivened any conversation and one could not but feel more intelligent around him, a telltale sign of his own generosity. Paul changed people’s lives for the better and we, as many others, owe him in that respect.
Deepest sympathies to Edith, Michael and the family.
Cécile Desrosiers and Daniel Swift
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Jackie Sutherland posted a condolence
Sunday, December 20, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband,father and grandfather.He was a great musician,and a wonderful person.I feel honoured to have worked with Paul in the Niagara Symphony and later in the orchestra he conducted.
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John Bracewell posted a condolence
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Paul is in happy place now, free'd from suffering. Such a wonderful man. He will be missed by so many.
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Greta Livingstone posted a condolence
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Dear Edith and family, I am so sorry for your loss of Paul. He sure was instrumental in my early days in music. I remember how the windows vibrated at Memorial school on Saturday mornings and appreciated both of you encouraging me throughout my life, sometimes via my sister Johanna. All the best and strength in the coming days. Grea
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John & Karen Reynolds donated to NIAGARA YOUTH ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION
Saturday, December 19, 2015
In memory of H.Paul van Dongen and his contributions to the NYO.
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Megan Benjafield posted a condolence
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Saddened to hear of this loss on a personal level, but also for the musical community in Niagara. It is impossible to have been a musician in the Niagara Region and not be touched in some way by Paul van Dongen. He made a difference in my musical life.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
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Glenn Harder posted a condolence
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Rest in peace Paul, friend, teacher to so many, father, husband to my dear cousin Edith. Founder of the family string quartet. Lover of life. Professional but always had a twinkle in his eye!
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Sadie Baramikova lit a candle
Friday, December 18, 2015
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Rest in Peace Mr. Paul van Dongen...
Sadie Baramikova, and family.
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Sadie Baramikova posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
My family and I want to extend our condolences to Mr. Paul van Dongen's' family and friends. This is shocking for us to hear, as he was such an amazing conductor and person. He was also a very kind and compassionate person whom will be very much missed. Rest in Peace Mr. Paul van Dongen...
-Sadie Baramikova, and family.
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Liz Burnip posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. van Dongen. He was a musical influence to many children and made music education accessible to those who enjoyed it, no matter their skill level or aptitude. His great sense of humour and passion for his work will never be forgotten.
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Lisa Weldon Lubin posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
Ah...such fond memories of Mr. V. His talent, passion and love for the orchestra were immeasurable. He will be so deeply missed. Surrounding you all with love, tenderness and strength.
Lisa
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Karen, Jim & Katie MacCabe posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
To you all, your husband, father and grandfather was truly a gift to all who knew him. The generations of people that were fortunate enough to have met him benefitted so much by his gift of music. The music community of Niagara will never forget him. Our deepest condolences.
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Dave & Catherine Good posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
To Edith, family and the Harder family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
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Tracy Wheeler Charles posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
Mr van Dongen, please know what an impact you had on my life through music. I pray that your family and friends find solace in knowing how many lives you touched. I am proud and blessed to have had such a great teacher in my life as you. May you find great peace with God, as you so deserve. XXX
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Kerri Wall posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
Dear Edith, Paul, Michael and Christopher, partners and grandchildren,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of a man who was a good neighbour, better teacher and a really kind man. Although as a child I was intimidated by by how cultured he was, but as an adult I was moved to delight. Good-bye is challenging when heaven beckons but memories are good ways to share the joy that Paul brought to you and many others. Please know that my memories of him are good and he changed the lives of many.
Thank-you Paul,
Sincerely,
Kerri Wall
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Charlene Nagel posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
Dear Edith and Family,
My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time of loss.Paul accomplished so much for music education and performance in the Niagara Region. I am so glad that he got to see the long awaited opening of our new concert venue. I will forever hear his perfectly timed "Bravo!" ringing through the hall on occasions of excellence. He will be dearly missed by so many.
Best Regards,
Charlene
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Jean Cringan posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
Edith and family, I am so sorry to hear about Paul's passing. He was a very special man and an inspiration to so many of us. He opened the world of music to us which shaped and enriched my life. It was the 35th reunion that convinced me to play the horn again, thanks to Paul. I am very honoured to have played under his baton once more last May. Paul will be missed and never forgotten. He was a great man. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Hugs from Jean
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Peter Soltysiak posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
I would like to express my deep condolences to Paul's family. I have not seen Paul for many years and am very sorry to hear that he is no longer with us. Paul was my high school music teacher and a colleague at Niagara Symphony. Paul was a kind, passionate, and knowledgeable teacher and musician. Over the years, Paul has made a tremendous contribution to the classical music scene in the Niagara Region, including the development of several generations of classical musicians. Paul will be greatly missed by all.
Sincerely,
Peter Soltysiak
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Martha Farquhar- Doyle posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. van Dongen for being the ever patient and kind man that he was. Thank for all of the years of violin lessons, many laughs and much encouragement. My love of music began and continued with your lessons and the many hours spent playing duets.
To Edith and the van Dongen family, my condolences for your loss. But know that the influence that Mr. van Dongen had will play on in many hearts for eternity.
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Stuart Laughton posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
Since hearing the sad news yesterday morning I have been reconnected with 15 or so who knew and were influenced by Paul Van Dongen from the very beginnings of the Niagara Youth Orchestra. The unanimous feeling is that he gave us something truly special, the gift of a lifelong love of classical music. Also notable is that so many of us remain friends 50 years later because of bonds he created with us. Paul had a twinkle in his eye to the end, and his legacy will last a very long time. Our hearts go out to Edith and the family for the loss of this irreplaceable man.
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Anita Minov posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
Dear Edith & Family ~ So sorry to hear the sad news of Paul's passing. Nick thought very highly of Paul, and I will never forget what Paul did with Mercredi for me & my family to make Nick's funeral mass so beautiful & memorable. What an orchestra there must be in Heaven! Please accept our most sincere condolences to you and all your family at your profound loss of beloved husband, father & grandfather. Thinking of you and lifting you up in prayer at this sad & difficult time. With sincere sympathy ~ Anita & Family
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Terry Ball posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
I was very sad to hear about your Dad. He was a good man who contributed hugely to the musical growth of St Catherines. You (and your siblings) are very lucky indeed to have been raised surrounded by a love of music and encouragement to pursue your career.
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Nick and Dorothy Hamm posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
Please accept our sincere condolences upon the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and very special member of your family and community. Paul has left special memories to many and his mission of teaching the appreciation and sharing his love of music to generations of children has certainly proved to enrich our community. He will always be known as a wonderful Ambassador of Music here in Niagara. We thank him for giving us this gift.
Nick and Dorothy Hamm
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Janet Takata Diebel posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
Dear Edith, Paul, Chris and Michael,
One of the greatest joys of my life is making music - 100% due to Paul. He was my first violin teacher in the excellent public school program, followed by private lessons and of course wonderful conductor of the Youth Orchestra. The most fun and formative experiences of my youth were because of him. He was warm, funny, sometimes frightening (my own fault, not practising) and always inspiring. I cannot adequately express how important he was to my life and the lives of so many others. The pleasure was multiplied by the kindness and humour of Edith and the boys. Thank you for sharing your dad with the rest of us – I will never forget him.
With great fondness,
Janet Takata Diebel
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Karen & John Reynolds posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
To Edith & family,
We are saddened to hear about Paul. Our connection goes back 31 years when Jane started in the school instrumental music program. We enjoyed seeing both of you on occasion, especially at Niagara Symphony and Mercredi Musique concerts. Paul was an inspirational teacher who influenced many students in their musical careers. He will be greatly missed.
Sincerely,
Karen & John Reynolds
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Trish Crawford, Jacques Beaudoin, Max & Eva posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
Our condolences to your family. We are very sorry for your loss. Such great contributions he made to the local music community.
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Celeste Konopka posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
My deepest sympathies to your whole family. Mr. Van Dongen was an exceptional man! My first memory of him was at the Symphony Summer camp! It was such a thrill to all play together in an orchestra for the first time!
Thinking of you all.
Sincerely,
Celeste Konopka
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Deb, Kevin and Karlie Boyle posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
A tremendous loss, our thoughts are with the entire family and we will keep happy musical memories with us always!
The Boyle Family
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Dawn (Atamanuk) Pustelnik posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
My deepest sympathy to you all. Mr. van Dongen was my grade 9 homeroom teacher. We were a rag-tag bunch of horrible musicians, but he treated us with such patience and kindness. He was always trying to inspire and motivate us. I hope that you can take comfort in the knowledge that his love of music and beautiful spirit touched so many lives.
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Michelle Marsden posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Mr VanDongen was a great musician and teacher. He helped make my 4 years at Secord amazing. He will never be forgotten.
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Thohahente Kim Weaver posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
My condolences to Edith and Paul's children. Paul is a monumental figure in my childhood and early life. Being one of the first students in the instrumental music program and playing in the orchestra under him a universe of music and love was opened up for me. Music is a lifelong passion for me and I have Paul to thank for that.
Nia:wen Kowa (Thank you very very much) Paul.
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Shelley Passfield posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to you! Your husband, father, grandfather touched all those who knew him with his wonderful gift of music, his kindness, wonderful smile and his gift as a teacher! I'd like to think that he is playing violin with my Dad up in heaven , in one amazing orchestra!
God Bless
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Jennifer Armstrong posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
Mr. van Dongen was my music teacher for years and his love of music and teaching was inspirational. In addition to being a wonderful teacher, he was a warm, funny man--a pleasure to be around. I remember Laura Secord's music trips fondly--because of him and his lovely wife who always helped out. To his beautiful family--my sincerest condolences.
Jen
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Susan Forgeron posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
Dear Edith and boys - I am so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I will always remember him as a true gentleman. My sincere condolences.
Sue Forgeron
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Kristen Ward posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
I'm so saddened to hear about Mr. van Dongen's passing. Much love and strength to everyone who is suffering with this loss.
Kristen xo
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Seldon Jeung posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2015
To the vanDongen Family,
My deepest Condolences to you all and love. I have such great memories of Mr. VanDongen. His legacy and love for music will always be remembered. I also remember his kindness towards me..
Love Seldon Jeung
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Mark Johnson posted a condolence
Thursday, December 17, 2015
So sorry to hear about the passing of your husband, father and grandfather. I played double bass in the St. Catharines Youth Orchestra, and the St. Catharines Symphony. I have many awesome memories of Paul's musicianship, integrity, leadership and inspiration. His support and encouragement were unforgettable.
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Kelly Vlaar posted a condolence
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your husband, father, brother, grandfather and uncle.
May your memories stay close and may the difficult days ahead be faced with your courage and strength.
With kindness,
Kelly Vlaar and family