Tribute To Noble Villeneuve

Noble Villeneuve is pictured with the Golf Tournament Winners from 2005.

August 28, 2006

As read at the Noble Villeneuve Golf Classic

We’re very proud of the tradition we have tried to established here in Stormont- Dundas and Charlottenburgh over the last three years with our annual golf tournament.

Tonight we are both pleased and honoured that Noble has agreed share this day with us and to let us rename this tournament the Noble Villeneuve Classic.

His generosity of spirit and support will help us ensure that it will continue to be a conservative tradition in this riding.

This isn’t the first tradition that Noble has been instrumental in creating. As some of you will remember it was Noble and Basil Dawley who, many years ago, began what would become a holiday tradition and a major fundraising event in the riding.

For many here tonight it just isn’t Christmas unless you have a Bluebird roasting in the oven.

And some of you will also remember Basil loading up that big old car of his - affectionately referred to by many as The Boat - with Noble and a trunk full of frozen turkeys.

It would take several long days and hundreds of miles of back roads for the two of them to personally deliver blue birds and holiday greetings across the riding.

And it was always more than just a fund-raiser.

The Bluebird campaign ensured not only that the war chest was topped off every year but - and I’m sure Noble would agree - it was one of the best opportunities he had to hear first hand the issues and concerns of his constituents.

The event has in fact become a model of sorts with other riding associations across the province initiating their own holiday Bluebird campaigns.

And if it wasn’t Christmas until your Bluebird arrived ... the summer wasn’t complete without the annual picnic at the Villeneuve farm.

No event held bigger promise for the renewal of old friendships and the igniting of passion for grassroots politics in eastern Ontario than that gathering on the Dyer Road.

We’re reminded also today of how Noble represented his constituents in the years he was at Queen’s Park. He was the epitome of what is known as a constit man - both tireless and effective in looking after his constituents.

And it didn’t seem to matter whether he was in opposition or in government. Noble had the ability to get things done.

But perhaps less well known and important also to note tonight is the way Noble represented both this riding and the province of Ontario in caucus and at the cabinet table.

Known for his gentlemanly ways, Noble remains one of the most highly respected and genuinely liked members to sit in the provincial legislature. Even his opponents were hard pressed to describe him in anything less than terms of esteem and admiration.

But Noble was no push over.

He was a formidable opponent and a worthy combatant.

His former cabinet colleague Elizabeth Witmer, on a visit to this riding shared with us Noble’s unique style.

His easy going manner was expected at cabinet she said “but when Noble slammed that big fist down on the table we all knew it was time to pay attention”.

Noble was a master at the art of using an iron fist in a velvet glove.

So again, let me say how honoured and grateful we all are that Noble has agreed to become part of this annual tradition.

And allow me to add that I’m confident that the Noble Villeneuve Classic will also continue to be not just a fund raiser - (although as our treasurer will tell you that is a an important goal) - but as in years past, an event that sparks our passion for politics and conservatism in Ontario.