Obituary of Michel Vonderweidt

Michel Vonderweidt of Trumansburg died peacefully in his sleep on September 12, 2014 at the age of 66. He is survived by his children, Steve (Yvonne) of Syracuse, NY and Chris (Melissa) of Bowdoinham, ME; grandchildren André, Callisthène, Arielle, Jeannette, and Amelie; sister Carole (Mark) Hansen of Syracuse, NY; nieces Leah and Erica. Born in New York City, Michel grew up living in the city, where he attended school during the week, and spent his weekends on a dairy farm in Bridgewater, CT. Michel went on to attend Cornell University and then worked as a manager at ISA Babcock for a number of years before finishing his career as an electrician at Cayuga Medical Center. Michel was generous, unpretentious, hardworking, practical, and he would do anything to help his family and friends. He was an accomplished gardener with two sizeable garden plots and intentionally planted more than he and his family could ever eat. The excess produce was joyfully gifted to his friends and neighbors. An avid soccer lover, Michel was a fixture at Trumansburg soccer matches in the mid-80's through 1997 when his son played. Michel supported the team in a number of ways, providing rides, bringing water, reluctantly coaching youth teams, and hassling referees. His support of the team played a significant role in the development of Trumansburg soccer. He was also a devoted fan of Syracuse University sports, especially men's basketball, football, and lacrosse. Michel was skilled in most of the trades, but he studied and taught himself finer woodworking techniques later on life. His patience and attention to detail were a perfect fit and he became a near-master woodworker. His works, mostly gifts for family and friends, included cribs, clocks, mirrors, pens, and a kayak that was the envy of his "paddling friends". Michel loved the outdoors and enjoyed hiking, bird watching, camping, fishing and boating; he spent the majority of his leisure time kayaking later on in life. Michel's family will be holding a celebration of his life on Saturday, October 4, 2014 from 2-4 pm at Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls, NY.