Tuesday, October 3, 2023
I had the honour of knowing both Gus and Dina Sonneveld - Dina was my 7th grade teacher and I worked with Gus as a summer student at SRC for three years while I was in university. Gus taught me an important lesson: wisdom exists in places where you wouldn't expect it. Sitting at a plastic table eating lunch with him, dirt under our fingernails and smelling of gasoline, I'd offer up some half-remembered premise about world history or economics I'd picked up in one of my classes to sound smart, and Gus would demonstrate that he knew more about it then I did, then with a sly smile, a self-deprecating remark and wink, we'd go back to shooting the breeze. Gus may have spent a life working with his hands, but he was as insightful, worldly and intelligent as anyone I've ever met - he gave me outstanding advice that had a real impact on my life. When I introduced a new girlfriend to him, he was whistling a bit of a Noel Coward tune, which my new girlfriend immediately began to sing. He smiled, pulled me aside, and said, "I like her." He was right - Amy and I have been together for over 20 years.
Dina and family, please accept our sincerest condolences. Gus was a tremendous man - the profound sense of loss we feel proves it.
Ryan, Amy & Aiden Moore
Cornwall, ON
