As thunder crashed and rain poured down, David said farewell to his family, each one of them wearing one of his cowboy hats to honour their Patriarch. In his own words, “Heavy D has checked out and left the key!”
David H. was born on his family farm on Lake on the Mountain 84 years ago. It was a well established farm that had belonged to the Vangesen family since 1802, and he was always very proud to call it home. As he grew up he learned the way of life on the farm; from milking cows to bringing in the hay and everything in between. But he had a way of “raising Hell and having a great time doing it!” In his early 20’s he decided it was time to settle down. Much to the dismay of many young ladies, Dave fell for the prettiest girl in town, Margaret Howe. They married and started their family, settling on the Vangesen farm in a home built by his own hands. 
Dave made a career behind a steering wheel and could drive anything that had one. His first job off the farm was hauling cement to build the original bridge that linked PEC and Deseronto. His career first took him to “Torona” to work hauling produce for big food companies. It wasn’t long before he acquired his own fleet of trucks and “Vangesen Haulage” became a well known and trusted business up in the big city. After a few years he opted for bigger and better and purchased his first 18 wheeler transport. Long distance trucking took him all throughout North America. But he always made it back home to spend his weekends with his wife, children and friends. 
It was a familiar sound when Dave would blast the air horn as he passed through town on a Friday night; and many folks knew there was a good time about to begin. It was always a party when Heavy D picked up the guitar. He would play and sing to the wee hours; whether it be down at his home or up at the Royal, Globe or Rickarton. He loved to kick up dust on that old dirt dance floor. But never fear; it didn’t matter the time day or night; Dave was always well stocked and willing to sell you a ‘good pencil’ if you were out on a horn trip. 
David H was a welcome addition to any room. He always had a good joke or story ready to tell; or was attentive to one’s being told by others; following up with a hearty laugh or a resounding “Ya don’t say!” He throughly enjoyed stopping and talking to everyone and would give the conversation his undivided attention. This would make going into town just but a grapefruit a day long adventure. 
He particularly loved when visitors would stop by at “The Ranch” and he could have a chance to show and explain his latest project. We are sure he’s having a good chuckle up above as he watches us find them all and strewn about. 
He would say “there’s no glory in old age, if you’re not living a good life!” He certainly lived his to the fullest. 
“Davey”, “Heavy D”, “David H”, “Husband”, “Dad”(father of 2), “Grandpa Dave”(5 grandchildren, “Great Grandpa Dave”(5 great grandchildren). He will be truly missed and remembered with a smile on a daily basis. 
One last time; in his own words; “Nothing lasts forever, and all good things come to an end.”
Please join us as we celebrate this unique man and the life he lived. 
When: October 10th from 1pm to 5pm
Where: Down on “the Ranch”. 1108 County rd 7.
Just as Dave himself lived his life, nothing fancy! Bring a chair and a story!