Friday, April 26, 2013
To the Vardine and McAuliffe Family: I was saddened to hear that Vince, "Mr. Vardine" to me, passed away. I am truely sorry for your loss. The news of his passing had me reflect on some fond memories of him and the family while growing up with Vonnie and John. I will never forget when he took a Central Brown Bus and drove our entire baseball team (15 year-old all-stars) out to Buffalo for a NYS tournament. I remember he acted crazy while driving the bus, and of course we loved it. We were lucky we were not pulled over for the things that were flying out the windows. Anyway, he was certainly the coolest dad that day, putting up with a bus load of 15 year old boys, not to mention John's wise cracks. I will also never forget the trips John and I took down to the house in St. Pete. to attend the Jim Rice baseball camp during winter breaks. Reflecting back, makes me realize how generous and hospitable he was. Oh, and Sandy, thank you again for taking me to the hospital when I got food poisoning from the camp food. I'll always remember Vince/Mr. Vardine as a hardworking man who loved his wife, children and family. A person with a sometimes harddened exterior (probably from job), but once you knew him, was generous and a good-hearted man. I always had a tremendous amount of respect for Mr. Vardine when he was alive, and will continue to respect the type of man and father he was. My deepest sympathy. JR
