Clyde David Vadnais

Dave was born November 17th, 1948 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, eldest son of the late Clyde W. and Marie L. (Wickert) Vadnais. After graduating from Marquette Senior High School in 1966, Dave was honored to serve his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Navy.

Dave was an honest, hardworking man. His career included working at Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company for 11 years, and then he went on to develop Casual Construction Company which he owned and operated for 23 years. Dave possessed a unique ability to connect with people both through business and personally, and had a reputation of going above and beyond for the people he cared about. Dave thoroughly enjoyed his free time which included many hobbies throughout his life. Fall hunting was at the heart of what Dave loved most. His highly anticipated two weeks at deer camp with countless friends was the highlight of his year. In the last ten years, with the wind blowing in his face, you would often see Dave on his Harley, as it was truly part of who he was. Dave thoroughly enjoyed lake and stream fishing throughout his life and most recently spent time with close friends on the big lake. He loved to spend time at camp throughout his life and built himself the cabin of his dreams on the property he grew up on. He loved to watch his grandchildren come and enjoy time at camp, playing in the woods, and relaxing in the sauna. Dave spent time spoiling his family with doughnuts, homemade apple and blueberry pies, pasties, and his legendary meat pies.

He left behind a legacy, a very beloved family, and countless people whose lives are forever better just to have known him. His family includes his daughter Katie (Paul) Schoonveld, and his beautiful granddaughters Ava, Alexa and Liv; his daughter Chelsie (Austin) Cline, and his first grandson Alejandro, and beautiful granddaughters Ava and Emmi; his best friend and companion Darlene Frey of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada; five brothers and sisters, Karen Otto of Hampton, VA, Sue (Paul) Mosier of Marquette, Joe Vadnais, of Yuma, AZ, Dale and Doug Vadnais of Florida; also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. Welcoming him home is his beloved wife of 40 years, Elizabeth “Liz” Vadnais, his parents and sister, along with several close friends.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home on Monday, October 7th beginning at 12 p.m. until the time of the service at 2 p.m. Following services, a celebration of Dave’s life will be held at Casa Calabria beginning at 3:30pm Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the U.P. Children’s Museum, (a favorite of Dave’s grandchildren) 123 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 or to Bay Cliff Health Camp, PO Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808 in Dave’s memory. David’s obituary can also be viewed at canalefuneral.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.