Passing of Brad Rienguette
September 22, 2009
Sudbury, ON
Sad news, I received the following note from Roger
Long time pitcher and battling a courageous battle with pancreatic/liver cancer , Brad Rienguette , passed away Saturday night at home , at the age of 50 surrounded by his loving family .The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 11 AM at the Notre Dame de la Merci Church in Whanapetti .
Dave Birnie
ontariomasters(at)cogeco(dot)ca
Ontario, Canada
Here's mine ........................................
My master’s team competed against Brad and his Sudbury Relics on a few occasions at the masters tourney in North Bay Ontario. I only had 2 or 3 at bats against Brad, I was pretty much an automatic out against Brad.
On one occasion I thought I had his number, I was sure I would at least get a walk, 3 balls and no strikes so I take the next pitch for a riseball strike at the letters, I'm figuring the next pitch has got to be a ball but I was wrong, another riseball at the letters for a strike. So, I’ve seen 5 pitches and haven't swung the bat yet, full count and you guessed it a riesball at the letters for a strikeout swinging., I think he was just toying with me the entire at bat. Brad could certainly hold court on the field and in the beer tent. I remember seeing Brad ( lefty hitter ) lay down a beautiful bunt for an un-contested base hit, who would think a guy who tipped the scales at around 300 pounds would bunt, the surprising part was that he actually moved down the first base line rather quickly.
I hope I'm wording the following properly .............
You can almost never find anything positive when someone so young dies.
Many of Brad's friends, fastball buddies, and family members got to show their love, admiration and respect towards Brad on least 3 occasions.
Brad was honoured at the Turk Turgeon Memorial fastball tournament in Callander as well as having the Northern Ontario Championships named after him and having a ceremony at City Hall along with Metro Szeryk.
Brad was also named as Honourary Chair at the 23rd. Annual World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament in North Bay, Ontario earlier this month. From what I have heard and from some of the photos I've seen there was a tremendous amount of outpouring and some extremely emotional moments shared with Brad.
I phoned Brad the moment I heard he was battling cancer, we had a nice chat and Brad was very brave and courageous. I asked him If it would be ok for me to post a note on my web site inviting his fastball buddies to give him a call to offer their support and well wishes. Brad said it would be fine, I know people in the fastball community usually rise to the occasion when one of their own are in the fight of their life, I'm sure many of Brad's fastball buddies gave him a shout to show they cared.
Brad died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family and knowing he was well liked, loved, respected and admired by his fastball brothers.
Click the following link for some photos and articles of Brad courtesy Al's Fastball.
http://www.alsfastball.com/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=4407&cntnt01origid=16&cntnt01dateformat=%25A%2C%20%25B%20%25e%2C%20%25G&cntnt01returnid=16
R.I.P. My Friend
Dave Birnie
A couple photos of Brad Rienguette, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch just 17 days ago at the 23rd Annual World Senior Men's Fastball Tournament in North Bay, Ontario which Brad was the Honourary Tournament Chairman, the other photo is Brad as we all remember him, a big hearty, burly, larger then life person, pitcher and quite a character.
RIENGUETTE, “Brad“ Bradley - 50 years, who passed away peacefully Saturday, September 19th 2009 at his residence with his loving family at his side. Beloved son of Ralph Rienguette and Shirley Anne (Morrell) Rienguette predeceased March 26, 1996. Loving brother of Ted (wife Joyce), Greg (wife Barb), Gord (wife Monique) and Steven and Richard both predeceased. Cherished uncle of loving nieces and nephews. Will rest at the LOUGHEED FUNERAL HOME 252 Regent St. Funeral arrangements incomplete for further information please telephone 673-2525 other assistance 673- 9591. To light a Memorial Candle, flowers, donations, or messages of condolence available online at www.lougheed.org
In Loving Memory of "Brad" Bradley Lawrence Rienguette 50 years Peacefully Saturday, September 19th, 2009 at his residence with his loving family at his side.
Beloved son of Ralph Rienguette and Shirley Ann (Morrell) Reinguette predeceased March 26th, 1996.
Loving brother of Ted (wife Joyce), Greg (wife Barb), Gord (wife Monique) and Steven and Richard both predeceased.
Cherished uncle to Chantelle, Kayla, Brandon, Chad and Amy.
Sadly missed by loving relatives and many friends.
Born and raised in Wahnapitae, Brad was a well respected transport driver for many years. He was an accomplished athlete participating in many sports including gymnastics, track and field, basketball, football, house league hockey, broom ball, but he excelled at baseball and softball.
Brad was a gifted and outstanding pitcher, winning many local, provincial and national championship. He was a world class player and he was a world class friend to many people. He had a wonderful sense of humour which he generously shared with all who knew him. The focus of his life was his family who loved him very much especially his dad who was not only his father but his best friend. Rest in peace Brad.
In Memory
August 16, 2009
Story by Ken Pagan August 20, 2009
Old Newspaper Clippings
