VANNIER, Jean Louis (Johnny)

VANNIER, Jean Louis (Johnny), of Espanola, passed away at the Sudbury Regional Hospital, Laurentian Site on Saturday, October 15th, 2005 in his 82nd year. Beloved husband of Jane (nee Adams) of Espanola. Dear son of the late Rod and Parmelia (nee Nadeau) Vannier. Loving brother of Mrs. Angele Turcotte-Bowes, Mrs. Isabelle Brown and Bruno Vannier (wife Madeleine) all of Sturgeon Falls, Eugene Vannier (wife Geraldine) of Oakville and the late Jules Vannier. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Johnny Vannier was nicknamed one of the "Flying Frenchmen" while with the Paisley Pirates of Scotland. Vannier was chosen from 350 players from all over the Dominion. His skill allowed him to excel in baseball, badminton, skiing and swimming, as well as hockey. He played for the Sudbury Juveniles, Wolves Juniors, Legionnaires, and the Copper Cliff Junior "A" Redmen; the Canadian Legion Intermediates; the Paisley Pirates, the Fife Flyers and the All Stars of Scotland. John was inducted into the Nipissing Hall of Fame and was recognized for his contribution to Canadian hockey. John was originally from Sturgeon Falls and at the age of 18 joined the army and moved to Ottawa where he played for the Ottawa Senators. After the war, Vannier played in England and Scotland. In 1952 he had a conditional offer with KVP Espanola as stationary engineer but had to agree to play hockey with the Mill hockey team the KVEE'S. John was an Ordinary Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 39, Espanola and a Veteran of World War II. Friends may call at the Bourcier Funeral Home, Espanola today, October 18 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services from the United Church of Espanola on Wednesday, October 19th at 10 a.m. with the Reverend Cathy Russell officiating. Interment in the Espanola Cemetery. If so desired, Memorial Tributes may be made to the Espanola Hospital Foundation or the Northern Cancer Research Foundation.