David Vaillancourt Remembered for Dedication to Family, Kindness

Alexandra Hall best remembers David Vaillancourt twirling on the dance floor at her wedding last year — never separated from his wife Joan.

Hall, who has worked at the Hastings Public Library with Joan for more than a decade, thinks of her colleague as a mother.

"I looked to Joan and David as an example for my husband and me," Hall said. "I hoped we would be like them in 30 years."

David Vaillancourt, 63, was killed Wednesday evening when his bicycle was struck by a vehicle on Ravensdale Avenue. There will be a funeral service Monday at 10 a.m. at  on Warburton Avenue.

"David was incredibly dedicated to his family," said Sue Feir, director of the . She has worked with Joan Vaillancourt since 1993. "He would do whatever was best for his family lovingly and with total commitment."

Feir also highlighted Vaillancourt's deep spirituality.

"He carried that with him every day of his life," she said. "I think that's what kept their relationship so strong."

"David was just a decent, unassuming guy," Feir said. In fact he was so unassuming and humble that his acts of generosity, especially to the library, often went under the radar.

"David and Joan delighted in each other," Feir said. "Joan lost everything [when David died], but she had everything."

Hall added: "I think Joan and David stayed at my wedding reception later than I did, still dancing and laughing. They were so much in love."

David and Joan Vaillancourt celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary last year, officially renewing their vows.

David Vaillancourt is survived by his wife, Joan, and two children in their mid-20's.

"David took pleasure in his family, his faith and his friends," Feir said. "He was completely satisfied by that."

The Hastings Public Library will be closed Monday, Sept. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. so that staff may attend the funeral service.