Sad news indeed. When I first moved here, Buddy Veuleman was one of my first interviewees. I met him at the landfill and found him to be welcoming, kind, animated, energetic and passionate about what he did, well informed and incredibly informative, thorough, professional and yet still warm and with a comforting nature, and, of course, patient with my complete lack of landfill knowledge. He took me all over the landfill to see every single component of the operation, which he streamlined … And taught a young and dumb small town reporter as myself all of those years ago that my heels (shoes) needed to be traded in for loafers as we climbed to the top of cells and in and out of dozers during the over four hour interview that I called more of a fantastic field trip… It was a total blast (blistered feet excluded) not to mention a learning experience like few others I have received.
A lot of people of this parish probably don’t realize that we have competent and adequate waste disposal here because of Mr. Buddy. I believe we would be paying to haul our trash to another parish if it weren’t for him… And recognize it or not, that’s a big deal! This parish’s garbage was a messy situation before he became involved and he managed to literally clean it all up and secure a future for years to come for all of Sabine’s garbage. Yes, a big deal for sure.
Mr. Buddy worked tirelessly for our parish school system, parish wide and Negreet School In particular. He was an empassioned leader whose service on the School Board went well above and beyond what he was required to do. He cared… For the students and faculty out of love for his parish and the futures of the children who are the students of today.
Such a good man… I am so saddened to learn of his passing. My sincere thoughts and prayers go to Leah and all of Mr. Buddy’s family … I hurt for you as I know how he doted on you… My gosh, was he ever a proud father… from the time I first met him and you were in junior high and later when you were in high school and all of your 4H involvement and all of your other plentiful accomplishments… to the amazing woman and professional you have become. Leah, he absolutely beamed when speaking of you and I can assure you from the few dozen meetings I had with him, he spoke of you often and of course adoringly. It was always touching. I am so very sorry for your loss.
I am truly glad to have known Mr. Buddy Veuleman… I consider myself very fortunate to have gotten that opportunity.