Maj. Kenneth Milton Gaston Vigneux, USA (ret)

All who knew him would agree that Kenneth Milton Gaston Vigneux was a pillar of his community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. Everyone acquainted with Kenneth knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force for everyone around him.

Kenneth was born on December 19, 1940 at his aunt's house in Detroit, Michigan. His parents were Gaston and Theresa. Kenneth was raised in Stony Point, Ontario. Even as a youngster, Kenneth learned to be objective and decisive as he grew into his talents and interests. Kenneth was raised with five siblings. He had one older brother, Victor, one younger brother, Gus, and three younger sisters, Georgette, Christine, and Marjolaine.

Kenneth's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. He attended Catholic Church with his family every Sunday, and as a young boy, Kenneth enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. In school, Kenneth enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mother Eugenie. Kenneth took part in baseball and badminton. In his spare time he liked hunting and fishing.

Kenneth was sociable and approachable, and thanks to his outgoing nature, he met his wife, Francis Perry. They married on October 12, 2991 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prior to this marriage, Kenneth was blessed with four children, Kenny, Darryl, Rhonda, and Rodney. He was also blessed with twelve grandchildren, Corey, Ryan, Victoria, Shannon, Sidney, Sarah, Aidan, Alan, Darian, Charlie, Shane, and Travis, all of whom were some of the greatest sources of joy in his life. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. Those close to Kenneth came to expect his high standards of performance.

His primary occupation was as a helicopter pilot in the Army from 1958 until 1981. Kenneth saw action twice in the Dominican Republic and served three tours in Vietnam. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Major. He received several awards recognizing his for his heroism, including Eight Bronze Stars. After retirement, he worked as a poker dealer. He was employed for 20+ years at Circus Circus Enterprises.

Kenneth approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life: with dedication, but while also having fun. His favorite pursuits were golf and working out. Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Kenneth to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports, and he enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were watching golf on TV.

In his life away from work, he balanced being on the road and spending time with his beloved family, friends, and pets. Mija, his Yorkshire Terrier, was a dear friend for seventeen years. In retirement, he traveled across the country in a motor home before settling in Prescott, Arizona for five years. Some of his favorite excursions included seeing his family in Canada and attending military reunions. He also nurtured his friendships with Tommy Sieberg and Clarence Mineau. He then moved to Las Vegas a few months before his death, but no matter where he was, he never stopped prioritizing those he loved.

Kenneth passed away on October 24, 2022 at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. He fought a brave battle against Alzheimer's disease. He is survived by his wife, Francis; children from his first wife (Karen): Kenny, Darryl, Rhonda, and Rodney; his grandchildren Corey, Ryan, Victoria, Shannon, Sidney, Sarah, Aidan, Alan, Darian, Charlie, Shane, and Travis, and four great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his grandson, Nicholas Perry. Services will be held at Palm Southwest Mortuary in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kenneth will be laid to rest in Veterans Memorial Park in Boulder City, NV.

Kenneth will be remembered as a strong person, willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Kenneth Milton Gaston Vigneux did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance live their lives to the fullest, just like he did.