Ulysse Jacques Vigneux

U.J. passed away on May 19th, in his 83rd year. Though he was shy and reserved throughout his life, he was a man who possessed generosity, humour, grace and kindness to his last breath. U.J.'s life was characterized by his great passions - for his beloved wife Lorraine, the dozens of aircraft he piloted for close to 60 years, the businesses he built from nothing, and the clients he served as a financial adviser for over 40 years. He met Lorraine when he was 15 and she 13. They married on September 16, 1950. He wanted 16 kids. She wasn't so sure. They settled for eight. Fifty percent isn't s o great in school, but it's just fine where large families are concerned!

Our father didn't finish high school, and didn't get to go to the California aeronautical engineering program he was accepted into. He did, however, graduate from flight school, obtaining his pilot's license at age 18. At age 19 he became the owner of a Tiger Moth. Its propeller still hangs on his family room wall today. U.J. began his first business, as a disc jockey, at age 16. Over the next 15 years he began four other businesses, including three restaurants. One, "The Steak Pit", begun with cousin and partner Ray Vigneux, is still in operation today. He eased from the restaurant business to investment counselling in the 1960's. U.J. on several occasions was Investor's Group's top sales representative for the country. His name was associated with excellence, not only for his production, but for the care and integrity he brought to the advice he gave to his clients. All in his family feel proud and blessed to have called him husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend throughout our lives. He is survived by Lorraine; predeceased by son Phillip; survived by children Paul (Penny), Janet (Tom), Susan (Don), Mark (Mariella), Josette, Bryan, and Daniel (Tracey); grandchildren Matthew, Jonathan, Carolyn, Judy, Louis, Carl, Timothy, Sylvie, and Emily; great-grandchildren Nathan, Noah, and Lily. Survived by brother Arthur (Marta). Predeceased by siblings Louis, Paul, Collette, Jean, Jerome, and Michele. A Celebration of his Life will be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 from 4-7 p.m. with remembrances at 5:30 p.m. at the Granite Club (2350 Bayview Avenue). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sunnybrook Foundation.