Fonds ARV - Fonds Alice et Raoul Vaillancourt

Raoul Vaillancourt was born on June 24, 1919 in Saint-Honoré-de-Shenley, a village located in the Chaudière-Appalaches region of Quebec, historically known as the Beauce region. After working on the family farm, he became an apprentice in a Montreal garage where he obtained his mechanical license two years later. While visiting his brothers Clodomir and Jos in Hearst, Ontario, Raoul Vaillancourt is hired by the latter. Afterwards, he will work as a mechanic at the camp 1 garage of Fontaine Lumber, a local company. In 1943, his brother Jos, the then owner of Central Garage, hires him again. That same year, on June 14, Raoul Vaillancourt marries Alice Camiré. The couple has six children: Rita, Solange, Louise, Réjean, Diane and Laurent.

In 1947, Raoul Vaillancourt opens the Royal Auto Body Shop. For the next 40 years, he will offer mechanical, painting and dent removal services. In 1957, he begins the construction of the Villa Motel, which, at the time, contained 25 units. During 13 years, the Vaillancourts will manage the garage and the motel. In 1970, Raymond and Rachel Comeau purchase the Villa Motel.

Raoul Vaillancourt participated in various ways in the development of his community. In 1945, he joined the Hearst Knights of Columbus. From 1960 to 1998, he was a sitting member of the Hearst Public Works Commission. From 1953 to 1966, he was also a member of the Caisse Populaire de Hearst Board of directors, first as a board member and then as chair of the board.

Raoul Vaillancourt died on April 14, 2010 at the age of 90.

Alice Camiré Vaillancourt was born June 18, 1920 in Saint-Narcisse, Mauricie, Quebec. In 1921, her father, Louis Camiré, moved to Hearst with his family. As a teenager, she worked as a maid. She was then hired by the Bourdon Drug Store where she worked until her wedding, two years later. Like her husband, Alice Vaillancourt participated in numerous community activities. In 1952, she became a member of the Daughters of Isabella. She also worked with a variety of women’s organizations. With her husband, she was amongst the first members of the Club Soleil des Aînés also known as the Club de l’âge d’or de Hearst.

Alice Camiré Vaillancourt died on November 3, 2011 at the age of 91.