Frank Robert Vigneron
February 26, 1940 - January 12, 2026
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Frank, as a result of complications from Alzheimer's Disease. Loving husband for 57 years of Rosalie Vigneron. Beloved father to Philip (Vivian), Eugene (Cindy), Cathy (Pat), and Grace and many loving grandchildren. Predeceased by sister Dolores Serfas, beloved brother to Margery Ketilson (Keith). Beloved brother-in-law to Betty and Ralph Pentland. Beloved Uncle to many Ketilson, Serfas and Pentland children & grandchildren. Frank was compassionate, humble, generous and an exemplary role model to the entire family.
Frank was born in Eston, Saskatchewan to Julius and Frances Vigneron, where he went to school and worked on the family farm. He went on to complete his Bachelor and Master degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan, and later his PhD at the University of Illinois. In the 1960s he moved to Ottawa and was employed by the Defense Research Board.
Frank met Rosalie Puccio in Ottawa and they married in 1965 and subsequently settled in Kanata where they raised their family.
Throughout his career, Frank worked on several projects of the Canadian Space program including contributing to the Alouette and ISIS Satellite projects, Space Technology program and the Canadian Astronaut program. After retiring from the Federal Government, Frank continued to work in his field as a Space Technology Consultant and was an Adjunct Professor for the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Carleton University for several years.
Frank was a devoted and involved family man who provided a wealth of time, support and guidance to all of his children. Frank enjoyed spending time with his extended family and friends at the cottage and at the family home. He played the French Horn in the Kanata Symphony along with Rosalie, an activity that they enjoyed as a couple. Frank was a proud hockey player and a member of the Kanata Old-timers Hockey Association for many years.
Upon Rosalie’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, Frank devoted his time to her loving care both at home and then alongside the support staff at the care home where she resided in her final years.
The family would like to thank all of the caring staff at Timberwalk Retirement Community and the Ottawa Hospital for their excellent care and compassion when working with Frank. In place of flowers, donations toward Alzheimer's Research to either the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada would be appreciated.
Family and friends may pay respects at the Kelly Funeral Home -Kanata Chapel, 580 Eagleson Road, Kanata, ON K2M 1H4, 613 591-6580 on Thursday January 22, 2026 from 6 to 8 pm. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in the Chapel at 11 a.m. Sharing memories and online condolences on the website of the Kelly Funeral Home - Kanata chapel at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/kelly-kanata.html.