November 18, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Daniel Joseph Vigneault in Terrace, B.C., on November 18, 2020, at the age of 44.
Daniel was a true character who lived life with passion and purpose. He had a dynamic and energetic personality and a unique ability to connect with everyone he met. His quirky and uplifting sense of humour brought a smile to every interaction and he always left a lasting impression.
Daniel was the fourth of five boys born to André and Nicole Vigneault, in Rivière-des-Prairies, Quebec. From an early age, Daniel loved the outdoors and spent much of his youth exploring the rivers and wildlife of the area.
After graduating high school, Daniel was ready for a new adventure. At the age of 18, he set out for his first of many cross Canada road trips to British Columbia, in the hopes of finding work as a tree planter. Daniel quickly found work, became fluent in English and made many lifelong friends.
The mountains and wilderness that had initially drawn Daniel out West, eventually led him to call BC his permanent home. In 2000 Daniel met his future wife Dana and together they tree planted around BC and then settled for a number of years in the West Kootenays.
In 2007 they returned to Terrace and were married on Haida Gwaii and later blessed with their 2 children, Roan and Madeleine. After 10 years of silviculture work, Daniel was ready for a change and became a Certified Utility Arborist. He went on to establish a successful tree service business.
Daniel possessed an unmatched work ethic and took great pride in his work. He loved his job and the opportunities it provided to meet people, spend time outdoors, view wildlife and venture into remote areas.
Daniel was a gentle, loving husband and father who placed great importance on family time. He was passionate about creating experiences and memories and had a knack for turning ordinary activities into unforgettable events; a quality his children, nieces and nephews particularly appreciated. Daniel remained closely connected with his Quebec family over the years, through regular phone calls and frequent family vacations out East.
Daniel embraced activities with an energy and enthusiasm that was inspiring. He was a skilled fisherman and valued any time spent on the river. Daniel loved skiing snowboarding, mountain and road biking, hunting, travelling, caring for his many pets, and spending time at his lake property.
He was resourceful and could repair anything and used these skills to lend a hand whenever possible. Daniel's entertaining repertoire of catch phrases, spontaneous bursts into song and impromptu dance performances will be treasured by all who knew him.
Daniel will be deeply missed by his wife Dana, his 2 children, Roan & Madeleine, his parents André & Nicole Vigneault, his four brothers, Richard (Caroline), Marc (Josée), Stephane (Nancy), and Patrice, his nieces and nephews, the extended Vigneault and Heenan families and his many friends.
A ceremony will be held at a later date. Contributions in memory of Daniel may be made to the SkeenaWild Conservation Trust.
Thank you for the generosity, love and support that has been shown to the family during this difficult time.
Nous t'aimons tous et tu nous manqueras pour toujours.