Was told over the weekend that former stock/modified racer, Maurice "Moe" Vaillant passed away.
The photo above is from Ralph Monhay's modified restoration site and is of the three top drivers at Haney Speedway in 1963. From left to right they were Ralph Monhay, Mel Keen and 1963 points champ Moe Vaillant. Moe sold the car to Len Jalouse of Prince George, BC, early in 1964, after Moe had won a race there and wanted to quit racing.
Moe raced at Digney, False Creek and Haney Speedways. He was also president of the BC Track Racing Association and had spoken with Craig Frazer early on about the move the BCTRA would eventually make to Langley.
Moe came back to racing after a long layoff by building some mini-sprints for his sons. They raced at Deming Speedway (WA) winning championships there. 360 sprints followed also with wins.
Moe definitely was a boost to motorsport in the Greater Vancouver area.
Here's the obituary from the newspaper:
Maurice Reuben (Moe) Vaillant
VAILLANT Maurice Reuben (Moe)In Loving Memory Of May 15, 1933 to April 10, 2008 Born in Virden, Manitoba, he spent his early years in Baird, Ontario, and moved to Vancouver as a young man where he met his wife Shirley. He retired in 1987 from his position as General Equipment and Maintenance Manager for Canadian Stevedoring, moved to Hope and later Agassiz. He passed away from this life peacefully in the Chilliwack Hospital surrounded by his family. Moe is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Shirley, his adored children, Cheryl (Kesh), Denise (Ron), Maurice (Anna-Marie), Shirley-Marie (Rob), Darcy (Jamie) and Reg (Shirley), thirteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; a brother, Eugene, sisters Doreen Gould and Joan Meservia. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and five sisters. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. Moe's passion for racing cars transferred to his sons and became a family affair that still continues today. He loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting; traveling south where he enjoyed Bluegrass festivals, sprint car racing and trying his luck at the casinos. He was a friend of Bill Wilson. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, April 18 at 2:00 p.m., at the Chilliwack Alliance Church, 8700 Young Road, Chilliwack, B.C. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the charity of your choice. Moe had a special place in his heart for the homeless and less fortunate. You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online memorial register at www.personalalternative.com
Published in the Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on 4/13/2008.
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