Obituary of Daniel Paul Veilleux

After a brief illness, Daniel Paul Veilleux left this world too early on January 29 th, 2023. He was born in Providence, RI in 1937 as the son of Reginald Veilleux and Cecile Gagnon Veilleux. As a young boy, he helped his father and younger brother build a brick home. At 16, he began what would become his lifelong passion for gardening by keeping copious notes on his plantings, processes, and winning numerous 4H awards. Dan attended La Salle Academy for boys and continued pursuing his passion in agriculture. He later earned a BS degree from the University of Rhode Island in agriculture and for a time even lived in the campus greenhouse. Dan was in the ROTC at URI and afterwards served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry where he taught riflery and headed the landscaping division. After his military stint, Dan worked as a tree surgeon for the state of Rhode Island and was the state inspector of bees. Dan was later hired by Union Carbide where he specialized in agricultural research and sales. Eventually he became the nation's number one salesman for his product line. He traveled the mid-west while living in MN with his first wife, Carol and children, Jason and Nicole. Dan started as an agricultural research scientist in the Research Triangle in Raleigh. After his first marriage ended, he met Janet Montgomery, his current wife, the love of his life. He cajoled her into moving to Ohio where he was transferred for work, and where he managed a research farm. They lived in Columbus for 14 years. In 2000, Dan and Janet moved to the mountains of North Carolina. They designed a home where he could continue his passions together with his wife. Dan planted a vineyard, orchard, and garden where he graciously share the fruits of his labor with the community. He volunteered as The Fish Thawer for the monthly Ruritan Club fish fry and was an active member of the Wood Ministry. Dan was a renaissance man of many talents and constant curiosity. He loved beekeeping, farming, hunting, whitewater canoeing, camping, fishing, glass blowing, beer and wine-making, exploring nature, cooking, and much more. He treasured spending time with his family, friends and the church. He loved military history and was an inventive problem solver. He was a store house of eclectic knowledge and readily shared it with anyone, whether you liked it or not. He had a free mind and a pioneering spirit. Dan was described by his nephew as a perfect storm of unlimited energy and Wikipedia. As a friend wrote about him: He has had very little interest in suffering fools. He passionately stood for what was right and had the will and courage to confront issues where others were violated, and he did so with righteous indignation, without being asked. His son in law loved to talk about his pragmatism and sweetness and his unique view of the world. He loved and supported his wife with such passion and gratitude. He was devoted to his children, nieces and nephews and showed that by giving his love unconditionally and imparting all that he knew. He loved his grandchildren and grand-nieces/nephews with a sensitivity and tenderness that would light up the room. He lived every day to the fullest, like there was no tomorrow; appreciating every sunset, every visiting bird, every blossom, and reveling in every animal caught on his trail cam. Despite that carpe diem outlook, he asked his doctors for a lifetime guarantee for new joints replaced, planning for a long life. He had already bought seeds for the coming planting season, including new varieties that he wanted to try out. Although his death was untimely, let us carry on his spirit by loving our families, our friends, and life itself. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hunger and Health Coalition, and F.A.R.M. Cafe as well as the High Country United Church of Christ, all of Boone, NC. The Celebration of Life for Dan Veilleux will be held on March 11, 2023, at 11³° at High Country United Church of Christ, located at 8235 U.S. Hwy 421N, Vilas, NC. Casual, colorful attire would reflect Dan's personality, if you wish. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Veilleux family.