The owner of Bar Grand Trunk in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Jean-Guy “Mix” Lafleur is getting older and continues to defy the normal process of aging.
Jean-Guy “Mix” Lafleur celebrated his 90th birthday in the presence of his 4 children, Carole, Claude, Johanne and Manon.
(Photo: Denis Bourbonnais – The Southwest Voice)
On Sunday, November 27, it was in the presence of his four children, friends, customers and long-time acquaintances that the legendary owner celebrated his 90th birthday during a surprise party organized by businessman Guy Bourassa at the equally mythical licensed establishment on rue Grande-Ile.
A true phenomenon of nature, “Mix” arrived in exceptional physical and mental shape to meet all those who came for the occasion of this milestone anniversary. “Its heartwarming to see all these people. Friends and acquaintances that I had not seen for several years. Thank you to the members of my family who collaborated on this celebration,” said the jubilarian, accompanied by his son Claude and his daughters Johanne, Carole and Manon.
Bursting with good health, the nonagenarian still engages in activities that have been closely linked to his involvement in the community. “Mix” plays golf regularly during the summer season and until recently, refereed hockey games twice a week. One of the founders of minor hockey in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Jean-Guy was a coach for a long time and was notably the “coach” of the National de Valleyfield Jr. B.
“Our father is in excellent shape and he regularly comes to the bar. His 90th birthday celebration allowed us to restart the tradition of free hot dogs on Saturdays,” describes his son, Claude Lafleur. Aside from macular degeneration that prevents him from driving a vehicle, “Mix” is in full possession of all his faculties. On his birthday to which The Southwest Voice was invited, the anecdotes and jokes just kept coming. Always the same “Mix” with his eternal smile, his contagious energy and his natural interpersonal skills.
Founder of “Grillades”
It was in April 1976 that Jean-Guy “Mix” Lafleur acquired the Bar Grand Trunk, a place of mysteries, stories and legends, which was built by Alphonse Côté in 1898. “I had a buddy, Vic Lemyre, who told me the Bar Grand Trunk was for sale that night. It interested me and I agreed to buy but only had to pay a year later. I operated a company for a year without having to pay a penny,” said the native of the Bellerive region, during an interview which had been broadcast by RDV.tv (Hebdos du Suroît).
Describing himself as the founder of “grillades” 45 years ago, “Mix” and his employees served this dish typically from Valleyfield for three decades at the Bar Grand Trunk, roasting it over charcoal before handing over the reins to the people of La Caboose who took over this cooking process.
As for the “Best draft in town“, as announced in front of the licensed establishment, “Mix” Lafleur believes that its success lies in maintaining the cooling system that had been installed in the 40s during the time of the 2nd World War. “We always kept the water cooling system instead of a freezer, which keeps the draft at 38 degrees (F). “If it’s too cold, you stun the beer. Too hot, the draft is not good,” says the man who has been a big supporter of the Detroit Red Wings for more than 70 years.
On his 90th birthday, a caricature produced by renowned artist Claude Thivierge and illustrating his attachment to the club of the city of the automobile, was presented to him with the name of “Mix” Lafleur appearing on the artwork in the shape of a hockey card.
