"My greatest achievement would be my kids, my children. Nothing else really matters, does  it?"

Guy du Manoir has been a successful businessman in the area for over 50 years. He is well known in the Renfrew County and has had many great experiences in business, real estate and politics that he was eager to share. As we listened to Guy's golden tales of old times, parts of the area's history unravelled. Guy's personality slowly revealed itself throughout the interview. We got to know a sincere man who displayed a true love for people and for the Ottawa Valley, where Guy has lived all his life.

by Michael Moore and Laurel LeConte

Young Guy in his Esso uniform

At my place in Point Alexander, I've sold many things over the years: electronics, motorcycles, cars, and Skidoos. I sold so many

"I was born in Westmeath.  My father came from France. I went to school in Westmeath and attended a business college in Pembroke. I was always interested in business, so I prepared myself for it. At first, I didn't have the money to start my own business, but the opportunity was here. Hydro was developing, as was the dam, and the Plant [Chalk River Laboratories]. There were plenty of people in the Ottawa Valley. There was an opportunity to move quickly, and I did. In 1949, a friend of mine owned the Byeways Hotel. There were two gas pumps and two sepa- rate buildings. I rented the gas sta- tion half, became an Esso dealer, and sold chainsaws and appliances. In 1951, I built the Esso Station in Point Alexander, where I am now. I have been there ever since. In '56 we became Esso agents. That's when du Manoir Motors started. At that time, I sold appliances and home furnishings, had a service station, a gas station and a grease pit.

Guy's first service station at the Byeways Hotel, Hwy 17, 1949

I enjoyed selling every- thing; I was a sales- man.

Skidoos that they sent me to Aus- tria to tour the engine plants. I also sold chainsaws. I was the top chainsaw dealer in Ontario three years in a row. I enjoyed selling everything; I was a salesman. Our company, du Manoir