<BillNo> <Sponsor>
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 151
By Crowe
SJR0151
003537
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A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of Felix Guignard of
Johnson City.
WHEREAS, the members of this General Assembly were greatly saddened to learn of
the passing of Felix Guignard; and
WHEREAS, a musician, pianist, accordionist, and composer of music, Felix Guignard
was an exemplary gentleman and consummate professional who worked assiduously to
improve the quality of life for his fellow citizens in numerous capacities; and
WHEREAS, Felix "Fe'Fe" Guignard was born on November 3, 1927, to Francois and
Christiane Saladin Guignard in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where his father played the piano
professionally and had his own band; and
WHEREAS, although Francois Guignard did not want his son to become a musician,
Christiane Saladin Guignard urged her husband to teach their son to play the piano, and young
Felix Guignard fell in love with music and quickly learned all the basic techniques of music; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Guignard started his career as a musician playing in Haiti for sixty cents
per night; at the age of fifteen, he played for the president of Haiti and was also a part of his
personal band and later played for then Vice President Richard Nixon on his visit to Haiti; and
WHEREAS, performing around the world, Felix Guignard was a pianist at a few of the
finest hotels in Atlanta, Georgia, including the Omni International and Marriott Marquis. He also
performed in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guadeloupe in Martinique West Indies; and
WHEREAS, an exceptional linguist, Mr. Guignard could speak a number of different
languages, including French, Creole, Spanish, and English, which helped his career in the
Islands; and
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WHEREAS, Mr. Guignard later moved to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he
played piano professionally and raised his children. In 1951, he played at the Cherry Blossom
Festival under the famous musician and conductor Toscanini with many other musicians from
around the world; and
WHEREAS, the next phase of his life saw him move to the United States, where he
started his musical career in Atlanta, Georgia, and met his long-life partner, Carol Fair, who was
a flight attendant for Piedmont, British Airways, and US Airways; and
WHEREAS, after spending thirty years with his musical career in Atlanta, Mr. Guignard
retired and moved with Ms. Fair to Johnson City at Fair Oaks; he shared his musical talents with
Johnson City through performances at the Johnson City Country Club, local places in Johnson
City, and at Fair Oaks for parties hosted by Ms. Fair; and
WHEREAS, during some of his travels, he had the opportunity to play Cole Porter's
piano at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City; in Las Vegas, he played George
Gershwin's piano and the famous mirrored piano of Liberace; and
WHEREAS, a recording artist, his albums include Poor People of Haiti, A Paris, and his
best and final album, Aubade, which he produced in 2006. Felix Guignard was one of the last
Old World musicians of Haiti; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Guignard was also deeply devoted to his family, and he always
endeavored to remain true to family values of the highest order; and
WHEREAS, Felix Guignard is survived by his life partner, Carol Fair; his children, Pastor
Winnie Guignard (Pastor Yves) Pierre, Felix Guignard, Jr., Ronald Guignard, Nadege G.
(Ishmael) Claxton, Wagner (Rose) Guignard, and Gerald D. Guignard; his sisters, Laure
Guignard Pierre, Annie Marie Guignard Thomas, and Adeline Guignard Baptist; his brother,
Edner Guignard; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family
members; and
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WHEREAS, Felix Guignard leaves behind an indelible legacy of integrity and probity in
public life, compassion and loyalty in private life, and diligence and dedication in all his chosen
endeavors; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this General Assembly should pause to
remember the bountiful life of this exceptional public servant and human being; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that we honor the memory of Felix Guignard, reflecting
fondly upon his impeccable character and his stalwart commitment to living the examined life
with courage and conviction.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we express our sympathy and offer our condolences
to the family of Mr. Guignard.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy and upon proper request made to
the appropriate clerk, the language appearing immediately following the State seal appear
without House or Senate designation.