Tiger Desmarais

Tiger made such an impact on the mobility industry and earned the respect of everyone he touched. As one of his last requests for me, he asked I set up a GoFundMe.

Roger “Tiger” Desmarais, age 60, died peacefully on January 9. Tiger graduated from Pilgrim High School in 1981, but his first job was plowing the streets of Warwick with his dad. At age 13, Tiger worked with his dad at Joe Mac’s Garage, which was later renamed the Alcon Corporation. He became an Automotive Electrical technician in 1983, working as a service technician who loved every aspect of the garage. Tiger’s reputation grew as he became an expert in after-market technical installations. He bought a Chrysler Laser, which he converted to a race car, and ran quarter-mile races. His car was highlighted in Car and Driver magazine in 1986, with all the Mopar Modifications he had completed. After Alcon closed, Tiger worked in various after-marker shops until he moved his family to Arizona in 1995.

Tiger was quickly hired by Vantage Mobility shortly after he arrived in Arizona and started working with the company on May 22, 1995. He started on the line, fixing the electrical problem with the vans his first week. He then moved to the service department and became the technical expert and training instructor in 1997. In May 2002, Tiger was diagnosed with a rare form of Multiple Sclerosis; instead of letting his illness win, he used his incredible knowledge, will, and kindness to help others and improve the industry. In March 2010, Tiger was issued an official US Patent # 7,684,915, for an electronic control module that operates the electronic systems in handicap-modified vehicles. Tiger was awarded many accolades, including a Toyota Minivan on his 20th anniversary with Vantage Mobility.

Thank you,

Mrs Tiger