"Rene de Deauville"

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rene Helmut Gross, known throughout Montreal's beauty and fashion community as "Rene de Deauville," on June 8, 2026, at the age of 91.

Born in Traunstein, Germany, on January 1, 1935, Rene trained as a hairstylist in Germany, Switzerland, and France before immigrating to Montreal in the 1950s. Recruited from Zurich to Canada, he joined the renowned Deauville Salon in the Town of Mount Royal and eventually became its owner. Through talent, vision, and determination, Rene transformed the Deauville name into one synonymous with style, elegance, and innovation.

For many years, Rene de Deauville was a familiar figure in Montreal's fashion and social circles. His work was featured in the Montreal Star, and in 1969 he expanded his business by opening Monsieur Deauville, an exclusive men's salon on Crescent Street. Long before image consulting became fashionable, Rene was helping clients transform not only their appearance, but their confidence and personal style.

Following the sale of his Montreal business interests, Rene retired at a remarkably young age and began the next chapter of an extraordinary life. An avid skier, he became one of the early Montrealer's to establish roots in Stowe, Vermont, where he spent decades enjoying the mountains, the community, and lifelong friendships.

Rene also spent many memorable years in Acapulco, Mexico, where he built homes in the Punta Bruja section overlooking the Villa Vera resort and tennis club. During Acapulco's golden era, he became a familiar face among the international community, enjoying tennis, travel, nightlife, and his lifelong passion for backgammon. He treasured friendships that lasted decades and often reminisced about evenings spent with friends at Baby'O, Armando's Le Club, and other legendary Acapulco gathering places. His photographs and memories included encounters with notable personalities such as Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, and Brooke Shields.

In 1994, while in Acapulco, Rene met the love of his life, Katherine (Kathy) Portigal. They married in Stowe, Vermont, on July 27, 1996, and later established their home in South Florida. Together they shared nearly thirty years of marriage filled with travel, skiing, tennis, laughter, adventure, and unwavering companionship.

While Kathy built one of South Florida's most successful foreclosure and REO real estate businesses, Rene became her trusted partner behind the scenes. A talented craftsman and problem solver, he lent his skills to countless renovation and improvement projects and was always ready to tackle the next challenge.

Friends knew that Rene was never far from a tennis court, a backgammon board, a ski slope, or a good story.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Kathy Gross; his son, Shahn Rene Gross (Amanda Ellis); stepchildren Andrew and Catherine; his niece, Eva Franz Hermann; grand-nephew Mario Hermann (Alisa), and their children Mats and Mila; as well as many extended family members and cherished friends throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Europe.

Rene lived many lives in one lifetime—European apprentice, Montreal salon owner, entrepreneur, skier, builder, traveler, tennis player, backgammon enthusiast, husband, father, and friend. He embraced every chapter with enthusiasm and curiosity and leaves behind a lifetime of memories for those fortunate enough to have known him.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the caregivers, hospice staff, friends, and family members who provided comfort, companionship, and support during his final days.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.