Fort Wayne, IN — Violet Ullyot, wife of legendary Komet coach, general manager and owner Ken Ullyot, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2009, in Fort Wayne, Indiana at the age of 87.

"Vi", a native of Strasburg, Saskatchewan, Canada, married Ken Aug. 15, 1942 in Askwith, Saskatchewan.  They moved to Fort Wayne in 1958 when Ken was appointed the Komets' head coach.  While her husband took care of the Komets' business and hockey affairs for approximately 30 years, Vi became the team's matriarch.  She always made herself available whenever player's wives and families needed help and advice.

Vi served alongside her husband and son while Ken and Ron were successful at becoming one of the rare father-son combinations to have their names inscribed on the International Hockey League's Turner Cup.

After Ken's retirement, the Ullyots decided to continue their residency in Fort Wayne and support the Komets.  Even in the past few seasons, as Ken's health has prevented him from attending many Komet games, Vi would attend and return home with her report of the game and the latest news of friends. 

"The passing of Vi Ullyot is very sad for the entire Komet family," said Komets' general manager David Franke.  "In the 20 years that the Franke family has owned the Komets, Vi was very supportive.  She came to many of the Komet home games and always had words of encouragement irregardless of the team's success on ice.  I consider Ken Ullyot the father of the Komets and Vi the mother of the Komet family.  She will be missed by all that knew her."

In addition to her husband Kenneth of Fort Wayne, surviving are her daughter, Donna (Steve) Thompson of Grabill; son Ron (Laurie) Ullyot, a former Komet player and coach, of Apopka, Florida; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; seven stepgrandchildren; 17 step-great grandchildren; and two step-great-great grandchildren. 

Services for Violet Ullyot will be held at D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46805, with calling Thursday, Aug. 13 from 4pm to 8pm.  Memorial service is 3pm Friday, Aug. 14, with calling one hour prior at the funeral home.