January 31, 1936 - June 14, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marcel on June 14, 2021. Marcel was born in Houilles, France in 1936. Despite growing up during the war, Marcel had fond memories of his childhood with his two brothers and six sisters. Marcel excelled in school, after graduation, he attended trades college, receiving his certificate in plumbing.
In 1955, at the age of 18, he made his way to Victoria, Canada. He started his career at VMD Shipyards, until finding his place at Yarrows Shipyard in the pipe shop. He met his bride, Helene; soon after son Marc and daughter Nadine came along. They bought a house in Esquimalt to raise their family. During this time, his brothers Maurice (Hughette) and Georges (Jaci), also moved to Victoria. 'Le trois frere", sharing a lifelong bond.
Marcel was a talented sketch artist and painter. With this artistic flare and his love of gardening, he created a beautiful garden. With his many skills, he was always fixing things, from watches to engines. His love of woodworking led him to build a 32' sailboat in the backyard shop.
The family grew with Marc meeting Lynn (Vowles), and Nadine meeting Gerry (Boudreau) and later the arrival of granddaughter Shannon. Marcel was over the moon, and now his sailboat had a name, 'The Shannie B'. These were good years with lots of French dinner parties with friends and neighbours.
Marcel and Helene also enjoyed traveling. With Helene's sudden passing, Marcel kept busy with his job at the shipyard. He enjoyed working and building new ferries and large vessels. He was a proud member of Union Local 324 since 1957 and after 38 years at Yarrows, he retired with many stories to tell, and great friendships.
As retirement came, he met Doreen Kuhn, this new relationship had Marcel expand his many friendships with Doreen's family, Daughter Lorette Hickling (John Hartley) and family, as well as many of Doreen's extended family members in Vancouver.
They bought a home in Deep Cove together and had great fun renovating the house and Marcel creating another beautiful garden. It was a wonderful retirement having good times with friends, neighbours and family including many dinners at niece Pat (Stu Rhodes and family), lunches with Marc, and being busy as an active
member of the Peninsula Garden club.
More joy came with Shannon marrying Tyrel (Smith) and the birth of his great grandsons Cole and Carson. Marcel and Doreen made many trips to the Comox Valley to visit. Sadly, Doreen passed after a lengthy illness.
Marcels life was brightened when he moved to the Comox Valley to be close to Nadine and Shannon's families. He loved being a part of Cole and Carson's lives, watching them play hockey, boating, or just hanging out. Marcel enjoyed his days, being in the garden with Nadine, working on projects with Gerry, and daily walks at the air park.
As a member of the North Island Rhododendron Club, he made many new friends. He was a kind, loving, generous and patient man that would do anything for his family. He will be forever remembered as a wonderful dad, gramps, g gramps, brother, uncle, great uncle, friend, and a true gentleman.
The family would like to thank Dr. Matous and staff, the Community Nurses and Care workers for all their support.
There will be no service as Marcels wishes.