Obituaries

DESPINS, Marcel Edwin

DESPINS: Marcel Edwin. 1932-2018. It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Marcel Despins on October 12, 2018 just shy of his 86 birthday and their 58 wedding anniversary. Marcel was surrounded by his loving family in Kelowna, BC. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Jane (nee Marceau).He is also survived by his five children, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren: daughter Diana and David Law and their family Ryan and Kelsie Law , great grandson Linkin Law , Chris Law and Daylan Law; daughter Paula and Scott McKinnon and their family Brendon Peron and Kasey and Mason, Amanda and Rob Balsdon; son Guy and Susan Despins and grandson Kyle Despins; daughter Sharon Filiatrault and her family Matthew and Kaileigh Despins and great granddaughter Shayden Despins; son Mark and Jeanine Despins and granddaughter Amelia Despins, and his brother George Despins. Marcel was the youngest of seven children and predeceased by his parents Raoul and Antoinette (nee Aquin) Despins, sisters Grace, Teresa, brothers Clem, Bernard and Jerry. Marcel touched many lives, be it thru his love and commitment to his family, his devotion to his faith, his love of music or his generosity to others. He was a kind patient, humble and generous man that always had time for those in need, be it family, friends or strangers. Born and raised in Winnipeg Manitoba, Marcel grew up in a musical family, he learned to sing and play piano at an early age. With his beautiful voice and magical touch on the piano, he entertained at many events, venuses and gatherings leaving a legacy of fond memories for all. As a young man while working as a certified x-ray tech in The Pas MB, he met the love of his life Mary Jane. They married on November 5th, 1960 and began a family. In 1965 Marcel and Mary Jane moved to Winnipeg Manitoba where they bought a home to raise their family of five. Marcel worked various job , but never gave up on his musical talent that carried him throught his life. As a hardworking man, Marcel eventually found his way back into the hospital field, working ten years in the x-ray and occupational therapy dept. at Seven Oaks Hospital until his retirement in 1993. Having then moved to the Okanagan, he and Mary Jane enjoyed retirement with family and friends. He played many games of cards with his friends, played and sang at church every Sunday and visited many car dealerships for a test drive (we stopped counting how many cars Marcel and Mary Jane owed after 48 cars in 56 years). Marcel was not a sportsman as per say, but he did enjoy a good baseball game, figure skating and a good game of cards. Marcel had a great sense of humor and maybe that is why he fell in love with Mary Jane. It is with heavy hearts that we say farewell, we will cherish his memory of a life well lived and will keep in our hearts. He was the love of our life, he was our Gentle-Man. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 10:00am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church , 2547 Hebert Rd, Westbank, BC. Viewing will take place at the church on Saturday from 9:00 AM till 9:30 AM. Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com .By family request in Lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Canadian Alzheimer

Link: www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Condolence Messages

Oct 21, 2018
Sharon & Matt, So sorry for your loss.

Kindest regards

Glenna
Oct 18, 2018
Sending my condolences to you Paula and your family at this difficult time of losing a loved one.

From, Diana Markewich
Oct 18, 2018
Our Love to ALL THE FAMILY. We were lucky to have known Marcel these last couple of years and enjoyed being part of the family at celebrations.

A quiet loving man. Much peace with your great memories.

Love Glo McKinnon, Larry Lovett and Grandma Irene
Oct 18, 2018
So sorry for your loss...Keep strong..Fond memories of him and I playing music together. Lots of laughs we had ...God be with Marcel..

Glen Sobchyshyn