FERNAND (FERNIE) DESMARAIS -

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FERNAND (FERNIE) DESMARAIS 1923 - 2008 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dear Fernie, aged 84, who lost his battle with cancer on May 13, 2008. He is survived by his son, Bob Desmarais (Nancy); daughter Karen Desmarais (Bernie); stepson Curtis Wood of the United States; stepdaughter Kim Wood of Vancouver, BC; grandson Paul Desmarais (Christina) of Yorkton, SK, granddaughters Kristen Desmarais (Steve) of Edmonton, AB, Stephanie Desmarais (Tyler); step-grandson Ronald Puddicombe of Portage La Prairie, MB; step-granddaughter Kim Puddicombe of Portage La Prairie, MB; sister Yvette DeGagne of Calgary, AB; brother Roger of Calgary, AB; great-grandchildren Dominick, Marisa and Mya Desmarais of Yorkton, SK and Gage, Rylie, Zachary and Elizabeth Desmarais of Edmonton, AB; and step-great-grandchildren Seth and Tori-Lynn Puddicombe of Portage La Prairie, MB. He was predeceased by his parents, Azilda (nee St. Godard) and Denis Desmarais, his wife Corinne (nee Conn) in 1980, his second wife Donna (nee Giesbrecht) in 2004, and eight brothers and sisters (Rose, baby Alice, Alice, Aurore, Anthony, Roland, Camille and Muriel). Fernie was born on September 4, 1923, in Vonda, SK. He lived in Vonda until the age of 10, when he moved to Saskatoon with his family until 1941. He moved again to Wynyard, SK and then to Yorkton, SK where he met and married his sweetheart Corinne in 1951. Together with their two small children, they finally settled in Winnipeg in 1957. Fernie worked for Blackwood Beverages until his retirement in 1987. He was active in the Scout movement for 15 years, and enjoyed playing hockey, which he did until the age of 61, golfing and curling. He met and married his second wife, Donna, in 1991. The family wishes to thank Linda, his home-care angel, for her kindness and wonderful care she gave to Fernie. We also thank the nurses at the Grace Hospital for their care and support. Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. Donations in Fernie's memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Dad, we will cherish you forever and you will be greatly missed. CHAPEL LAWN 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 14, 2008