JOSPEH MARCEL

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JOSPEH MARCEL LaBOSSIERE July 16, 1920 - July 14, 2004 It is with deep sadness and regret that the LaBossiere family announces that despite his valiant fight to stay with us, Joe passed away on July 14, 2004 at the St. Boniface General Hospital, two days shy of his 84th birthday. His memory will be cherished forever by his loving wife Patricia and his children, Paul (Sarah), Dave (Jackey), Rick (Nora), Tim (Louise) and Lorraine (Rob Morris). He will be dearly missed by his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Keith and his family (Tracy, Melanie and Emma), Nicole (Liam), Michelle and her family (Matias, Justin and Meghan), Sherry, Danielle, Lauren, Lisa, David, Michael and Robbie. He also will be fondly remembered by his six step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his brothers, Jules, Etienne (a.k.a. Bobby) and his sister Alexandrine, Joe leaves to mourn his brothers, Denis (Evelyn), Yves and Johnny (Fern), as well as his sisters, Blande Matthews, Gisele Ramsay, Edith Foo, Marilyn Reid and Rennee McIvor, along with many nieces and nephews. Joe often spoke of his childhood, sharing with his children and grandchildren, humourous anecdotes of his life as one of 12 siblings. He never forgot how hard the depression hit his family and those he loved. He always strived to help out any family member of the RCAF and was stationed in England. He returned safely from the war and was deeply saddened when his brother Jules did not. In 1949, he married Patricia Lavallee and in 1950 they started their family. In 1954, Joe worked two jobs to provide for his growing family. One of these jobs was an office cleaning company which he ran from his home. From these humble beginnings, Joe created P.M.L. Maintenance Ltd. and Five-L Equipment Limited, where his wife and children worked with him. Joe was fiercely proud of the legacy he built for his family. He worked at Five-L until he was 73, finally retiring and leaving his businesses in the good hands of his sons. He made weekly and sometimes daily visits to check up on things or to renovate an office or two. Joe was never without a project and his project mania was not fully satisfied until 1996 when along with Tim, he built a cottage in Lac du Bonnet. There he spent some of his happiest times with Pat, planning and building, planting trees, being with family and making new friends. He always said he never felt as good as when he was at the cottage. Sports played a major part of Joes life. He was an avid Bombers, Jets, Goldeyes and Moose fan. In his pre-cottage years, he played golf in Winnipeg in the summer, and in Arizona and Florida in the winter. When Joe and Pat could no longer travel in winter because of his declining health, Joe found interests to satisfy his keen intellect. He studied the genealogy of the LaBossiere family, talking and writing about his findings. He stayed abreast of world affairs and engaged in serious philosophical discussions with young and old alike. Joes family was his greatest source of satisfaction and pride. Although he enjoyed the quiet times with friends, it was at family gatherings that Joe was truly in his element. He loved laughter and sharing jokes, believing that a positive state of mind could overcome his many physical aliments and illnesses. He was an example of courage, perseverance and strength and will be sorely missed. We are grateful to have had Joe in our lives and we will hold him in our hearts forever. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 19 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church, 510 River Ave., with Rev. Fr. Sam Argenziano officiating. Interment will follow immediately after the mass at St. Vital Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ronald McDonald House. "Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow The Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 233-4949 or toll free 1-888-233-4949. Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at www.obitbulkloaduariestoday.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 17, 2004