It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marcel Levesque, aged 89, on June 26, 2021 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. Marcel was born in Montreal on May 24, 1932 one of eight children born to Joseph and Marie-Anne Levesque.
Beloved husband of Adele, his wife, companion and best friend to whom he was married for over 65 years. He also leaves his five children: Nicole, Suzanne, Ron (Marian), Marc (Chris) and Michel (Baljeet) as well as nine grandchildren: Laura, Matthew, Brendan, Conor, Adrian, Shannon, Eric, Nicolas and Madeleine and five great grandchildren: Kian, Logan, Lathan, Santiago and Luciano.
Dad was always optimistic. He saw the good in people and sought out happiness in all things this world presented. His favorite song was “What a Wonderful World” and that pretty much summed up his outlook on life. He even stuck to that philosophy while suffering through Parkinson’s for 30 years, never letting it cripple his wonderful optimism.
He led us to strive for higher goals and supported education as a central tenet of his approach to facing the world. Both our Mom and Dad worked hard as they juggled jobs and kids while Dad pursued a university degree. Ultimately that helped open more opportunities leading to a better life for us all. He ended his career as Vice President of Operations for North America at Chubb Security.
It was not unusual for him to take one of us on an errand to the pharmacy or grocery store and then sneak in an ice cream or chocolate bar treat. Events with him were always fun often ending with a guilty pleasure like this.
Even when one of us would get into some sort of trouble, he would approach it with a gentle but firm logical discussion. He would reason rather than simply lay down the law – within safe limits. He really instilled within us to ask why individuals behaved the way they did and how to inter-relate with them. Mistakes still made but empathy is a lifelong learning process.
His wicked sense of humor was not spared on Mom. He would often say that when he died, he hoped his ashes would be spread at the mall so that Mom would visit him every day.
He was a great husband, dad and friend. He’ll be missed – his humor, compassion, and outlook on life.
Many thanks to the staff at Centre d’hébergement Denis Benjamin Viger for their wonderful care and support for the past five years.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Voluntas (514-695-7979, www.voluntas.ca)
Sonia awakim
July 1, 2021 at 1:53 pmI heard a lot about him, he was a gentleman, helpful. Peaceful, Adel always told me he treated her very well.
God bless his soul, I knew him only when Adel used to bring him home from the resident.
He will be missed
Johanna Guenzel
July 1, 2021 at 2:13 pmOn behalf of myself, Kevin and my children, we want you all to know Uncle Marcel will be dearly missed! His sense of humor and selflessness and never a complaint, will be something that will stay with us when we think of him for a longtime to come ..xxxxx Our thoughts are with all of you, lots of love.
Andy and sue
July 1, 2021 at 2:44 pmA loss for the family our thoughts are with you all
Jennifer O’Brien
July 1, 2021 at 5:30 pmOh Marcel. What a lovely gentle
Man he was. Katie and I absolutely loved him and I consider myself so fortunate to have been considered one of the Levesque family over the years. He is leaving behind such a legacy and a sea of fabulous memories. So very sad to hear of this but I know he is starting on his new adventure with that big fat smile and gentle manner. He will be missed but so glad to have the memories. Peace and love to all of you. Xoxoxxo❤️❤️❤️❤️Jen
Linda and Brian
July 2, 2021 at 9:48 amThis obituary is a wonderful tribute to Uncle Marcel. Brought tears to my eyes and a smile at the same time. Such a kind gentleman he was. His sense of humour was a joy at many family dinner parties. Such a loss for everyone but at last he is at peace. Hugs to all of you ❤️
Lorna Robertson
July 2, 2021 at 12:52 pmI was very lucky to have met this gentleman once, when Nicole brought him here to visit. I remember his big smile, and gentle face. May he RIP . My deepest sympathies to all his love ones.
Zaf Chaudhari
July 2, 2021 at 12:57 pmI have so many good memories during the time we were neighbors in Pincourt of how nice, kind and happy Mr. Levesque was. A wonderful man who will be dearly missed.
Gary Benson
July 3, 2021 at 11:28 amWhat a lovely tribute to your dad, Nicole. He seemed to be a real gem. Cherish all those memories.
Jocelyn Trottier
July 3, 2021 at 9:16 pmWhat a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man… I am, so fortunate to have had the opportunity to have many events/dinners, get togethers where we shared much laughter. Truly honoured to have known you, Marcel, May you Rest In Peace…
My thoughts are with you all, hold your memories close to your hearts. With deepest sympathy, sending love and hugs to all. Jocelyn Trottier
Micheline Joubert
July 5, 2021 at 8:25 amI had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Levesque on a few occasions. He was indeed a special man and I know he was a great source of comfort and support to Nicole over the years. A true gentleman. May he Rest In Peace.
sean doran
July 5, 2021 at 5:47 pmSincere condolences to the Levesque family. A most wonderful person was Marcel. The words spoken above perfectly describes the person I had the pleasure to meet.
Doug Harris
July 5, 2021 at 6:18 pmMost of my memories of uncle Marcel are from my childhood. Always pleasant and he was just so fun!
Diane and Bill McLaren
July 11, 2021 at 4:29 pmOur sincere condolences to all of you.
What a wonderful tribute!!
It really captures Marcel’s essence.
We had the privilege to work with Marcel for a number of years and his leadership qualities continue to influence us in our business today.
We remember him fondly.
Wendy Magann
July 12, 2021 at 11:01 amLovely words and memories of a life well lived. Sending love and hugs to all your family. So sorry for your loss.