MARCEL ANDRE ASSELIN

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MARCEL ANDRE ASSELIN It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marcel André Asselin on September 22, 2016 at the age of 96. Dad, the eldest of six children born to Donat Asselin and Albertine Marion, came into the world on July 24, 1920 in St. Jean Baptiste. He was predeceased by his parents, our mom Simone, second wife Florence, brothers Donat and Léopold, and sister Amanda. He leaves to mourn his sisters Yvonne and Denise, his seven children Jeannine (Ken), Robert (Hélène), Yvonne (Eric), René (Claire), Louise (Norm), Charles (Carol) and Pierrette (Bill), along with 20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Marcel attended Maison Chapelle for his primary grades and then Collège de St. Boniface, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1941. During the Second World War, he was a pilot in the RCAF and earned the rank of Flight Lieutenant. As an instructor, he helped many recruits earn their wings while stationed in Dauphin, Regina, Terrace, BC and England. During this time in the Air Force, he married Simone Beaugrand dit Champagne in 1942 and together they started their family. Dad's love of flying never waned as he remained in the air reserve and flew regularly until 1966. After the war, Dad joined the family construction business and operated a dragline for Asselin Bros. Construction, a company owned by his father and uncle. During the 1950 flood, he dug the Flood Bowl in Norwood to help create the dike along Lyndale Drive. He later worked for Clayton Construction before spending 30 years with B&B Rentals and Sales in the capacity of Superintendent. Dad worked long hours but always found time to teach his growing brood to appreciate the outdoors. The family spent many summers together swimming, water skiing and especially fishing at Nutimik and Falcon Lake, but some of the best times were spent at the remote camp on Lake of the Woods. With no road or electricity, being organized and resourceful was paramount and Dad regularly rose to the occasion with his gadgets and systems, creatively turning ordinary items into engineering marvels, all with the goal of making life easier for Mom and the kids. After Mom passed away prematurely in 1976, Dad found it understandably difficult, having lost his partner of 34 years but he soldiered on. Over time, he forged a relationship with Florence and the two were married. Around this same period, he got interested in gardening and took a special interest in tomatoes, which he grew year-round in his basement right next to the wine making station which always had a number of excellent batches in various stages of development. In his retirement, he and Flo travelled extensively to Europe and the U.S., spending several memorable winters in Arizona. They also enjoyed many summers at Lake of the Woods and later at Oak Bay on Lake Manitoba until Florence passed away in 2008. Dad was a family man first and foremost and was extremely proud of all his children, not to mention his 20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. All of them were his pride and joy. Education and speaking both official languages were very important to him. He instilled a great work ethic in all of us and taught us to follow the golden rule. We are so lucky to have had such a good father and we will miss him very much. Nous t'aimons bien gros Dad. Have a great flight! Un gros merci to the fantastic Second Floor staff at Actionmarguerite Saint Vital (Foyer Valade) for the wonderful care Dad received during his time there. Cremation has taken place. A service will be held on Friday, October 7 with eulogies starting at 10:15 a.m. at Précieux-Sang Roman Catholic Church, 200 Kenny St., Winnipeg. Interment to take place at the St. Boniface Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice. Desjardins 204-233-4949 1-888-233-4949 www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca
Publish Date: Oct 1, 2016

MARCEL ANDRE ASSELIN Peacefully at Actionmarguerite (St. Vital), on Thursday, September 22, 2016, Marcel Asselin, beloved husband of his first wife, the late Simone and his second wife, the late Florence, passed away at the age of 96 years. Longer obituary to follow. Desjardins 204-233-4949 1-888-233-4949 www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca

Publish Date: Sep 24, 2016

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 01, 2016