Marcel Jean Deschenes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Marcel Jean Deschenes, 68, of Dartmouth, on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at Dartmouth General Hospital.

Born and raised in Halifax, Marcel was the son of Eva M. (Jackson) Deschenes and Jean Leon Deschenes.

He served as a primary reservist (Corporal) in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves from 1973 to 1980 and between 1983 – 1984. His service included a tour in Lahr, Germany.

For many years, he travelled throughout North America as a commercial driver. In his later years, he settled back in Halifax and took employment with Halifax Transit as an Access-a-Bus driver, where he enjoyed making clients laugh and kept a watchful eye over everyone’s safety.

Marcel was a hobbyist with a passion for military history, model building, travel, boating and all things aeronautical. He loved spending time with family and friends. His kindness, thoughtfulness, sense of humour and self-depreciating wit will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his partner, Laurie Gorman (Dartmouth); daughters Yolande Deschenes and Bernadette Deschenes Stead (Ontario); niece Leslie MacLeod (Hal Thompson) (Halifax) and her children Benajmin and Madeline (at home); grand-nephew Scott MacLeod (Tara Theriault MacLeod) and his sons Hunter and Lincoln (at home) (Halifax), dear friends Jerry Tarbett and Holly MacDonald (Bridgewater); and many loving cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth (Jackson) MacLeod and brother-in-law Ivor (“Mic”) MacLeod; nephew Timothy MacLeod; and nephew Michael MacLeod (all of Halifax).

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home, Portland St., Dartmouth. Cremation has taken place. A private family burial will be held at a future date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to a charity of choice.