Marcel Plouffe

With heavy hearts and much sorrow our family would like to inform everyone of the passing of Marcel Plouffe on June 19th, 2024. He passed peacefully at Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens in Port Alberni. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by Moira, his wife of 62 years, his children,  Lynn (Mike), Danine and Cara (Keith), his grandchildren, Chad (Brittney),Jolyn and Taryn, his great grandchildren, Della and Rylan and his siblings, Pauline Racicot, Claude (and Aline) Plouffe, and Claudette Duval.

Marcel was born in Cache Bay Ontario, on the 25th of October 1937, to Jean and Cecille Plouffe. He was the 11th of twelve children, and was predeceased by his parents and his siblings Rene, Lucien, Jeanne, Lucienne, Laurier, Albert, Marie, and Theresa.

Marcel was an avid hockey player and devoted fan. It was hockey that brought him to British Columbia from Ontario. He played for the Powell River Regals and was given a job at the paper mill there. Marcel had the skills and dedication to go far in hockey, and was even scouted by the Chicago Black Hawks and Boston Bruins. Unfortunately, he was severely injured in a mill accident that put an end to his professional hockey career. Despite the injury that nearly took his life, he would continue to play and coach for many years.

Powell River would also lead him to his life long partner, Moira, a young teacher at the time. They would marry in 1962, a few months before being transferred to the mill in Port Alberni where they would continue to live, work and raise their family for the next sixty years.

Marcel continued his journey in Port Alberni, working as a machinist in the pulp mill for forty years and playing hockey in his spare time for the Port Alberni Luckies, the Labatts, and eventually, the Old Timers, often taking his family on the road to cheer him on. He also coached the Port Alberni Islanders for a time.

Eventually, when Marcel saw the arrival of his first grandchild, Chad, he found his efforts refocused on shinny hockey. Despite the various injuries he'd acquired over the years, he was able to continue his favorite passtime through his grandchild.

All these efforts would eventually be commemorated when he was notified that he would be inducted into the Parry Sound Bobby Orr Hockey Hall of Fame for his contributions back in Ontario with the 1956-1957 Junior C Shamrocks, in the Team category. Marcel was humbled by this, but proud to be included. His jersey hangs there to this day.

Marcel always looked at life with a great sense of humor, but also a quiet determination. He was proud of his achievements, the house he built himself, and the lawn he kept immaculate for over forty five years. He was humble, but generous to a fault, especially when it came to children or community events.

As a family, we ask that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation to BC Children's Hospital, Special Olympics Port Alberni or to Kidsport Port Alberni to continue his legacy.

"Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow." -Author Unknown

Mass to be held at 11am, July 24th at Holy Family Notre Dame Roman Catholic Parish, 4731 Burke Rd in Port Alberni.