Marcelino Bautista

Marcelino "Honey" Bautista

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Marcelino "Honey" Bautista on March 6, 2026, at the age of 84, at Saint Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Mars was born on September 23, 1941, in Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines. A man of humble beginnings, he worked as a jeepney driver in his homeland — never afraid of hard work and always guided by his love for family. When the woman who would become the love of his life, Mercedita, moved to Canada in 1969, Mars made her a promise: he would wait for her. And he did. When Mercedita returned to the Philippines, they married on January 14, 1973, and together began their great adventure, building a new life in Winnipeg. They shared 53 beautiful years of marriage.

In Canada, Mars continued to live by the same values that defined him — dedication, humility, and an unwavering commitment to his family. He worked as a production worker at a frozen food factory, putting in honest days to provide for the people he loved most.

But those who knew Mars knew that his truest joy came from simpler things. He was a devoted gardener who tended his vegetable patch with pride and came alive at harvest time, greeting family and friends with the biggest smile and bags full of whatever had grown. He shared his harvest freely and generously — because that was simply who Mars was. He loved fishing. He loved his walks. And above all, he loved his family. In his final chapter, Mars — or "Honey," as his grandchildren lovingly called him — found a special joy in his newest great-grandson, Alec. The time he spent with that little boy brought him so much love and happiness that everyone saw.

Mars was a social butterfly with a gift for making friends wherever he went. Reserved by nature, he had a quiet warmth and a gentle humor that drew people in. He was, by all accounts, a genuinely happy man — kind to his core and funny in the way that only the most humble and good-hearted people can be.

Mars is survived by his beloved wife, Mercedita Asuncion Bautista; his eldest daughter, Merelyn Bautista (James Bohn), and their children Justin (Andrea), Jayden (Austin), and Taylor (Danielle); his youngest daughter, Melodie Bautista Garing (Edwin Garing), and their children Dean and Blake (Raiza); and his great-grandchild, Alec.

Mars is also survived by his brothers Felicisimo, Francisco, Benito, German, and sister Susanna.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Juanita Cuenca Bautista; his father, Fermin Bautista; his brothers Alberto and Federico; and his sisters Leticia and Rosenda.

The Viewing and Prayers (Lamay) will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Thomson "In The Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd., Winnipeg.

The Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Roman Catholic Parish of St. Timothy, 135 John Forsyth Rd., River Park South, Winnipeg.

Interment will take place immediately following the Funeral Mass at Glen Lawn Cemetery, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd.

The Funeral Reception will follow interment at the St. Timothy Church Hall. All who knew and loved Mars are warmly invited to join the family in honouring and celebrating his beautiful life.

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Mars waited for love, worked with his hands, grew things from the earth, and gave freely of everything he had. He leaves behind a family who will carry his kindness, his laughter, and his harvest-day smile for the rest of their lives.