Maurice (Moe) Guillaume Dextras, beloved Papi, passed away on September 10, 2021 surrounded by his beloved wife Miche, son John, and daughter Louise; with Rhonda (daughter-in-law), Bob (son-in-law), Caitlin (granddaughter), Rhys (grandson), and Rylee (granddaughter) nearby.
Moe was born on January 2, 1935 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to John and Marie (née McIlroy) Dextras. Moe left school early so he could work to help support his family. He became a mechanic and owned a small garage in Montreal.
Moe met Miche in 1957 and despite an initial rejection, he pursued her and soon won her heart. They were married in 1959. John was born in 1960 and Louise followed in 1963.
Tiring of ice blocks falling off cars and hitting him on the head when working on cars in the winter, and of his wife's desire to get away from the humid, bone-chilling cold that is Montreal, Moe decided to leave the frigid great white north and seek a warmer climate.
In 1968, with only his tool chest and one steamer trunk of belongings, Moe moved Miche and their kids to Southern California. He moved around several car dealerships as a mechanic before landing a job at UPS. At UPS he worked himself up from a line mechanic to supervisor, and eventually to manager before leaving UPS early in 1983. From there, Moe and Miche moved to Portland, OR where they spent the next 10 years as hotel managers at the Riverside Inn.
In 1993, wishing to be closer to John and Louise, they moved first to Colorado Springs, then later to Pueblo West, in Colorado. By this time Moe had retired; he was able to enjoy golfing, cooking, and his favorite activity, gardening. He often cooked meals for all the family to enjoy at frequent get togethers using vegetables from his garden.
When Miche retired, they started RVing full time, traveling around the states and Canada visiting friends and family. When not RVing, Moe took Miche on cruises to Europe, and even went to China. In 2003 they settled in Weslaco, TX. They wintered in Texas and summered in South Dakota at Hart Ranch, often visiting the kids in Colorado on the trips to and from TX and SD.
Moe filled many roles in his lifetime: son, brother, husband, father, mechanic, manager, cook, gardener, golfer; but the role he loved the most was as Papi - grandfather to Caitlin, Taylor, Rhys, and Rylee. He was so proud of them.
Moe is survived by his wife of 62 years, Miche of Weslaco, TX; son John (Rhonda) and daughter Louise (Bob) of Colorado Springs, CO; granddaughters, Caitlin, Taylor, and Rylee; grandson Rhys; his sister Annette; numerous nieces and nephews in Canada.
ieces and nephews in Canada.
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