Oscar Marcel Desormeaux

The family of Oscar Marcel Desormeaux are deeply saddened to announce that their beloved husband and father passed away at the Ottawa General Hospital on November 3, 2020 with his daughter Jacqueline by his side after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 91.

Oscar was born on May 3, 1929 in Ottawa where he spent his childhood along with his brothers and sisters in the Lebreton Flats an area of Ottawa that is now home to the Canadian War Museum. He was known as Speed to his friends in the Flats, Dez to his army buddies and Ti-Gas to family members.

He enlisted in the military at an early age, serving overseas with the Royal Canadian Regiment in Korea. He later joined the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, training as a paratrooper. He went on to make many “jumps” as a full-fledged paratrooper and was proud of his purple beret and Jump Wings, which signified him as a member of an elite fighting force. He met his future wife Jeannette during his military service and following their marriage decided to leave the military and return to civilian life.

Over the ensuing years, he and Jeannette raised 7 children on Lebreton St where they lived for over 50 years. He went on to join Sanderson Roofing Co. where he spent the next 40 years in the roofing business retiring in 1994. His retirement was spent enjoying his passion of hockey, especially his Montreal Canadiens. He was an avid bowler and member of several bowling leagues. He enjoyed the excitement and anticipation of winning big with his weekly purchase of lottery tickets and recounting his many war stories.

He was the son of the late Alexandre and Emilia (Lessard) Desormeaux, the brother of the late Francis, Hermas, sisters Emilia, Jeanne, Gracia, Germaine, Evangeline, Jeannine, Lucille and surviving sister Jacqueline Dumais. He was a loving husband to his wife Jeannette (Patry) whose last words to her were “t’es mon amour”. A devoted father to Alice (Grant) Burley, Raymond – deceased April 22, 2020, Helene (Jean Carriere), Jean-Guy (Doris MacAllister), Louise, Jeannine (Mario Ouellette), Jacqueline (Mike Witte). He enjoyed watching his 10 grandchildren grow up, his 7 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Dad, your children will forever miss your gentle whistling tunes and that always present smile of yours. The family wishes to thank the caring staff at the Ottawa General Hospital. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we ask for no visitors at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home. Messages of sympathy may be made at www.mcevoy-shields.com.