March 23, 1958 – March 25, 2025
On March 25, 2025, with his family at his side, Joseph Marcel Desjardins passed away peacefully after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his mother Helen and father Gerard.
He leaves behind his longtime partner and friend Darlene MacChesney, his girls Maegan (Jessie) Amy (Justin) grandchildren Taylor, Jordyn and Carter, Sisters Annette, Angele, Bernadette (Darrell), Brothers Fred (Caroline) and Richard along with many nieces and nephews.
Born in British Columbia and raised in Winnipeg, Marcel attended St. Charles Convent, Hedges Junior High and John Taylor Collegiate, where he made many lifelong friends.
Marcel was a generous man, always willing to give of his time, knowledge and talent. He was known for his helpfulness and kindness and provided for those around him. He was a cherished member of a large and loving family, always known for their ability to bring people together. He was quick to give people creative nicknames that stuck for life, and had an incredible memory that held an abnormally large number of life experiences in vivid detail. Marcel spoke fondly of his work and the boys at Winnipeg Custom Counters, and his many visits to see good friend Lance Hendrickson as well as Sundays with his brother Fred.
Marcel’s love of music was apparent to all who knew him; from family reunions to playing solo in the backyard to intimate gatherings, he shared his love of the guitar with family and friends. In the last days before he passed, he expressed his love for his girls and his sorrow at not being able to see his grandchildren grow up.
‘Music is the timeline of my life’
~ Marcel Desjardins ~
We wish to thank the many friends and family who visited Marcel for breakfast, lunch, laughter and sharing of memories.
Thank you to the Doctors, nurses and staff at Cancer Care Manitoba, Riverview and St. Boniface Hospital, for all your incredible hard work and unwavering support.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Charleswood Legion, 6003 Roblin Blvd. Winnipeg, MB.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Marcel’s memorial page using the comment field below.
Not only were the parents very holy but the whole family. They were exceptionally kind and all had smiles that radiated sincere warnth and kindness on us all on St-Charles Street and in St-Charles Parish. La famille Desjardins A+ et ❤❤❤. My Most Sincere Condolences to Mrs Marcel Desjardins, Marcel’s children and ANNETTE, ANGÈLE and Marcel’s other brothers and sister. Be assured of my prayers for the whole Desjardin family.
My deepest sympathy to Marcels wife and children. Also to my cousins, his brother and sisters. I send hugs and prayers to you all. I never got to know Marcel well but I remember he was very loving and kind. He also resembled my brother Marcel a lot.
I love you all
Noella
Remember Marcel from growing up on St. Charles St. If he wasn’t playing his guitar he would be outside puttering around in the garage. My sincere condolences to the family.
Steve Laird
Marcel leaves behind a legacy of treasured memories which we will forever cherish. Rest well, Marcel…
Marcel was a lifelong friend. I’ve known him since we were about 5 years old. He had a great sense of humour and was a great guitarist. Condolences to Darlene and family and the Desjardins family.
Words cannot express how I am feeling right now. Know that I’ll see you again my brother at “The Great Gig in the Sky”.
My deepest condolences Fred. I was hoping to attend the memorial service this morning to get to see you and express my sympathies in person however I am a rough few days (getting old is not for sissies) and today is another one. I know the Hammer is planning a lunch at Big Rig for us to all get together and I will see you then. In the interim my thoughts will be with you and your entire family. Take care my friend.
Oh Uncle Mars. Your amazing guitar playing inspired me to play in my teens. Your oil paintings were soooo good- like Bob Ross!! You were so talented and made us cool things when we were little. I will always remember the bird marionette you made for me and my sister. You are loved and will be missed.
My condolences Fred&Carolyn and all of your siblings on Marcel’s passing! When I think of him I always picture him with guitar in hand and you Fred playing a Pink Floyd tune! Great memory!
RIP cousin!!!!