Maurice Joseph Desilets

Maurice Joseph Desilets passed away peacefully in his 92nd year on February 14, 2020 with family by his side at NBRHC. He fought with faith, strength and the support of his family over his last five months.

He is survived by the love of his life, best friend and wife of 71 years, Marilyn (Chrysler), and children Richard (Leamor), Maurice, Don (Shelley), Rosanne, Marilyn Goodman and Christine. He was predeceased by his son Robert.

He was a loving grandfather to Makare, Makita, Richard Jr., Christopher (Kristina), Meghan (Stephen) Lepkan, Brandon, Sheldon, Robert (Amy) and Samantha Goodman, and doting great-grandfather to Henry and Madeline Lepkan, and Owen Goodman.

Predeceased by his parents Jean and Rose Desilets, brothers Romeo, Phil, Lionel, Arthur, Henry, George and Gerard, and sisters Lorenda, Cecile, Laetitia, Amanda, Theresa, Lucille and Margeurite. He is survived by his loving sister Sister Rachel (Sisters of the Assumption).

As part of a large family, it brought Maurice much joy to host family reunions at the home he built on Trout Lake with all of his siblings, nieces, nephews, children and grandchildren. These reunions and the other family gatherings held there helped the family connect and stay close, which made the home a special place in the hearts of the family.

Maurice loved to work and was proud to provide for his family. He opened Desilets & Charette Plumbing & Heating in 1961 with his partner Rolly, working diligently to grow the business over the years until he retired at the age of 82. In his retirement, he continued to do projects around the house and was always drawing up plans or tinkering with something. Even into his 80’s, there weren’t many who could keep up with his work ethic.

He also knew there was more to life than work, and enjoyed fishing on Lake Nipissing with his brothers, in the Queen Charlotte Islands with his son Richard and with his grandchildren on Trout Lake. He and Marilyn also loved to travel, whether to Mexico, Hawaii or the many winters in Florida.

He was a die-hard Blue Jays fan, always watching games at home with his wife and taking in Spring Training games while in Florida (easier to coach them up in person).

A faithful parishioner of Sacred Heart in Corbeil, he supported several faith- based causes, was a Knight of Columbus and proud supporter of WFMHA and a recipient of their Builder award.

Maurice loved music, dancing and singing his way through life with his wife Marilyn. Even in recent years they could be found gliding across the dance floor at special occasions and the love they had for each other was evident. Their love was so deep, and they were often happiest spending time together at home, watching birds from the sunroom, sitting together on the swing or having a beer on the dock as the sun set. Regardless of what they were doing, being with her brought him peace and happiness.

He will forever be loved and in our hearts, and we will carry his values forward and make sure "Mother" is watched over as he rests peacefully.

The family would like to thank Dr. O’Grady and the nurses of C-3 at NBRHC for the care and comfort provided over his final months. Thank you to Cindy and the staff of Preferred Care, Paramed and the LHIN for their professionalism and courtesy towards Maurice, it meant the world to the family to have a caring group of professionals supporting him.

Donations can be made on behalf of Maurice to the Palliative Care Unit of the NBRHC and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Visitors will be welcomed at McGuinty Funeral Home (North Bay) on Friday, February 28, 2020 from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm. Funeral service will be held at Pariosse Sacre Coeur in Corbeil on Saturday, February 29th 2020 at 11:00am. Online condolences may be made at www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com