Parcourez la nécrologie de Marcel Conrad Côté 27/05/1937 20/11/2024 résidant dans la province Alberta pour le détail des funérailles.

Obituary For Marcel Conrad Côté
May 27, 1937 – November 20, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marcel Côté on November 20, 2024 at the age of 87 years young. Marcel was a truly remarkable individual who lived a life defined by adventure, entrepreneurship and boundless compassion for the less fortunate.
Born on May 27,1937 in McLennan to Adrian & Annette (Brassard) Côté, Marcel was the second of six boys. From an early age, he embraced life with unwavering enthusiasm, seeking out every opportunity and challenge that came his way.
Marcel’s thirst for adventure was evident from a young age as he sought new experiences and a variety of career opportunities during his lifetime. By 16, he was an Electrical Apprentice and at 20 he worked as an Elevator Operator at the McDonald Hotel in Edmonton. At 21, alongside his older brother André, Marcel purchased a Caterpillar and truck to dig basements, followed by brush cutting for farmers at 23. By 26, he began investing in real estate, buying and renting houses and the list continues.
Though Marcel had a few romances along the way, it was at 32 he finally met “the one” on a blind date. In 1971, he married Marian Reichenbach and together they were blessed with two daughters, Nicole and Melodie.
In the years that followed, Marcel’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished. He purchased Park Lighting on White Ave in Edmonton and after selling the business in 1980, worked as a Salesman for Union Electric and later as a Sales Representative for Leviton. When the 1982 recession hit, Marcel adapted and took a job in the janitorial services. An opportunity arose in 1985 for him to manage the Bee-Clean Janitorial franchise in Grande Prairie, so the hard decision was made to relocate his family to the small town of Grande Prairie from Edmonton. Though the move was a challenging adjustment for Marian and the girls, over time everyone came around.
After a few years, Marcel purchased the franchise, renaming it to Do-More Janitorial. He had enormous compassion for the underdog and was willing to give anyone a chance, and a second, and third if need be. Marcel was the most understanding, caring and generous boss (always handing out advances if they asked) and he had maintained some of the relationships with his past employees up until his passing. If extra hands were needed for odd jobs and you couldn’t find him, you knew he’d gone to Rotary House (now Wapiti House) asking the front desk staff for a couple guys who needed work for the day. He’d pay them and then mom would make sure they had something to eat before taking them back.
Marcel was a visionary who was sometimes ahead of his time. In 1987 he launched “The Paper House”, a recycling company focused on paper, cardboard and glass. Grande Prairie wasn’t quite ready to embrace this initiative, so he closed it down after two years but it reflected his forward-thinking mindset. He later attempted another recycling venture, shipping containers of clothing to Ghana for resale. On paper it all looked so good, but the funds didn’t quite develop. Over the years, he made five extended trips to Ghana and one trip to Kenya to see where his shipping containers were and how the project was doing.
Marcel liked to travel and wasn’t afraid to venture somewhere even by himself. January 2020 he ventured to Costa Rica, then in January 2022, in the height of a new strand of Covid, he decided it wasn’t going to stop him from heading to Mexico on another solo trip. It was only a couple months ago he asked Nicole how he goes about getting himself a Nexus card …
After Marian’s passing in 2009, Marcel made new friends, including special friend Leslie Webb. Together they shared a love for their many different “fur babies”, including their beloved pugs who brought much joy to their lives.
Marcel loved to putter in his shed outside and could often be found sitting in the yard pondering life. In earlier years, he loved to entertain and throw a good party, while the Hawaiian music played in the background on the record player or on the 8-track.
Last November Marcel decided it was time for a new adventure so he moved into Wild Rose Manor. He embraced all activities such as bingo calling, organizing movie nights and singalongs. Dad truly thrived this last year and our family is so grateful to all the staff and residents who became his extended family.
Marcel was a quiet man who avoided controversy, preferring to observe and contribute thoughtful insight when warranted. His kindness, adventurous spirit and generosity have left a mark on all who knew him. It has been such a privilege having him in our lives all these years and he will be missed.
Marcel is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Nicole (Darrel) Shkwarok; Melodie (Kent) Fisk; grandchildren Janae & Tyler Shkwarok and Brianna & Kendra Fisk; brothers Emile (Aline); Laurent (Connie); Normand (Mary-Margaret); Raymond (Shellie); plus many other friends and relatives.
The family extends our heartfelt gratitude to Wild Rose Manor staff and residents for adding a sparkle to his smile; to the EMTs and the teams at GPRH Emergency Dept and Unit 23 for the kindness and compassion you gave us the week he was in the hospital.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 1:00pm with a program starting at 1:30pm at the Bear Creek Funeral Home (11802-99 Ave, Grande Prairie).
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” – Helen Keller
Services
21
Dec
Celebration of Life
01:30 PM
Bear Creek Funeral Home 11802 99 Ave Grande Prairie, AB T8W 0C7

27/05/1937 20/11/2024

Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Marcel Conrad Côté 27/05/1937 20/11/2024..

bearcreek funeral

Décès pour la Ville: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta

avis deces Marcel Conrad Côté 27/05/1937 20/11/2024

necrologie Marcel Conrad Côté 27/05/1937 20/11/2024

Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Marcel Conrad Côté 27/05/1937 20/11/2024 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.