Marcel Gerard Durand

Marcel Gerard Durand, aged 73 years of Moose Jaw, SK., passed away Sunday, March 20th, 2011.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 26th, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in St. Ignace Des Saules Catholic Church, Édouard Beaupré Street, Willow Bunch, SK.  Father Joy Montiague will be the presiding celebrant and interment will take place in Willow Bunch Catholic Cemetery in Country.  Marcel was born June 28th, 1937 in Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan, the eldest of four children born to Jeanne and Henri Durand.  After attending the Saskatchewan Technical Institute (STI) in Moose Jaw, he returned to the Willow Bunch community where he remained until 2003.  Marcel was a proud farmer and carpenter for many years until he was forced to retire due to illness.  He found pleasure in participating in community events such as hockey and enjoyed socializing with friends over coffee.  Additionally, Marcel thoroughly enjoyed music, especially playing the spoons.  This love of music endured while at Providence Place where he continued to play the spoons, including many memorable performances with the Dusty Old Farmers.  Marcel married Irene Durand (nee Moulin) in July 1964 and together they raised three children.  Marcel was predeceased by his wife Irene Durand (Moulin); mother Jeanne Durand (Poirier) and father Henri Durand; brother Ernest Durand and brother-in-law Leo O’Reilly.  Marcel is survived by his three children: Colette (Brian) Ripley – Moose Jaw, Nanette (Kevin) Ray – Regina, and Denis Durand – Saskatoon; grandchildren: Braden, Jordan, and Makenzie; sisters: Doris O’Reilly and Aline (Henri) O’Reilly; sister-in-law: Jocelyne Durand; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  Flowers are gratefully declined and donations in Marcel’s name may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, 150 Albert St., Regina, SK. S5R 2N2 or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Sask., 279 3rd Ave. N., Saskatoon, SK., S7K 2H8.