Marcel Degraeve

Marcel De Graeve

Peacefully at the Treherne Hospital on Tuesday, September 27, 2011, Mr. Marcel De Graeve of Holland, Manitoba passed away at the age of 77 years.

Marcel leaves to mourn his passing his beloved partner Jean Smith; four children:  Douglas De Graeve of Winnipeg, Debra De Graeve (Darrell) of Winnipeg, Darrell (Melanie) De Graeve of Austin and Deanna (Cory) Manning of Belmont;  nine grandchildren:  Brett, Tyler, Danielle, Deann, Sage, Spencer, Darien, Sheldon and Chelsy; one brother George (Nellie) De Graeve; three brothers-in-law Earl Kingdon, Eddie Nichols and  Edward (Mona) Adam; three sister-in-law Elsie Smith, Mary Adam and Gerarda (Lorne) Jefferies; and numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Marcel also leaves to mourn his passing Jean’s family, her four children:  Laurel Smith of Treherne, Garry (Lillian) Smith of Holland, Mindy (Wayne) Halliday of Milton, ON and Terry (Wendy) Smith of Minnedosa; their children:  Tobi (Steve) Derksen, Jolyn Hyrich (Eddy), Casey Campbell (Melissa), Nolan Halliday, Elaina Smith (Stephen), Jennie Smith (Chris), Samantha Smith, Andrew Smith and Melissa Smith;  five great-grandchildren Sean, Josephine, Tyson, Kristen and Nicole.

Marcel was predeceased by his wife Claire (nee Adam) in 1976;  two sisters: Yvonne Kingdon and Agnes Nichols; one sister-in-law Shirley De Graeve; two brothers-in-law:  Clement Adam and Lucien Adam; and by one niece Barbara De Graeve.

Marcel’s greatest passion was hockey.  He coached the Holland Rockets for 17 years, celebrating many league and provincial championships.  After coaching, he continued with his love of the sport by travelling the province with his hockey buddies, Reg Adam, Murray Vigar, Leo Lanouette, Grant North and Rob Dalrymple.  With hockey season over, he enjoyed gardening and working in the yard as well as helping others.  Countless enjoyable hours were spent with Darrell on the farm.  Marcel had many friends and enjoyed  family gatherings always making his presence known.  He will be sadly missed by everyone!

Everyone is invited to attend Prayers at Adam’s Funeral Home on Friday, September 30, 2011 at 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held in the Holland Community Hall on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 2 p.m. followed by interment in the Holland Parish Cemetery with Reverend Heather Grobb officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Holland Recreation Council, Box 122, Holland, MB  R0G 0X0.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame, Manitoba in care of arrangements.  Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326.  www.afh.ca