Jun 4, 2018
Marcel passed away in Salmon Arm, BC on June 4, 2018, at the age of 89 years old.
Marcel was born in Donnelly, Alberta to Alfred and Antoinette Houde on March 17, 1929. He survived by his wife Gladys of 65 years, 5 children, Pat(Liz), Doris, Ron(Kim), Maurice (Pam), and Jeanine (Larry); as well as many Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. He also leaves behind 3 sisters, Rita, Marcella and Claire. Plus, his beloved 16-year-old dog Macy Cray.
Marcel spend his youth on a farm near Donnelly, AB before moving to Fort St. John, BC. He didn't enjoy school and at the age of 15, Marcel went to work at a Sawmill. On his first day he was asked to grab an axe and because he only spoke French he had no clue what an axe was. He married Gladys Lillian McInnes in 1952 and settled in Dawson Creek, BC. Marcel started working as a tire repair man and transitioned into driving Trucks to many places including Edmonton, AB to Fairbanks
and Anchorage, AK.
In 1958 Marcel and Gladys moved to Fort Nelson, BC Mile 300 on the Alaska Highway, where he was a manager of a tire shop and service station. Marcel then started his own business specializing in trucking and operating equipment. Where he worked for many years on flood repairs up and down the Alaska Highway.
Marcel became an extremely busy and successful bulk petroleum agent in Fort Nelson in the 1970's. In one month, he sold more gallons of fuel than all the combined Pacific Petroleum agents in BC. He was an extremely hard worker and put in long hours running the business alongside Gladys who ran the office. Marcel passed on his trucking legacy to his sons, Pat & Ron followed in his footsteps in the trucking industry, and Maurice who become a heavy duty mechanic.
Marcel was known for his excellent handyman skills. He had very innovative ideas on how to get things done. He loved to help family and friends with their projects. People would bring all sorts of items to be fixed or repaired to Marcel as he always "had" just the right part for the project in his shed.
Marcel & Gladys and family enjoyed driving up their beloved Alaska Highway, in particular to the Liard River Hot Springs. Marcel "Never Miss" Houde was an excellent softball player and played for the local Fort Nelson Elks team for many years.
In 1979, Marcel and Gladys retired to a lovely Lake front chalet style home on Shuswap Lake in Tappen, BC. They became snowbirds in the winter months and resided in Yuma, AZ, USA for over 39 years. Marcel loved the sunny winter heat in Yuma He was always busy convening activities in the retirement park and was always ready to play cards with family and friends. Marcel and Gladys traveled extensively in retirement going many places in the Continental USA, Mexico and Alaska.
The family wishes to give their thanks to the doctors and hospital staff at the Shuswap Lake General Hospital. The family is honouring Marcel's request for no service and no flowers. A private family service will take place later in the summer.
Share condolences and memories online through Marcel's obituary at www.fischersfuneralservices.com.
Fischers Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd.