Obituary of Leo Joseph Desroches

It is with heavy hearts the family of Léo Joseph Desroches are saddened to announce his passing on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. He was born in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario on February 22, 1952 to the late Jacques and Yvonne (Rotsaert) Desroches. Léo worked in his earlier years for the Irving Marine tankers, then went to the steel fabrication division at CFM until his retirement. Léo will be forever loved and remember by his best friend Sandra Haab (Cook), her son Ron and grandson Jake; sisters Yvonne Cholette (Michel), Jacqueline Khalil (Hamdy); brothers Paul (Suzanne), George (Nicole), Daniel (Roberte); nieces Nathalie, Anne, Melanie, Sylvie, Mireille, Elaine, Nadia; nephews Daniel, Eric, Hisham, Pierre and several great nieces and nephews. Léo will also be missed and fondly remembered by his long -time friends and chosen brother Darcy and Kim and Ashley Reardon; his goddaughter Christiana Reardon and godson Jeffery Morecroft; and Léo’s extended family, Barb, Larry, Judy and Pam Cook. Léo is predeceased by his parents and infant brother Omer Desroches. Léo was a man of many fine qualities but the strongest was his love of his family and friends. Pure of heart he was a non- judgmental, non-materialistic man who held a dear simple life. A compassionate and humble man who was forever quietly helping someone in need. He cherished the outdoors especially his flower garden, hiking in the woods, camping and ice fishing. He was a gentle spirt and had an amazing mind. His faith was most important, Roman Catholic. The family would like to sincerely thank the staff and Paula at St. Joseph’s Hospital IV day, Saint John Regional IV day, Dr. Swan and the Interventional SJRH Doctors, nurses and staff, extramural staff and Dr. Erin Palmer, Dr. Gillis, Dr. Zed and Dr. Searles, doctors and staff of palliative care of SJRH and friend Andrew Rouse for their extraordinary care and kindness. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave, Saint John NB, 634 -1701. Keeping with Léo’s wishes there will be no visitation. A private mass of Christian burial will take place in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario at a later date. Donations in Léo’s memory can be made to the donor’s charity of choice. Online condolences can be made at www.castlefh.com In Loving Memory of Léo God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be So he put his arms around you and whispered "Come with Me" With tearful eyes we watched you, slowly fade away Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.