RENE DESMET B.A., M.A.

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

• Thank you so much everyone for your thoughtfulness and kind words. It means a lot to me and our family for Rene to be so well remembered both by his students and friends. Sincerely, Pamela Desmet Franklin - Posted by: Pamela Desmet Franklin (Daughter) on: Nov 24, 2017

• Mar and family, So very sorry for your loss. Mom and I will miss Rene and his million dollar smile. As a student, I enjoyed his warm, unpretentious teaching style at Gordon Bell, and the many interesting philosophical discussions on world events in the 70s. I will always admire that he was one of the few teachers of that time who felt that learning shouldn't be limited to the classroom. As a result, his field trips were some of the most wonderful learning experiences of my youth. I never forgot our walking tour of the little known historical enclave of Armstrong Point. I was so taken with the area, that decades later it became where I made my home... something I never imagined as a high school student. Many years later, it was a lovely surprise to find that when my parents retired to their place in Grand Marais, they had become friends with you and Rene. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Our prayers are with you. - Posted by: Patricia Kuz, Elaine Kuz (Patricia- former student/friend, Elaine- friend) on: Apr 17, 2017

• My condolences to the Desmet Family. Mr Desmet taught me geography and sparked my interest in travel. He took a bunch of us to his cottage in May of 78. It was a lot of fun and I will always remember this. - Posted by: Doreen Hanyecz (Student 1972-1978) on: Apr 09, 2017

• Mar and family, please accept my condolences on the passing of dear Rene. Victoria Beach won't be the same without him. - Posted by: Jen Ridge (Sun Country Arts and Crafts group) on: Mar 31, 2017

• Mar and family our deepest condolences. Our fondest memories are while travelling in Portugal we spotted this couple who Rudy recognized from Winnipeg across the square. We connected right away and spent several weeks travelling around Portugal and Spain together. Once we stayed overnight in a "truck stop" hotel and the single beds were so cold so in the morning there was a knock at our door and there was Rene with four steaming coffees...what a welcome that was! Back in Winnipeg we had great visits with them at Victoria Beach and our cottage. We will always remember that radiant smile and his love for life. May God bless you and hold you in his loving arms. Love, Rudy & Anne - Posted by: Anne and Rudy Peters (Friend) on: Mar 31, 2017

• Gone but not never forgotten. Condolences to all the family and especially Mar. Memories of good times Victoria Beach an in Mesa Az. with Rene are very special. Wayne and Jeanne Antaya - Posted by: Wayne & jeanne Antaya (Freinds) on: Mar 22, 2017

• To Mar & family. I was sorry to read that Rene passed away. We had many good years at Gordon Bell. Rene was a good teacher and spent many hours with the kids doing the yearbook. Henry Huber - Posted by: Henry Huber (Fellow teacher at Gordon Bell) on: Mar 21, 2017

• My condolences to the Desmet family, Mr. Desmet was my my Grade 5 and 6 Teacher at King Edward School he was always my favorite teacher he was simply the best. I can still remember him reading Hans Brinker The Silver Skates the race was the best part. Rest in Peace Mr. Desmet. Darlene a student from King Edward School. - Posted by: Darlene Pomanski (Student) on: Mar 19, 2017

• RIP from Nova Scotia - Posted by: Jack & Chris Mclellan (friends) on: Mar 19, 2017

• Rene became a friend on the tuesday morning golf at Vic Beach. He made everyone welcome. Friends are people who respect each other and Rene was respected by everyone. that is why he had so many friends. Rest in peace my friend Jack Melville - Posted by: Jack Melville (Friend) on: Mar 18, 2017

• Gerry will miss his golf partner and his emails re their golfing schedule. He also remembers him from the Belgium club and also when Rene and Gerry's brother, Albert, worked at Agnew Surpass shoe store in the good old days! Good memories. Mar, you and your family are in our prayers. Sorry we can't be at the memorial but we will still be in BC. - Posted by: gerry and jeannine vandale (friend) on: Mar 18, 2017

• My condolences to Mar and family. It was always enjoyable to see Rene and Mar at the craft shows and meetings. Rene's positive attitude and willingness to help was much appreciated. - Posted by: Blaine (Friend) on: Mar 18, 2017

• Our dearest condolences to Mar and the family. We met Rene and Mar golfing down in Mesa and he became one of our Hockey group. I went to many hockey games with Rene and looked forward to his stories and cheerfulness. He was always positive and upbeat even when the team we wanted to win lost. We will miss his smile and wit. - Posted by: victor and christine basarowich ( friend) on: Mar 18, 2017

• Sad to hear that one of my favorite teachers has left us to travel. Will be missed and never forgotten Happy travels Mr D - Posted by: Daryl Rindahl (Student) on: Mar 18, 2017