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LIONEL DESMARAIS
Born: Nov 29, 1952
Date of Passing: Mar 25, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryLIONEL DESMARAIS
We are saddened to announce the peaceful passing of Lionel Desmarais Sr., following a lengthy illness, on March 25, 2026, at the age of 73.
Lionel passed at home with his wife Catherine by his side. He will be greatly missed by his four sons, daughter, thirteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, three brothers, three sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Aimie and Julie; sister Barbara; and daughter Reneé.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Green Acres Funeral Home, 1 Green Acres Lane, Navin, Manitoba.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Lionel’s honour to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.
Publish Date: Apr 11, 2026
LIONEL DESMARAIS
This passage honours Lionel Desmarais, who was born into a Red River Métis family as the first-born son of Aime and Julie (née Coutu) Desmarais.
He often shared fond childhood memories of time spent with his dad in the bush hunting (mostly rabbits) and learning basic survival skills.
Long term schooling was not an option for a ‘raised poor’ boy with four sisters and two brothers. By sixteen, he worked full-time on construction sites. He remembered “freezing” his feet on his first day of work because he did not have proper foot wear. Lionel maintained a hard-work ethic all his life. He gave a major part of his paycheques to his mother as his contribution to the household and carried this sense of family responsibility throughout his life.
Lionel was very proud of his dad, who invented a specialty knife used in construction to easily cut through ‘Manitoba gumbo’. With this knife, Aime was able to obtain construction work that kept a number of people employed, including his son Lionel, who eventually stepped into the role of foreman and continued his father’s practice of hiring Métis labourers.
Lionel moved to Edmonton and started his own construction company and was very successful in building up the construction division of Ledcor. He invented a way of creating a side track that greatly reduced the time needed to lay fiberoptic cable along rail lines. He then travelled the globe orchestrating the creation of the world’s largest fibreoptic cable network. He loved learning about different cultures where he travelled and became a self-taught historian, a passion which became unending.
Lionel left Ledcor when he was 48 years old and started his own construction company in Ontario. He lived in Maui for parts of the year, where he learned to play golf and love it. At his home in Ontario, he built his own golf course and enjoyed tournaments with friends and family.
Lionel was very generous with his resources and looked after his immediate and extended family. He bought his mother a house, where she was able to age at home, and came back to Winnipeg for one week every month for years to help support her care. He also generously helped other family members meet their needs and advance their education. He loved his family deeply and eventually moved back to Winnipeg. He was a proud member of the Red River MMF.
Lionel was always well loved and highly respected by family, friends and work associates.
Publish Date: Apr 4, 2026
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 04, 2026, Apr 11, 2026
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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In addition to his wife, Catherine, Lionel is survived by his two sons, Lionel Jr. (Nina Nuytten), Kyle Hebert (Katie), and by his siblings, Bernice Klyne, Louise Champagne (Russ Rothney), Theresa Schmidt (Victor), George (Terri) and Dennis (Donna). In addition to his parents, Amie and Julie, daughter, Renée, and sister, Barbara, Lionel was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Rick Klyne. Lionel was cherished by all of his family. - Posted by: Louise Champagne () on: Apr 20, 2026
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I came to work with Ledcor while my father was dying. Lionel was more than a boss, he became a dear friend whose wisdom I valued. I was part of a group that worked with Lionel on groundbreaking projects. He created an extraordinary environment at work and made every day an adventure. I feel lucky to have known him. My deepest condolences to Catherine and to their family. Lionel will be very much missed. - Posted by: Rose Oushalkas (Colleague/Friend) on: Apr 17, 2026
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Lionel first hired me to work for Ledcor in 1987 in the civil division where I stayed until 1992 and then again in 1997 (when he rescued me from MTO) and offered me a position to rejoin Ledcor in a fledgling telecommunications division with a huge vision. That opportunity changed mine and my family's life and has enabled us to help other family that we would never have been able to do otherwise. I am forever grateful for his kindness and generosity and how he treated everyone that worked with him with those same qualities. Although it has been a long time since we went for a bite at lunch, I still think of him often. - Posted by: Chris Garratt (Friend) on: Apr 17, 2026
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My condolences to Lionel's family. I came to know Lionel through my time sub-letting an office space (actually Lionel's personal office) at the Churchill Drive property in Barrie. I was well aware of his success and accomplishments and was amazed at his understated and friendly manner when he would pay a visit to the office from time to time. His story is nothing short of amazing and it should be in a book. Gone too soon. - Posted by: Chris Jones (Friend) on: Apr 16, 2026
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I had the good fortune of meeting Lionel while working for Ledcor in the mid eighties until the early 2000's. During that time, I came to know him as a great innovator, compassionate Boss and, am most proud to say, a great friend. Lionel touched many lives in a positive way on his journey through his life. Be it family, friends, employees, and acquaintances, Lionel was a special person that will always be remembered with love and respect. - Posted by: Doug Letourneau (Friend and Co-worker) on: Apr 15, 2026
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I met Lionel for the first time back in 2015. A mutual friend introduced me to him as a possible employee for one of his ventures. Lionel was one of those people you meet rarely in your life. A genuinely good soul. He was generous to a fault. He loved his family deeply. He looked out for his friends. He will be sorely missed. Baamaapii my friend, may Creator smile upon you on your journey. - Posted by: Dennis Monague (Friend) on: Apr 14, 2026
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I worked for Lionel from 1995 to 2001, first as a consultant and then as an employee of Ledcor. He was the best boss I ever had (and I've been working for over 55 years!) He was considerate and supportive of his staff, far-sighted in his business dealings and very knowledgeable of the construction industry. He was a delight to work with and I was so sad to hear of his passing. - Posted by: David Brierley (Colleague) on: Apr 08, 2026
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I remember Lionel when I worked at Ledcor. I was in the office on a Saturday and I was using the washroom when Lionel came in wearing casual clothes and what looked like slippers instead of his usual shirt and tie. Lionel said that the cleaner had been sick for a few days and he was just helping out The world needs more people like Lionel My condolences to Lionel’s family - Posted by: Doug McKay (Past employee) on: Apr 05, 2026
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I was pleased to work for a number of years for Lionel in Ontario at one of his businesses. First class fella with a fantastic family. He will be missed! - Posted by: John Lazareth (Friend and former employee) on: Apr 04, 2026
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Although we haven't seen Lionel in quite awhile we have many fine memories we shared with him. Condolences to the family. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Bob and Bernice cardinal (Friends) on: Apr 04, 2026
Green Acres Funeral Home and Cemetery
No. 1 Hwy. E. & Navin Rd. (Map)
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