In Memory of Joseph “Joe” Desormeaux

In loving memory of Joseph “Joe” Desormeaux, our Dad, who left us far too soon on March 8th, 2024, at the age of 86.

A devoted family man, he leaves behind his loving wife of 64 years, Constance (Connie) to grieve, along with his four children, Mireille (Delmar Whyte), Gisèle, Ray and, Mitch (Monique Brulé). Joseph was the proud grandfather of Shawn, Kevin (Whyte), Jonathan, Joey, Chelsea (Desormeaux), and Christian (Sarault). Sadly, his beloved great-grandchildren, Oliver and Noëlle (Whyte), will never experience the joy imparted to so many through his love of music and his banjo playing. Joseph is also survived by many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

Joseph was predeceased by his parents, Omer and Jeanne (Labrèche), his siblings Cécile (Leroux), Roger, Jean-Paul, Albert, Dolores and, Marie as well as his mother-in-law and father-in-law Rhéa and Evariste Dinelle. Sadly, shortly after Joseph’s passing, his brother Sylvio treaded the same path to reunite with the rest of their family.

Raised in Clarence Creek, Ontario, Joseph left for the “big city” at the tender age of 15. His parents, Omer and Jeanne supported his bright, curious mind and entrusted his Aunt Vélodie and Uncle Albert with their son’s dreams. This loving couple could not have known the impact they would have on Joe’s life when they welcomed him into their Ottawa home. This is where he was introduced to plumbing by his uncle and where he met and fell in love with Connie Dinelle, who he married in 1959.

Eventually leaving the Hintonburg area in Ottawa, he settled with his family in Orleans where he remained until his passing. Regardless of where he resided, he established friendships and was an exceptionally helpful and respected neighbour.

An impeccable work ethic, brilliant mind, and thirst for learning the intricacies of all things mechanical led to his becoming a master plumber and to realizing his dream of becoming a businessman, founding Q-Mech (Quality Mechanical Plumbing and Heating) in 1977. Swiftly gaining recognition within the realm of commercial and institutional construction, Q-Mech became synonymous with quality. Today, Joe’s indelible imprint on the Ottawa landscape endures through the legacy of Q-Mech.

He wasn’t all business though and was able to step away from the hustle and bustle of business dealings to ease himself into a long and fulfilled retirement. Clearwater, Florida became his cherished “winter home,” where he and our Mom created countless memories during the winter seasons. It was there that he indulged in his passion for music and zest for life, forming everlasting bonds with dear friends.

Whether it be through his fishing trips, hunting, or simply recharging his batteries at the Pakenham cottage, it was evident that you can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy, and the allure of the snowbird lifestyle eventually gave way to a profound connection with the “farm” life, as fate bestowed upon him an opportunity to acquire a parcel of land in Quadeville, Ontario.

The “farm”, as he called it, was a place to escape and brought him back to simpler times. There he would find solace in just being. Of course, in true “Joe” fashion, “just being” meant for many renovations and other small(ish) projects. And there he could hunt and fish as he pleased and was happiest blazing or maintaining trails throughout the 400-acre property or hopping on “the Mule”, his side-by-side ATV, with our Mom and his faithful dog Milo to go berry-picking. Right up to the time of his passing, he had plans for “the farm”. Only death could prevent him from realizing those plans.

Dad was a social butterfly and loved connecting with people. If you were family, a friend, neighbour, or even an acquaintance, you were undoubtedly touched by his generous and caring nature. If you fell into any of these categories, you were also privy to his delightful sense of humor, and likely subjected to his infamous “Joe jokes” and good-natured pranks. He inherited his mischievous side and passion for fishing from his mother, and he loved recounting the days as a young child when his mother permitted him to ditch school to accompany her on fishing escapades.

Dad was also deeply sentimental and valued time spent with others, retelling stories of bygone years. One of his fondest memories was being introduced to the world of hunting by his father-in-law and being warmly welcomed into the Kelly’s hunt camp in Mount St Patrick where he hunted for many years. The stories he recounted, not only about hunting but also about playful pranks, lively banjo playing, and joyous singalongs, painted a vivid picture of a man truly in his element. The camaraderie and friendships forged during those times were immeasurable, leaving an indelible mark on Dad’s heart. The memories created in Mount St Patrick were not just fleeting moments, but rather treasures that he carried with him throughout his entire life.

Dad’s ability to connect with others, his genuine love for laughter, and his unwavering appreciation for shared experiences were the pillars that defined him. He will forever be remembered as a beacon of warmth, kindness, and everlasting friendship.

Though we are grief-stricken in our loss, we take comfort knowing that our Dad will be greeted at Heaven’s Gates by his parents and siblings, as well as many of his departed friends and cherished family pets. They await him, banjo in hand…and the music continues.

Rest in peace, Dad, knowing that you will be sweetly remembered

with love and gratitude…

A Celebration of Life and light lunch will take place Heritage Funeral Complex  (1250 Trim Rd, Orléans) on Saturday, April 6^th between 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Ottawa Heart Institute.