John Desmarais P. Eng (retired)

John Noel Desmarais passed away peacefully in hospital at Ottawa on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, with his wife of 56 years, Reta (Holmes), by his side. John was the proud father of three sons: Christopher (wife Karen Ayers, and their daughter Elladee), John-Marc (wife Nicole Cuillerier, and their son Alec), and Philip. He was also the beloved uncle of more than 70 nieces and nephews.

 John was the chosen son of the late Dr. Gilles Desmarais and Blanche Paquin and grew up in Sudbury, Ontario. Also predeceased by 3 siblings. 

He was a graduate of the University of Windsor with a degree in Engineering. Most of his career was spent working with airports: first at Transport Canada (Air Services Branch) and later as an international airport consultant. His work truly made a difference in the world, and he travelled to more than 80 countries, satisfying his love of travel and cultural diversity. He loved that he was able to have many of these experiences with Reta by his side.

Visitation will be held at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Rd., Nepean on Sunday, December 29th from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm and at Arlington Woods Free Methodist Church, 225 McClellan Rd., Nepean on Monday December 30th from 1 pm until time of service at 2 pm.

Interment Malakoff Cemetery in the spring. 

Memorial donations can be made to Mission Aviation Fellowship of Canada 102-195 Hanlon Creek Blvd, Guelph, ON N1C 0A1 or the Canadian Cancer Society.