Felix Desharnais, 1908 - 2007

Felix Deharnais, resident of Villa Beausejour in Falher, and former longtime resident of Guy, passed away September 10, 2007 at 99 years and five months. Felix was born on April 2, 1908 in St. Sophie De Levrard, Conte Nicolet, Province of Quebec, the 11th child of Ferdinand Desharnais and Zoe Bauchaine, a family of 12 children. In the late 1920s, Felix was farming in Saskatchewan, then the drought and dust storms came and he had to leave and return to Quebec where he bought a truck to deliver cream and produce to markets. On Aug. 30, 1936, he married Annette Drouin, daughter of Joseph Drouin and Evelina Lacasse. Then they decided to move out West. They settled in Guy, opened up their land by ax, and raised their five children. Felix retired in 1964. After a short stay in Falher, he went to live in Edmonton until 1981 when he returned to Falher and moved to Villa Beausejour. During his retirement, he travelled and did a lot of fishing. Felix was the oldest resident who attended the 75th anniversary celebrations for the hamlet of Guy in 2006. Felix was predeceased by his wife Annette, daughter Irene, sons Fernand and Jacques. He was the last surviving member of the 12 children of the Ferdinand Deharnais family. Felix is survived by children Gilles (Gertrude) Desharnais of Donnelly and Denis (Christine) Desharnais of Rochester; nine grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Sept. 14 at St. Guy Roman Catholic Church with Reverend David Ngondo and Deacon Reg Bouchard officiating. Ginette Aubin was organist and soloist. Gilbert Desharnais was cross bearer. Pallbearers were Gilles Desharnais, Denis Desharnais, Donald Desharnais, Norman Desharnais, Claude Delage, and Daniel Drouin. Interment followed at St. Guy Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Chapel of Memories in Peace River.