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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
DESROSIERS, Frederick Clyne (Des) - Born in Nelson, B.C. on June 14, 1940, Des passed away peacefully at home in Kelowna, BC, Sept. 2, 2004, surrounded by his loving wife, Shirley; daughters Pam, Lori and Traci; son Dean and dog Scooter. He endured cancer with a smile and a quick joke that would put others at ease. We felt privileged to share his journey’s end. A family man first, Des was extremely proud of his four children and considered them his greatest success. He loved the partners they chose: Pam (Sam) Samaddar, Kelowna, B.C.; Lori Ukkonen, Fauquier, B.C.; Dean (Wendy) Desrosiers, Kelowna, B.C.; Traci (Kevin) Acton, Lumby, B.C. He had a special relationship with his youngest brother-in-law Garnet, whom he considered to be a second son. A devoted grandpa, he cherished his 11 bratskas – Nathan, Devin, Liam and Maya (Samaddar); Karli and Kevin (Ukkonen); Derrick and Cassandra (Desrosiers); and James Kurtis and Nicholas (Acton). Predeceased by his parents, Bert and Edna, and younger brother Alvin, Des is survived by his siblings Cal (Del) Desrosiers, Vernon; Dale (Sharon) Desrosiers, Lone Butte; Wanda (Gabby) Lavoie, Cache Creek; Gay Peasgood, Lillooet; Guy (Debbie) Desrosiers, Aldergrove; and numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren and cherished in-laws and friends. He grew up in Princeton, began his naval career as a radar plotter in 1958 and served as a Physical Training Instructor/PERI largely at CFB Esquimalt (Naden). Des’ career as an amateur boxer earned two Canadian championships and more than 5 Golden Glove titles across North America. He was the first athlete chosen to represent Canada in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. In the ring he was best know for his knock-outs in the first round. Indeed, his only boast from his boxing years was that he never had a broken nose! In 1976, he was inducted into the Canadian Forces’ Sports’ Hall of Fame. Over the years, he participated in several sports in many ways, including softball, curling, life guarding, instructing swimming, at Naden and Juan De Fuca Recreation Centre. He founded the Langford Boys’ Boxing Club. He touched the lives of hundreds of children. Upon leaving the Navy in 1975, Des worked at UVIC. He then worked as a BC Corrections Officer for 12 years retiring in 1992. A colorful character Des was an individual that broke the mold. What you saw is what you got! He took great pleasure in his “High 8” farm in Victoria and his log cabin on Canim Lake. He fished, hunted, B.S.’d and took Yahtzee to a new level. Knowledgeable about BC and Canadian history and geography, a road trip with him was to have your own personal guide. Loyal to his community, family and friends, he was always willing to give the most precious gift of all, his time, and he also gave generously from his pocketbook. In life he was know for throwing the first joke and breaking the ice with strangers. He knew when to listen, when to cheer, and when a good kick in the pants was needed. We are deeply saddened that he left us so soon. However, we carry with us a unique gift of having known a truly great man. We are his little buddies, hunskas, ham n’eggers, salt and peppers and bratskas. If you knew him, you were better for it. Des was “Our Champ!” A Memorial Service will be held at the east Kelowna Community Hall, Sat., Sept. 25, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. followed by refreshments. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Variety Club Telethon, BC Children’s Hospital, CNIB and the Southern Interior Cancer Centre. (100 Mile Free Press 02 Sep 2004)
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