Peacefully at home, wrapped in his favorite blanket, surrounded and strengthened by those he loved, Marcel, aged 77 said his final goodbyes.
It is said the shortest distance between the human heart and the truth is a story. Marcel’s grandchildren would ask him to tell them stories through which they would receive the wisdom of a tradition and hope they would be enticed by a hero who battled darkness in order to enter into the light.
This is his story.
Marcel was born at home on May 11, 1944, the fourth of nine children in St. Jean Baptiste, Manitoba to Pierre and Graziella (Valcourt) Baril.
Marcel apparently was a feisty young child, he had a zest for life that took him far and wide. From skits performed with his brother Guy to being taken to the Circus by his uncle Rolly or refusing to wash both hands before dinner after playing outside all day, agreeing to only wash one as that was the only one that got dirty was how sneakily he satisfied his Auntie Yvette.
Fond memories were made in a private «gym» created in the local church basement where «6 packs» developed amongst competitive school chums. This led to his lengthy career in recreational hockey, judo and basketball with family and friends. Marcel also enjoyed boxing and wrestling, as you knew when the boys met there was often body contact involved, their form of endearing expressions. As if that wasn’t enough, spending days hunting in the riverside bushes, jumping in to cool off when they so desired, setting fire to the cardboard shack he and his friends had built near his Aunt’s house were just some of the adventures he only shared with certain people because if Mom had any idea there would have been trouble no doubt.
His early endeavors for some play money consisted of cutting grass for the church and school, making sidewalks with the local contractor (parent of his buddy Arthur), hauling bales, working on the local transfer, hauling wood from the train for his grandfather’s (Hector Valcourt) lumberyard, washing cars for his uncle (Marcel Dorge) and working in his uncle Philips’s (Desautels) grocery store.
School sometimes took second place until he met his high school sweetheart and a more solid plan came to the forefront.
His early career took him to Red River Community College to pursue architectural drafting which led to employment at Intercity Gas in Portage la Prairie for 5 years and then to Winnipeg. He continued to pursue his studies while working and obtained his Bachelor of Social Work in 1963. Long distance relationships not to his liking, he finally proposed and married Oct 15, 1966, settling with his new bride in Winnipeg.
Marcel continued his studies and working part-time while including the role of incredible father with Kimberly arriving in 1969 and Michael in 1974. In 1976 Marcel and his growing family moved to St. Jean, Manitoba. Marcel had a drive that needed to be met in “becoming his own boss” and moved into the construction of ready to move homes. Nicole arrived in 1978 and Marcel continued to work and study part-time now motoring into Winnipeg and staying with his brother (Ed Baril) and uncle (Oliver Valcourt) for three nights a week. A driven man who was not afraid of work and now had a passion he could pursue, Marcel graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Work in 1982. And if that wasn’t enough of a challenge he managed to develop a 35 lot subdivision during that time.
Winnipeg became home again in the summer of 1984 as he returned to work for the Family Centre of Winnipeg as a family and marriage counsellor for 3-4 years, then as Director of Counseling for 10 years, and ultimately to achieve his goal as Executive Director until retirement. His entrepreneurial ambitions continued and in his spare time Marcel developed a World Wise board game that was sold in stores and adopted by the Winnipeg School Division.
During those years many lifelong friendships developed and family adventures were had, crossing and exploring the world. Marcel succeeded his rites of passage to worldwide travel by fighting monkeys off the balcony in Nepal, involuntarily body surfing the waves in Barbados, trusting the night time water taxi (fishing boat) off the coast of Thailand, avoiding the snakes in the desert hikes through Arizona, riding the train through Italy and being the shopping bag caddy in New York.
In retirement (2008) he picked up golf again which he had begun in his 30’s. Marcel was a member of the Southwood Golf Club from 2001-2016.
While proud of his children, he was most proud of being a grandfather to his eight adorable grandchildren Sophie, Gabriel, Samuel & Valerie (Nicole & Justin Maitre), Danae & Dominic (Michael & Andrea Baril), Alexander & Benjamin (Kim & Kerry Baril-Ten Eyck).
His main interests included sailing with his buddies (Doug & Hugh) in Gimli, Manitoba. He survived many daredevil ski trips with family and friends. He barely survived competitive water skiing with his little brother Barney, and unfortunately left one windsurfing sail to never be found at the bottom of Detroit Lakes. Golfing was a passion enjoyed with his brothers (Ed, Guy & Bernard), sons-in-law (Kerry & Justin) and buddies which took him to many courses across the prairies until Parkinson’s took that away from him.
Other interests included spending winters in Florida and Arizona, regular dinners and board games with good friends. Traveling with his bride was very special to Marcel.
Another great passion was spending time with his children, grandchildren and family members, siblings Edmond Baril, Guy (Terry) Baril, Paulette Guiboche, Julie Blouin, Yvette (Robert) Sabourin, Lucette (Ernie) McLean & Lorette (Terry) Remple. Celebrating the many very special occasions a big family entails. He was loved by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins here and abroad. Marcel loved to dance, parties, hosting and otherwise making it known that the door was always open and a lending ear available. Parties sometimes included losses to card games in which family members benefited.
In the last years Marcel was challenged with medical issues that taxed his resolve but he fought through with adversity. Unfortunately, this past 4 plus years those medical issues became more pronounced and ultimately ones that could not be overcome.
He left us with a strong sense of comfort and confidence to take care of the world and each other. Integrity, intelligence, empathy, compassion, insight and depth of awareness were his hallmarks of approach in his daily life.
We are reminded every day of your dedication and kindness to us.
Thank you!
Marcel is survived by his beloved wife Verna, his children Kimberly (Kerry) (Alexander & Benjamin), Michael (Andrea) (Danae & Dominic), Nicole (Justin) (Sophie, Gabriel, Samuel & Valerie).
He was predeceased by his parents Pierre and Graziella Baril, his younger brother Bernard Baril, infant grand daughter Emma Breland Baril, his parent-in-laws Jake and Susan Abrams, brother-in-laws John Guiboche, James Abrams and Henry Klassen as well as sister-in-law Jean Klassen. Many aunts and uncles who were very near and dear to him.
We would like to thank the MAiD team for their listening, understanding, care and compassion. Cremation has taken place and in accordance with his wishes a celebration of his life will take place at a future date.
In memory of Marcel’s giving nature, if so desired please consider a donation to the homeless or a charity of your choice.
6 thoughts on “Marcel R. Baril”
Marcel hired me on a contract in the mid eighties for the Family Centre, and we had remained in touch ever since. We also worked together on the board of the Insitute of Social Workers. He was an extraordinary boss and colleague. He was positive, fair, kind, encouraging, supportive, and helpful. One couldn’t ask more of a boss. And as a colleague and a friend, he was always interested in the people he worked with, and how best to bring out their talents and unique qualities. Marcel was quite private, and in some ways I have learned more from the family obituary than I actually knew before, but his caring for his workers and his profession and for the human race was unparalled. And of course, he couldn’t brag enough about his children and grandchildren. In his last years, he couldn’t praise them enough, or be more grateful to his wife. He was a very unselfish man, and always thought of the effect of his illness on others. Sincere sympathy to Verna and the family. He will be deeply missed.
My husband Don and I played golf at Southwood with Marcel on several. We enjoyed his company very much, and even had the pleasure of playing with Marcel and his younger brother Bernie one day.I would always try out my French on him, and one day he asked my maiden name. Think he assumed it was a French name. I only earned that is marriage, though I do have some French ancestors. I treasure my memories of Marcel, who always talked about his beloved grandchildren.
I also knew Marcel through work (hello Marika). He was my department head and then my executive director from 1985 till his retirement in 2008. What a grand retirement party we had for him at the old Southwood G&CC. He was so liked and respected at the Family Centre and led the agency with vision, humanity and a committed work ethic. Personally, I admired him greatly for his enthusiastic leadership, sense of humour and personal warmth toward me. We golfed together during our time together at FC and once at his much loved Arizona winter getaway. With much regret I must admit I failed to stay in touch with Marcel for the last several years. My loss, He was truly a shining treasure of a human being. And what a CV! I had no idea of the many interests and accomplishments he achieved in his life. But, if you knew Marcel at all, you knew about his insatiable love of golf. Fanatic doesn’t come close to describing his passion for the links. Second only to his often professed love of and pride for his family. My condolences to Verna (also a treasure) and Marcel’s family. You have found peace and gone home my friend. Thanks for all you did for me and so many others.
Verna, and the entire Baril family–What a wonderful man and his life offerings to family, friends and community. Many great accomplishments!! Marcel is now at rest from all pain. May God bless!!
Clay and Doreen Wotherspoon
Hi Verna it’s Ellen. I’m very sorry to hear of Marcel’s passing and want to offer you and your family my condolences. Parkinson’s is such an ugly disease! May you find comfort in happy memories. You and your family are in m thoughts and prayers.
Marcel has been a wonderful colleague and friend, and he and Verna were special people in our lives. Ready to hug, ready to laugh, ready to exchange a personal story, ready to take leadership, generous with. his enthusiasm, alert to others’ thoughts and emotions, and warm and loving in his outlook and his communication. Jean and I will miss him dearly and wish Verna and the Baril family our best wishes as they all adjust to his absence. Good bye dear friend.