Marcel Lucien Joseph Tessier was fondly known as Max. Max loved life. Max’s early years were spent in Port Alberni and Victoria, B.C. He
joined the military at 17. He proudly served in three regiments: Queens Own Rifles, P.P.C.L.I, and the Canadian Airborne Regiment. His service included two Peacekeeping missions to Cyprus in 1974 and 1980. Upon retirement, Max continued his employment with DND as an Addiction Counselor. In 2010, as the Mental Health Addictions Program Manager, he received the Canadian Forces Surgeon General’s Award for Excellence. His family is incredibly proud of his dedication to his career.
Max treasured every moment with his sons Todd and Andrew, and his grandson Aiden. Max was always present for his sons. Supporting the skateboard sport and his sons’ home brewing experiments. Max was willing to try new sports and activities to spend time with his family: rock climbing, fly fishing, and trap shooting. Golf became a passion with his buddies., Doug, Dennis, and Vic. Max always had a “honey-do list” renovating five homes in Victoria. He embraced the travel bug, traveling all over Canada and the US and trips to Europe and Asia.
Max leaves behind his wife Claudia, his sons Todd and Andrew, his daughter-in-law Sarah, and his beloved grandson Aiden and Aiden’s mom Amber. He will also be deeply missed by his brother Ray, his favorite nephew Tony, and Tony’s wife, Lorna. Max’s life enriched us all, and with a heavy heart we say, rest in peace, our darling Max.
A Celebration of Life will be held August 16th from 2:00 – 4:00pm. Please contact the family for details.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Theresa St. Jacques
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Lorraine (St Jacques) Gates Dear Claudia and Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about Marcel’s passing. Although we didn’t see each other often, I have fond memories of his infectious smile and the warmth he always radiated. Marcel’s spirit and sense of humor were truly remarkable, and I’ll always remember him for his big heart and his ability to light up a room, no matter the occasion. I recall the joy he brought to family gatherings, always being the prankster, playful and mischievous, with a knack for cracking jokes and making us all laugh.
Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I hope you find comfort in the many happy memories you shared with him and in the love and support of those around you. Marcel’s legacy will live on through the love he gave and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Cousin Lorraine
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Det Szukalla I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Max until about three years ago but he made an immediate impression with his outgoing personality and sharp wit. As a late arrival to his golfing group which includes Vic, Doug and Dennis, I soon came to appreciate his sense of humour, friendly personality and big smile. He will truly be missed.
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Det Szukalla I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Max until about three years ago but he made an immediate impression with his outgoing personality and sharp wit. As a late arrival to his golfing group which includes Vic, Doug and Dennis, I soon came to appreciate his sense of humour and appreciation of pointed sarcasm. I will miss those qualities.
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Jackie Gaunt Claudia I’m so sorry for your loss . I hope all the good and happy memories will last you and your family forever.
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Colleen Hagell Sorry for such a great loss Claudia, Todd and Andrew. He was very proud of all of you and he cherished his grandson very much. He was a very kind and funny man. He always had a great story to tell…never sure if they were true or not! Ha Ha. Our deepest condolences.
Philip and Colleen Hagell
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Vic Falconer I first met Marcel in 1997 when posted to the clinic in Esquimalt. When he saw my jump wings he introduced himself as,”140 lbs of cold rolled blue Airborne steel” and he was proud to have served in the military. I had the distinct pleasure of being one of the golf foursome that played with Max every week. He kept us smiling with quips and songs and the occasional trick shot. Max was not a big man, but he had a big heart that supported his friends and deeply loved his family.
Deepest condolences to Claudia, their sons and other family members. Max was a great friend to many and he will be truly missed.
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Michael Duffin RIP brother!
VP⚔️
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Jason Zdyb Our deepest condolences to the Tessier family with Marcel’s passing on behalf of the PPCLI Association. May he rest in peace. We will remember him
Jason Zdyb
Vice President – West
PPCLI Association
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Claude R. Lalonde 2CDO Feb 74 - Sept 76 Rest well trooper. Light winds and soft landing. Airborne all the way!
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Herb Kenny Condolence to the Family from all members of the Edmonton Branch of the PPCLI Association. At the going down of the Sun and in the morning we will remember him. May he Rest in Peace.
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Ray Tessier Ray Tessier (Marcel’s older brother)
Thank you for the kind words sent by friends and relatives, Marcel would have been so proud to have known you. The encouragement you extend to Claudia, my sister-in-law is truly impressive and fully deserving.
Being seven years older I didn’t spend a lot of time with him as I should have. I joined the Air Force when I was 19 and he was only 12 at the time, consequently we were apart during his important time in life where he could have used the love and guidance I should have provided. Nonetheless Marcel you found your way and made a big difference in countless lives during the counselling you provided them in your later years; your sons are evidence of your love and guidance.
I lost my wife of 60 years, two years ago. So Claudia, I know the pain you are going through. The only advice I can pass on to you if remember all the good times and rely on the strong love you both had for each other to continue your life…..that will help.
God Bless and protect you.Ray Tessier, brother-in-law
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Wilfred Landry TO ALL THE FAMILY, SINCERE CONDOLENCE FROM AN AIRBORNE FRIEND.WE SERVE TOGETHER IN CYPRUS IN 1974. IT IS ALWAYS SAD TO LOSE AN AIRBORNE FRIEND.
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Don Thomas Very sad to hear, Marcel was a great guy with a an outstanding sense of humour. We served together in the same rifle company with the CAR. My heart and mind goes out to all his family for your loss of an all around great guy.
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Sarah Hilliard I am so sorry to hear of your loss Claudia, condolences to you and your boys.
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Pat Matthews Max and my self seemed to follow each other through a lot of our military service from 1 QOR to 3 PPCLI, 2 CDO and 3 Mech CDO. Great guy and soldier. Could always be counted on for a laugh. He will be sorrelly missed. My condolences to the family. VP, Airborne!
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Paul Ballam Our deepest sympathy to the family. I served with him at base Edmonton. He was a great soldier and friend. Soft landings .
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David Burns I worked with Marcel after he hired me as an Addiction Counsellor for the Addictions Mental Health Program as CF Health Services Centre (P), a program that Marcel developed and served CF members well over the years it was in place. I found Marcel to be a quiet, wise, patient leader who helped me hone my counselling skills that served me well then and today. Marcel was proud of his army career with his long ago “QOR of C Best Recruit” certificate proudly displayed in his office. After his retirement Marcel, Ken and I would meet for lunch every other month and reminisce over the past and look forward to a future with family and friends. Marcel was proud of his family and spoke of Aiden’s past Wednesday night sleep overs, Todd and Andrews latest activities or future trips with Claudia. I will miss him.
RIP Marcel.
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Mike Sikora Fair Winds and Soft Landings from an old comrade in F Company 2 Commando and 3 PPCLI.
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Jerry Cawley Claudia And sons Andrew and Todd I served with marcel in all three Regiments and in Cornwallis a fine soldier and a better friend i could not have had threw my career in the military and remained my friend until we meet again my Condolences my heart aches as I’m sure yours do when I here his name or think of him. Max will be missed
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Jim Ogden My sincere condolences to Marcel’s family. We served together in Edmonton in the early 70s with the Canadian Airborne Regiment. He was an outstanding Soldier and friend indeed. Fair winds and soft landings old buddy.
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Roslyn W What a wonderful life Max had with his loving family. A very special man indeed.
Condolences and love to Claudia and the whole family who I know miss him dearly ❤️
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Charlie and Margo Blake Our deepest condolences on your loss. We often reminisce about our summer in Vernon with you, Marcel and baby Todd in the next campsite.
It is all the sweet and happy memories that will help to ease the pain.
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Denis J Turbide I served with Marcel in 3 PPCLI. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Buddy!
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DANA Dearest Claudia and family:
I am sincerely sorry for your deep loss. I will thoroughly cherish the times Max, Claudia and I spent together over the years. It was especially lovely to see Max’s smiling face at a choir performance we attended together recently. Although Max didnt get to join the choir, his voice will always be heard in the memories of those that know and love him.Love, xxoo Dana
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Martha and Peter March Dear Claudia, Todd and Andrew, we are so very sorry for your loss of Max. We can well imagine your unfathomable grief, his love for you all was infinite. I never saw that man without joy on his face. With a twinkle in his eye he loved to say how he’d won the lottery when Claudia married him. Many decades later he was still saying that, still with a twinkle in his eye and a heartfelt laugh. He was so proud to be your husband. Your memories of that joy, that laughter, that twinkle (!) must be vast, hold tight to them.
With love to you all ❤️
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val hignell Claudia, I am so sorry to hear that Marcel, Max, has left this life. I knew Max in only a small facet of his life, as you two vacationed on the Cowichan River. Max radiated love for you and for life. I recall that his words were from the heart… often irreverent. The more obstacles faced, the more fulfillment in their conclusion. You, dear Claudia, are left with the difficult task of honouring your love by going on. I hug you from the depths of my heart.
Val
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Tim and Marlene Cairney Claudia, Todd, Andrew and families, please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of our Marcel. We remember Marcel as loving a laugh and enjoying a tale. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. We hope these memories of him bring you comfort.
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Penny Hustins My Dear Claudia & Family … I am so sorry for your loss of Max … may Memories keep Max in your hearts ~ FOREVER … Penny
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Diana Michaelis Our condolences to Claudia, Todd and Andrew. Marcel was one of the funniest and sincerest people we’ve had the privilege to meet. Many fond memories of the time spent together. We know the days and months ahead will be a big adjustment so please know we are thinking of you.
The Michaelis family
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Gordon & Sandy Hippern We have many fond memories of time spent with Max & Claudia over the years, and are tremendously saddened to hear of Max’s passing! We send our sincere love and condolences to Claudia, Todd, Andrew and all of Max’s family and friends!
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Edie Hippern To my dear friend Claudia Cairney Tessier and sons Todd and Andrew,
He will live on in your hearts and memories. Hold on to them and share them. He had a great life and was blessed to have you all in his life. “From great love comes great loss” . In the days to come remember the love. It helps.
Edie and Dennis Hippern
Oh, Marcel, what a huge hole you have left us. You may have been the same height as me, but you had a tall personality! Always joyful, always cracking jokes, best storyteller, and the laughter you caused will forever be remembered.
To Claudia, Andrew and Todd and all family members, the road ahead will be tough but time truly does lessen the pain but will never allow Marcel to be forgotten. May you each find strength in the memory of him. He was my favourite cousin. He was always a pleasure to be around. One particular moment I can remember from years ago was his utter surprise at the size of our telephone book – compared to the one in Victoria he said it looked and felt like a comic book! I will relish having him in my life all these years. The pain is gone now, Marcel, may you Rest In Peace.
Much love,
Cousin Theresa