Mr. Roger Desmarais

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Roger Gaston Desmarais on July 26th 2018, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Roger was born in Sherbrooke, QC, in 1934 and was predeceased by his mother Adrienne Végiard and father Honorable Judge Gaston Desmarais. He leaves behind the love of his life Andréa (née Montminy), as well as his children Diane, Denis (Josée) and Stéphane (Heidi). His grandchildren that he adored always by his side, Nicolas, Maxim, Benjamin, Jessica and Ava. Always close and loving brothers and sisters the Honorable Judge Gérald and Josée Desmarais, Guy and Andrée Desmarais, Robert and Andrée Desmarais, Nicole Desmarais and Gabriel Hoss (deceased), Lorraine Desmarais and Gérard Marsolais (deceased) as well as all his beautiful and thoughtful nieces and nephews.

After marrying his sweetheart Andréa, Roger’s Architectural career began at Marshall & Merrit and as head consultant for the arts museum with Expo 67 in Montreal. After completing his Bachelor of Art and Sciences at Ottawa University 1957 as well as his Bachelor of Architecture at McGill University in 1961. Roger was also a member of OAQ (1963), RAIC (1963), AAPPQ (1981) and OAA (1989). For his talented Architectural contribution in 2006, Roger was invested as a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.
With Andrea’s visionary view of the arts and Roger’s entrepreneurial spirit of architecture their encouragements paved the way for Roger’s illustrious career that has spanned over 50 years.
With a founding partner, Roger and Edgar created the architectural firm Desmarais Tornay in 1971 that has since lent its legacy to over 7000 projects across 4 continents.

Overwhelming generosity and unconditional love for family, friends and colleagues defined his life. Roger maintained a lifelong commitment to excellence in design and architecture throughout his prodigious career. With a passion for tennis, his hobbies were many as was his desire to learn about the world. Roger was a voracious reader. He had a keen intellect and read continuously about current events, politics, science and his love for architecture.
However, he would always say his happiest time was when he was with his family and friends.
Andréa, family and their dear friends Normand and Francine Prégent helped Roger consume the interest of his hobbies until his passing. The ongoing tradition of family reunions that kept extended generations connected will continue with love and respect.

The family will receive family and close friends at Alfred Dallaire:
2159 ST-MARTIN EST, LAVAL
On Sunday August 12th 2018 from 4pm to 6:30 pm
The commemoration will take place:
On Sunday August 12th 2018 at 6:30 pm

The family would like to thank the Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital in Laval for their care and support during Roger’s time there. Thank you also to the doctors and nurses at the Sacré-Coeur hospital for giving Roger great care and respect.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Laval Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital foundation in Rogers’ name.