September 26, 1930 – January 4, 2026

Dad was born on September 26, 1930. He was the youngest of 12 children born to Adelord and Olivine (Landry) Desserre. Together with his surviving eight siblings he learned about living, having fun down on the farm and developed a strong sense of values and good work ethics.

On June 28, 1950, he married the love of his life, Ella (Ahrens) and together they purchased and took over the farm from his parents. He actively farmed for 40 years. During this time, he was a founding member of the Stratton Sales Yard (RRCA), Trustee for the local Catholic School Board, the Church board and assisted in the Pinewood Recreation and Sports Days, the local roads board and OFA. Dad was an avid adventurous hunter and when he wasn’t busy with chores he could always be counted on to participate in ours and the grandchildren’s sports activities. During the winter months he usually was in the bush logging. Over the years he was also involved in building numerous local bridges. Although this job was also physically demanding, Dad really enjoyed working with his co-workers.

In 1990, Dad and Mom retired in Fort Frances. They then became actively involved in the Sister Kennedy Centre where he pursued his passion for card playing. He received a meritorious award for his volunteer hours there. Dad enjoyed reading, doing puzzles and was also a green thumb gardener in his retirement years.

At the time of his passing, Dad was survived by his loving wife of 75.5 years, Ella. He was also survived by his children Caroline (Gary) Advent, Ardelle Hartnell, Wade (Kim), and Leo; his grandchildren Steven (Cordelia) Advent, Erin (Mike) Gate, Kyle (Heather) Advent, Fred (Jude) Hartnell, Luc (Drew), Jordan (Dakota), Kurt (Kyra), Morgan (Chloe) Desserre, Jodi Desserre and Danica (Chris) Campbell; his great-grandchildren Faith (Andre), Chandler (Abbey), Alexia, Kayleigh, Caden, Landon, Ericka (Aiden), Shane, Ryan, Ava, Chase, Ava, Carter, Oaklyn, Averie and Zaedyn; great-great-grandchild Malakai. Dad is also survived by many generations of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dad was predeceased by his son Bruce; grandson Craig Advent; son-in-law Walter Hartnell; his parents Olivine and Adelord Desserre; in-laws Violet and Henry Ahrens; siblings Germaine (Norman) Roth, Ed (Florence), Alphonse (Sophie), Wilfred (Arvilla), Jean (Sullo) Langen, Celina (Nick) Chuhay, Eugene (Sally), (Marion) and Lilia (Stan) Melanson, Jack Williamson; in-laws Mervin Ahrens, Merveline (Gerald) Brown, Otto (Mildred) Ahrens, Dorothy (Ray) Brown, Mansel (Gladys) Ahrens, Howard (Joan) Ahrens and Shirley (Bob) Gadd.

Dad was a wonderful husband and great father and grandfather. We will miss you and love you forever.

Service arrangements are pending.

Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.