Marcel Joseph St. Arnaud

Born in Batiscan Quebec, by the banks of the St. Lawrence River, Marcel had an adventurous spirit and was ultimately drawn to the sea. Prior to joining The Merchant Marines, he tried his hand at several trades and acquired skills in glass cutting and woodworking, but then saw the opportunity to pursue his dream of becoming a mariner, a career he enjoyed for several years until he became intrigued by opportunities he saw in Western Canada.

In 1961 he and his friend Jim loaded up a car and came west to Calgary. Within the year Jim returned, but Marcel had found his home in Calgary. In the fall of 1962, he met Charlotte and her four children and became a husband to Charlotte and father to the kids. Part of his entrepreneurial bent saw Marcel open a TV repair business and glass shop before ultimately starting Marcel Furniture Finishing and Repair in 1965. His ability to repair and restore furniture of any vintage soon caught the attention of companies in need of his service.  Always prompt to attend to customer's needs, he gained a reputation as "the guy to get to do the job". 

This passion to see antiques renewed kept him interested and active well into his 80’s and beyond. During his life he found pleasure in simple things. There were many family adventures involving boats, fishing and the company of friends.  He was always very generous with his time and talents, offering a helping hand or sage advice. As a warm caring husband, father and friend, we say goodbye, and honour the strength and guidance he brought to our lives. His legacy is echoed in the hearts of those who knew him. 

Lovingly remembered by his wife Charlotte, children Brian Boettger (Cindy), Brenda Chibry (David), Holly Chaters (Bob), and Arlaine La Forge; his grandchildren Cherylynn Berge (Brian), Joshua Chaters, Sarah Chaters, Brett Haasdyk, Whitney Monson (Ryan), Zachariah Nordin, Maggie Lipman (Matt), and Charmaine Burnat (Jeremy); as well as 10  great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at Raven Union Church (Hwy 54 West, Raven, Alberta) on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Graveside to follow at Raven Cemetery.

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