Obituary of Cyril Thomas Marchand

MARCHAND, Cyril Thomas, 78 of Louisdale It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Cyril Thomas Marchand of Grand Anse, who passed away on March 14, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Halifax on December 27, 1945, he was the son of the late Eugene and Mary Rita (Sampson) Marchand. He was a proud member of United Association Local 682 for over 50 years. He was a master at his trade as a welder and known among his fellow brothers for his expertise. He was a kind, generous, and patient person who made everyone feel welcomed and included. He could always be seen with a smile on his face and always in good cheer. He and Norna had a revolving door, always welcoming family and friends with great hospitality. Everyone enjoyed his storytelling and boy was he a great storyteller. Most of Cyril’s summers were spent on the Bras d’or Lake with family, friends, and the love of his life, Norna. Boating was his favourite summer pass time. He would say, “This is the Life”, with a smile ear to ear. He also enjoyed planting his garden each year. You could always find him in his greenhouse. His vegetables were the envy of many and were enjoyed by countless family and friends. He was most happy when he was giving to others. Playing cards was another enjoyment for Cyril, he was always up for a game of 45 or crib. He loved beating Chris, Carey, Edward, Gary, and Sonny. You couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. Cyril enjoyed the fall and preparing for hunting season. He loved hunting and was always guaranteed to get a buck each year. He took pride in always being able to give meat to family and friends to make home made meat pies. His family was very important to Cyril. He enjoyed his daily conversations with his sisters Rosanna and Janet. Rosanna always had baked goods for him; as everyone knew, Cyril had a sweet tooth. When work had to be done at the homestead, Janet was always there to lend a helping hand. They worked well together and he always looked out for his baby sister. When it came to his brothers Eugene and Blair, Cyril was very proud of them. He always talked about how intelligent they were and that they both had a good head on their shoulders. Cyril spoke highly of his children; Chris, Carey, and Tanya he was very proud of their accomplishments. He enjoyed his children and grandkids coming home on vacation. There was always somewhere to go or something to do and he happily went on the adventures and enjoyed their quality time together. Norna’s sons Edward, Jason & Donnie held a special place in his heart and he loved them like they were his own. He always said he had 6 children. Norna’s boys loved and respected him beyond measure. When it came to Norna’s family, he had a great bond with her sisters and brother. His love and kindness for her family was always appreciated and reciprocated. If they needed him, he was always there. No was not in his vocabulary, and he will forever be missed by them. Cyril is survived by his partner of 34 years, Loretta (Norna) MacDonald; daughter Tanya Marie Geekie (Mo), Dundee, Scotland; sons Christopher Philip (Karen), Naples, Florida; Carey James (Aviva), Fort Lauderdale, Florida; stepsons Edward (Tanya) MacDonald, Fort McMurray, Jason (Lori) MacDonald, Edmonton and Donnie MacDonald, Halifax; grandchildren Caitlyn, Mia, Kayla, Isabella, Riley; step-granddaughters Rianna and Ella; brothers Eugene, Halifax; Blair (Janice), Halifax. He is also survived by his sisters Rosanna Resch and Janet Marchand, both of Louisdale; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Phil Resch. Special thank you to Dr. Pluta, Dr. DeRoche, Dr. Cooper, VON nurses, and Michael Hatt of the Medicine Shopp, for their compassionate care during Cyril’s sickness. Extra special thank you to Cyril’s friend, Martin Matthews, who went above and beyond for Cyril and Norna during this difficult time. There will be no visitation per request. A celebration of Cyril’s life will take place on April 5th at 11 am at St. Louis Parish in Louisdale. Burial to take place at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Strait Richmond Palliative Care Society or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to C.H. Boudreau Funeral Home Ltd., Arichat. Tributes, words of comfort, and memories of Cyril may be shared with the family at www.chboudreau.com