In Loving Memory of
Marcel Conrad Côté

of Grande Prairie, Alberta
May 27, 1937 - November 20, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marcel Côté on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the age of 87 years young.

Marcel was a truly remarkable individual who lived a life defined by adventure, entrepreneurship, and boundless compassion for the less fortunate. Born on May 27, 1937, in McLennan, AB to Adrian and Annette (Brassard) Côté, Marcel was the second of six boys. From an early age, he embraced life with unwavering enthusiasm, seeking out every opportunity and challenge that came his way.

Marcel’s thirst for adventure was evident from a young age as he sought new experiences and a variety of career opportunities during his lifetime. By 16, he was an Electrical Apprentice and at 20 he worked as an Elevator Operator at the McDonald Hotel in Edmonton. At 21, alongside his older brother André, Marcel purchased a Caterpillar and truck to dig basements, followed by brush cutting for farmers at 23. By 26, he began investing in real estate, buying and renting houses and the list continues.

Though Marcel had a few romances along the way, it was at 32 that he finally met “the one” on a blind date. In 1971, he married Marian Reichenbach and together they were blessed with two daughters, Nicole and Melodie.

In the years that followed, Marcel’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished. He purchased Park Lighting on White Ave in Edmonton and after selling the business in 1980, worked as a Salesman for Union Electric and later as a Sales Representative for Leviton. When the 1982 recession hit, Marcel adapted and took a job in the janitorial services. An opportunity arose in 1985 for him to manage the Bee-Clean Janitorial franchise in Grande Prairie. So, the hard decision was made to relocate his family to the small town of Grande Prairie from Edmonton. Though the move was a challenging adjustment for Marian and the girls, over time everyone came around.

After a few years, Marcel purchased the franchise and renamed it Do-More Janitorial. He had enormous compassion for the underdog and was willing to give anyone a chance, and a second, and third if need be. Marcel was the most understanding, caring, and generous boss (always handing out advances if they asked) and he had maintained some of the relationships with his past employees up until his passing. If extra hands were needed for odd jobs and you couldn’t find him, you knew he’d gone to Rotary House (now Wapiti House) asking the front desk staff for a couple of guys who needed work for the day. He’d pay them and then mom would make sure they had something to eat before taking them back.

Marcel was a visionary who was sometimes ahead of his time. In 1987, he launched “The Paper House”, a recycling company focused on paper, cardboard, and glass. Grande Prairie wasn’t quite ready to embrace this initiative, so he closed it down after two years, but it reflected his forward-thinking mindset. He later attempted another recycling venture, shipping containers of clothing to Ghana for resale. On paper, it all looked so good, but the funds didn’t quite develop. Over the years, he made five extended trips to Ghana and one trip to Kenya to see where his shipping containers were and how the project was doing.

Marcel liked to travel and wasn’t afraid to venture somewhere even by himself. In January 2020 he journeyed to Costa Rica, then in January 2022, at the height of a new strand of Covid, he decided it wasn’t going to stop him from heading to Mexico on another solo trip.  It was only a couple of months ago he asked Nicole how he goes about getting himself a Nexus card …

After Marian’s passing in 2009, Marcel made new friends, including special friend Leslie Webb. Together they shared a love for their many different “fur babies”, including their beloved pugs, who brought much joy to their lives.

Marcel loved to putter in his shed outside and could often be found sitting in the yard pondering life. In earlier years, he enjoyed entertaining and throwing a good party, while Hawaiian music played in the background on the record player or the 8-track. Last November Marcel decided it was time for a new adventure so he moved into Wild Rose Manor. He embraced all activities such as bingo calling, organizing movie nights, and singalongs. Dad truly thrived this last year and our family is so grateful to all the staff and residents, who became his extended family.

Marcel was a quiet man, who avoided controversy, preferring to observe and contribute thoughtful insight when warranted. His kindness, adventurous spirit, and generosity have left a mark on all who knew him. It has been such a privilege having him in our lives all these years and he will be missed.

Marcel is lovingly remembered by his daughters Nicole (Darrel) Shkwarok and Melodie (Kent) Fisk; grandchildren Janae and Tyler Shkwarok, and Brianna and Kendra Fisk; brothers: Emile (Aline), Laurent (Connie), Normand (Mary-Margaret), and Raymond (Shellie); plus many other friends and relatives.

The family extends our heartfelt gratitude to Wild Rose Manor staff and residents for adding a sparkle to his smile; to the EMTs and the teams at GPRH Emergency Dept and Unit 23 for the kindness and compassion you gave us the week he was in the hospital.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 1:00 pm with a program starting at 1:30 pm at the Bear Creek Funeral Home (11802-99 Ave, Grande Prairie).

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” – Helen Keller.