Obituary of Lionel Despres

On Friday November 8, 2019, Lionel Despres, Loving husband and father passed away in his home after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Lionel was born to Wilfred and Violet Despres on the 17th of December 1958. Raised in the small town of New Liskeard alongside his 6 siblings it is fair to say that many people knew the Despres clan. After attending college in Hamilton he went on to follow in his father’s footsteps joining the family business as an insurance broker. In 1983 he met the love of his life, a young woman from southern Ontario by the name of Roxanne. The story has always differed depending on who told it, but as he would say, she picked him up in the King George Tavern and the rest is history. They moved to Kirkland Lake in 1985 where Lionel took to working for the newest branch of Despres-Pacey Insurance. They bought a small horse farm in the country where they welcomed two children and laid down the foundation for what would become one of the strongest examples of a loving family many had seen.

An active member in his community Lionel took to sitting on the Chamber of commerce and was also a founding member of the Kirkland Lake Festivals Committee. He took great pride in helping boost the moral in the small community he was so proud to call home.

Never a stranger to the outdoors Lionel enjoyed all the wonderful experiences life had to offer. He was an avid fisherman, making time every year to get together with his crew from high school. They would gather at the cottage and surround themselves with good food, drink, and great conversation. He also thoroughly enjoyed traveling. From family ski trips with the kids at a young age to sailing adventures in the Bahamas there was nothing he wouldn't try. His zest and love of life was only surpassed by his love for his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years Roxanne Despres, his children Maria Despres (Tim Howey) & Ryan Despres (Kaylynn Loranger). Also left to mourn are his granddaughters Bexleigh & Elianah Howey, along with countless family members who are now feeling the loss of an extremely bright light.

Lionel had a way of always looking on the bright side. Always the voice of reason he was always willing to help whomever he could in any capacity he could, and all while maintaining one of the warmest most welcoming demeanors. The world was definitely a better place for him having been in it. He used to say that at the end of his days when he was laying in his bed, he wanted to be able to look down at his toes and ask them if he had done everything he wanted in his life. And though he was taken from us far too young he certainly lived every day to the fullest.

As per his wishes there will be no services.

If desired, donations to the Temiskaming Hospital CT Scan or Day Medicine will be gratefully acknowledged.