Marcel Lucien Joseph Tessier was fondly known as Max. Max loved life. Max’s early years were spent in Port Alberni and Victoria, B.C. He
joined the military at 17. He proudly served in three regiments: Queens Own Rifles, P.P.C.L.I, and the Canadian Airborne Regiment. His service included two Peacekeeping missions to Cyprus in 1974 and 1980. Upon retirement, Max continued his employment with DND as an Addiction Counselor. In 2010, as the Mental Health Addictions Program Manager, he received the Canadian Forces Surgeon General’s Award for Excellence. His family is incredibly proud of his dedication to his career.
Max treasured every moment with his sons Todd and Andrew, and his grandson Aiden. Max was always present for his sons. Supporting the skateboard sport and his sons’ home brewing experiments. Max was willing to try new sports and activities to spend time with his family: rock climbing, fly fishing, and trap shooting. Golf became a passion with his buddies., Doug, Dennis, and Vic. Max always had a “honey-do list” renovating five homes in Victoria. He embraced the travel bug, traveling all over Canada and the US and trips to Europe and Asia.
Max leaves behind his wife Claudia, his sons Todd and Andrew, his daughter-in-law Sarah, and his beloved grandson Aiden and Aiden’s mom Amber. He will also be deeply missed by his brother Ray, his favorite nephew Tony, and Tony’s wife, Lorna. Max’s life enriched us all, and with a heavy heart we say, rest in peace, our darling Max.
A Celebration of Life will be held August 16th from 2:00 – 4:00pm. Please contact the family for details.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
32 Responses
Our deepest condolences on your loss. We often reminisce about our summer in Vernon with you, Marcel and baby Todd in the next campsite.
It is all the sweet and happy memories that will help to ease the pain.
I served with Marcel in 3 PPCLI. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Buddy!
Dearest Claudia and family:
I am sincerely sorry for your deep loss. I will thoroughly cherish the times Max, Claudia and I spent together over the years. It was especially lovely to see Max’s smiling face at a choir performance we attended together recently. Although Max didnt get to join the choir, his voice will always be heard in the memories of those that know and love him.
Love, xxoo Dana
Dear Claudia, Todd and Andrew, we are so very sorry for your loss of Max. We can well imagine your unfathomable grief, his love for you all was infinite. I never saw that man without joy on his face. With a twinkle in his eye he loved to say how he’d won the lottery when Claudia married him. Many decades later he was still saying that, still with a twinkle in his eye and a heartfelt laugh. He was so proud to be your husband. Your memories of that joy, that laughter, that twinkle (!) must be vast, hold tight to them.
With love to you all ❤️
Claudia, I am so sorry to hear that Marcel, Max, has left this life. I knew Max in only a small facet of his life, as you two vacationed on the Cowichan River. Max radiated love for you and for life. I recall that his words were from the heart… often irreverent. The more obstacles faced, the more fulfillment in their conclusion. You, dear Claudia, are left with the difficult task of honouring your love by going on. I hug you from the depths of my heart.
Val
Claudia, Todd, Andrew and families, please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of our Marcel. We remember Marcel as loving a laugh and enjoying a tale. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. We hope these memories of him bring you comfort.
My Dear Claudia & Family … I am so sorry for your loss of Max … may Memories keep Max in your hearts ~ FOREVER … Penny
Our condolences to Claudia, Todd and Andrew. Marcel was one of the funniest and sincerest people we’ve had the privilege to meet. Many fond memories of the time spent together. We know the days and months ahead will be a big adjustment so please know we are thinking of you.
The Michaelis family
We have many fond memories of time spent with Max & Claudia over the years, and are tremendously saddened to hear of Max’s passing! We send our sincere love and condolences to Claudia, Todd, Andrew and all of Max’s family and friends!
To my dear friend Claudia Cairney Tessier and sons Todd and Andrew,
He will live on in your hearts and memories. Hold on to them and share them. He had a great life and was blessed to have you all in his life. “From great love comes great loss” . In the days to come remember the love. It helps.
Edie and Dennis Hippern