Obituary of Michael P. Desmarais

Michael P. Desmarais, age 66, died at Franciscan Hospice House on December 25, 2005, Tacoma, Washington. He was born in Yakima, Washington on May 3, 1939. After graduating from Marquette High School he attended Gonzaga Unvisited in Spokane, WA, majoring in political science. After graduate studies, he received his MSW from University of Washington, Seattle. Michael married Diane Orlowski in 1963 and settled in the Tri-Cities. He served as an officer in the U.S Army, and after 23 years of service, retired with the rank of Colonel. He worked as a social worker and a contract officer in the Tri-Cities. Michael loved the military and the friendships and camaraderie among his associates. He loved to hunt and fish which he did until he was unable to do so because of having multiple sclerosis. He is survived by his wife, Diane, two sons, Damon (Kim), Darren (Amy Woolsey) and three grandsons, Tristan, Kieran and Lachlan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Harriett Desmarais, and a sister, Carole Madden. He leaves three siblings, Judith Desmarais, S.P, Montreal, Canada, Maureen (Robert) Zepp, Great Falls, MT, and David (Ria), Naches, WA. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church, 5510 N. 44th St, Tacoma, WA on Saturday, December 31, at 12 noon. A reception will follow at the church. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008