It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Joseph Didace Croteau on December 20, 2020.
Des, as he was known to his family and friends, is predeceased by his beloved wife Mary and adored grandson Justin. Beloved father to John (Janine), and Tony (Darcy). Much loved Papa (grandfather) to Dominique, Alain and Melissa.
Des will be deeply missed by his friends and family.
Born in Québec, Des was from a large family and the third of 16 children. He met and married, Mary, the love of his life, and had two sons, John and Tony. He was an entrepreneur and once owned a small hotel and also a dry cleaner shop where he learned to sew. Over the years he sewed bibs for his grandchildren and many other items like our Christmas placemats. He was a quiet man and very creative. He always had a fun craft or game to keep his grandchildren entertained. He was very handy building things like his backyard pond. He also shared his wife Mary’s love of gardening. Des took care of Mary and then visited her every day in her nursing home until she passed away in 2010.
Des had suffered from dementia. He went on a great adventure in his car, driving 5 hours to buy flowers for his wife Mary a few years ago. Fortunately he was stopped at the US border where they recognized his confusion. His confusion continued along with asking where Mary was. When he was living in Long Term Care in Brampton, he always asked when would Mary visit.
When the first wave of Covid-19 hit in the spring of 2020, Des’ LTC seemed to not have any infections. When the next wave hit in the Autumn of 2020, they were not so fortunate. Des contracted Covid-19 and seemed to be asymptomatic. He survived his 2 week quarantine and a tumble. He then caught pneumonia. He was up and about and eating at first and receiving antibiotics. However, he soon stayed in bed and became unresponsive.
His passing has left us at a great loss and at a time where we can only hug those in our own household.

In light of the current COVID 19 Pandemic we will be having a private family service. In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice in his honour would be appreciated.