Obituary of Carmen F. Desson

DESSON, Carmen F. (1921-2012) At the age of 90, peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. Survived by Christine (married 37 years), 4 children - Christine Anne (Glenn), Mark, Peter (Donna) and Patrick (Veronica); 3 grandchildren - Sean, Andrea and Zachary, 2 great-grandchildren - Joshua and Brooke. Missed greatly by Caesar. Also survived by brother Edward and sister Anne (Niagara Falls), many cousins, nephews and nieces. Retired member of Professional Engineers of Ontario, Carmen was an accomplished Geologist and Mining Engineer. He was instrumental to the mining and mineral exploration industry in Canada, having discovered 3 major ore bodies in his career. He championed major exploration programs across Canada, including having a mine with his namesake. Loving father, grandfather, husband and brother, Carmen was an avid outdoorsman and bird-watcher; athlete, botanist, environmental activist, and accomplished inventor. He served in the Canadian Armed Forces during WWII, received a 1 man draft to go to Halifax and raised to the ranks of Sergeant before being honourably discharged to civilian life with highest accolades. A life-long learner, Carmen never settled with the “status-quo” and actively pursued new ventures though his life. From line dancing to locksmith; Toastmasters to Real Estate; Fly Tying to Stained Glass Making; or Graduating top of his class at the Haileybury School of Mining, he excelled at everything he endeavoured. His family would like to give special thanks to the Staff at Lakeview Retirement Home in Stoney Creek and to the Staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital, especially the excellent care received in the ALC ward. Friends will be received at the Donald V. Brown Funeral Home, 36 Lake Avenue Drive, Stoney Creek, on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 11 a.m. Cremation to follow. Private interment at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations to Duck’s Unlimited would be appreciated. On line condolences may be made at www.donaldvbrown.ca