LIONEL JOSEPH DESHARNAIS

1938 - 2025 We are deeply saddened to share that Lionel Joseph Desharnais, 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and his family, on Friday, March 7, 2025, due to complications from pneumonia. Lionel is survived by his three children, Craig (Hazel), Shannon (Laird), Matthew; and his four grandchildren: Hannah, Ben, Emmeline, and Annabel. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Margaret, in 2022. Fiercely Canadian and a proud Kootenay boy, Lionel was born in Cranbrook, BC, 1938. Growing up in Cranbrook, Lionel met Ms. Margaret LeBonte-Smith, eventually becoming high school sweethearts. In 1961, Lionel completed his Bachelor of Commerce at UBC, and Margaret graduated from St. Paul's Nursing School. After graduation, they married and set out for Toronto, and later, they went to Winnipeg and Vancouver, where Lionel worked for General Electric and Phillips. After working in big cities, small town life was calling, and in 1971, a terrific opportunity led them and their young family to Kelowna, BC; it is here they expanded their family and built a comfortable life in the beautiful Okanagan. Lionel was a skilled businessman and entrepreneur, who founded Pro Fresh Marketing in 1984, after serving as president of Sun-Rype and BC Tree Fruits. In addition to his career successes, Lionel was very active at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club, including sitting on executive committees in various roles. As a former drummer and consummate singer, his passion for music remained strong throughout his lifetime. Charming, decisive, meticulous, and independent to the end, in true form, Lionel died with everything in place for his family. To his credit, Lionel appreciated how lucky he had been and that he had lived a good life. At his request, there will be no service.