Marc Steven Desmarais

With deep love and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Marc Steven Desmarais, a devoted son, brother, firefighter, EMT, partner and lifelong hop farmer from Moxee, Washington. Marc passed away peacefully at home on November 8, 2025, surrounded by family and love.
Marc was born on January 19, 1956, in Yakima, Washington, he was the beloved youngest child of Steve and Aline Desmarais. As the baby of the family, Marc brought laughter, warmth, and joy to everyone around him. Marc would joke that he didn't learn to walk until he was 5 years old because everyone always carried him. Marc loved playing with his Tonka trucks as a youngster & he still has those metal toy trucks to this day. Marc would tell stories about chasing his older siblings around the house & farm, wanting to play with the cooler older kids. He had a dog growing up named Brownie, and boy he loved that dog. Marc had the best stories about being in primary school and the nuns smacking his hands with a ruler if you didn't listen in school. When Marc turned 16 years old, his parents gifted him a brand-new Monte Carlo & that car was his pride and joy! Lots of miles & lots of fun was had around Moxee in that car, with all of his buddies riding shot gun of course!
After graduating from Carroll High School, Marc continued farming alongside his father, helping to run the Desmarais family farm. Through decades of dedication, skill, and pride, Marc continued the family legacy of hop farming & nurturing the same soil that had supported generations before him. He was proud to be able to start his own farm, Marc Desmarais Farms. Marc liked life the simple way, nothing fancy or loud. He still had the same old style farming traditions to this day that he learned from his father. In a world that was always rushing ahead, Marc stayed steady. He came from a time when a man's word meant something, when hard work and helping others were just what you did. He fought fires, saved lives, and lived simply - never asking for praise, just proud to serve and to do what was right
Marc never had a bad word to say about anyone and he was always the first to help people out. Maybe that is why he became a firefighter in 1979 and worked his way up to Assistant Fire Chief for the Moxee Fire Department until he retired in 2001. Marc was never one to brag or look for recognition, which is why it would surprise people to hear that not only was he a fire fighter, but he also was an EMT, which is a great achievement. Marc saw people during the hardest moments of their lives and that took not only strength but heart. He had a huge heart.
Marc was respected for his bravery, leadership, and willingness to help others in times of need. He made many life-long friends in the fire department. Marc liked tell us stories about playing Hearts for a penny a point, during the winter in the fire station. He always had a smile on his face when he talked about being a fire fighter/EMT.
In 2003, Marc met the love of his life, Barb DeWeese, and together they built a life filled with love and adventure. They loved to travel and explore new places, always side by side. January was their favorite month, because for 21 years straight they vacationed to Hawaii during that time, sometimes with a group of Moxee friends, or with family, or just the two of them. In the past, he & Barb loved to decorate the outside of their house for Christmas! So much that people would drive from all around to see their house (and the Grinch out in the hop field). Christmas was always a special time for Marc. He loved to listen to Christmas music & sit by the lighted tree reminiscing about when he was a kid.
Barb kept him busy and, on his toes, & the twinkle in his pretty blue eyes proved that he loved their busy life together. They were opposites in nearly everything, but somehow, that's what made them whole. She was the life of the party, always on to go, hosting get togethers & parties and although quiet, Marc loved having their friends and family over for these events! Their bond was unbreakable - and after Barbara's passing on April 17th 2025, Marc's heart was never the same. He missed her deeply and has now joined her in heaven proving that true love truly lasts forever.
Marc will be remembered for his strength, humor, generosity, and unwavering love for his family and friends. Marc's legacy will live on in the land he worked, the people he loved, and the many lives he touched through both his service and his kindness.
Marc is survived by his sister, Denise (Rich) Vanhorn; stepdaughter, Jennifer DeWeese; step grandson, Ashton, nieces, Alison (Ray) Riojas and Stephanie (Russ) Gielski; and his nephew, Eric (Shelly) Desmarais, step daughter Jessice Ramynke & step grandson Jordan Traylor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Aline Desmarais, his brothers Ray Desmarais & Lee Desmarais and his beloved partner, Barbara DeWeese.
A viewing will be held on Friday November 14th at 3:30pm-5:30pm with Recitation of the Rosary to follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. The Funeral Mass will be on Saturday November 15th at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Holy Rosary Cemetery. Following the graveside service, a Firefighter's Last Call will be given in honor of Marc's dedicated years of service, marking his final call to duty. A dinner will follow at 2361 Faucher Rd. where family and friends are invited to share stories, memories, and love in honor of a man whose heart and hands helped shape generations.
Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that Marc and Barbara are together again - their love eternal, their laughter reunited, and their journey continuing side by side in heaven.
"Together again, forever in love and peace."
The family is being cared for by Brookside Funeral Home. Memories and condolences can be shared on www.brooksidefuneral.com