Jean Deschênes

At the Grand Falls General Hospital, on Monday July 20, 2026, Jean Deschênes passed away at the age of 95. Born on May 3, 1931 in Grand-Falls (New Brunswick), he was the son of the late Arthur and the late Hélène (Côté) Deschênes.

He is survived by his wife Edwina (née Godbout) and her five children: Daniel Deschênes (Linda) of Grand-Falls (New Brunswick), Lisette Deschenes-Cyr (Maurice) of Dieppe (New Brunswick), the late Jacinthe Deschênes of Buckingham (Quebec), Solange Deschenes Surette (late Brian) of Dieppe (New Brunswick), Chantal Deschenes-Jean (Frantz) of Tampa (Florida). He also leaves 12 grandchildren: Samuel, Jasmin, Zoée, Catherine, Danie, Janik, Gabrielle, Alek, Élisabeth, Sara-Anne, Renée and Néka as well as three great-grandchildren: Nelson, Jordane and Ella. He is survived by his brothers and sisters: Yvette Gagnon (late Adrien), Fernand Deschênes (Gloria), Jeanette Rioux (late Edgar), Rita Côté (Ralph), Roland Deschênes (Wendy) as well as many nephews and nieces. He went to join the late Yvon Deschênes (Jacqueline), the late Onile Deschênes (May), the late Fernande Vautour (Clifford) and the late Leonie Godbout (Armand) who preceded him in death.

Jean lived an extraordinary life, always willing to reinvent himself and take on new challenges. At a young age, he purchased his parents’ business, Arthur Deschênes et fils, later renamed Jean Superette and eventually Deschênes Foodmaster, which he successfully operated for 40 years. Deeply committed to his community, he served as president of the Chamber of Commerce and the Jaycees, was a member of the Richelieu Club, the Knights of Columbus, the ecclesiastical committee, the Potato Festival, as well as many other organizations and committees.

 

On July 5, 1955, he married Edwina Godbout. Together, they enjoyed an active life surrounded by friends, sharing a love of dancing, sports and the outdoors. Jean made a significant contribution to the development of cross-country skiing in the region. In 1971, he competed in the Canada Games and ranked first on his team. After earning his National Instructor Certificate in 1973, he founded the Kahoutek Cross-Country Club. Recognized as "the father of cross-country skiing in the Grand Falls region," he was inducted into the Grand Falls Hall of Fame in 2012.

 

Curious and adventurous, Jean earned his recreational pilot’s license, took part in an Arctic expedition to Baffin Island and developed many artistic talents, including wood carving, painting, violin and lapidary work. Passionate about minerals and fossils, he loved sharing his knowledge and creations, especially by welcoming students into his workshop.Jean certainly led a full and remarkable life. As his grandchildren say: "Our grandfather is our hero!"

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Daniel Roy, Dr. Maurice Roy, his sister Rita Côté, and niece Marie-France Desjardins for her invaluable help and support over the years, the home care workers especially Tina Parent and Vicky Glazer, as well as the staff of te Extra-Mural Program and the staff of the Grand Falls General Hospital for their excellent care and compassion.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Guy L. O’Regan Funeral Home, 515 Éverard-Daigle Blvd. in Grand-Falls, on Saturday, August 1st, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Saint George’s Parish Church, followed by a reception.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers family asks a donations in Jean’s memory may be made to the Grand Falls Regional Food Bank.