NOEL JOSEPH DEBASSIGE

NOEL JOSEPH DEBASSIGE
July 30, 1938 – October 27, 2021
In loving memory of Noel Joseph Debassige, born on July 30, 1938 in M’Chigeeng, Ontario. He was born to Andrew and Rose (nee Migwans) Debassige, both predeceased. He was one of 13 brothers and sisters, Helen, Bertha, Justin, Levina (predeceased), Edward, Tim (predeceased), Nellie (pre-deceased), Elaine, Chris (predeceased), Earl, Sally and Christy. He lived in M’Chigeeng during his childhood years and later moved to Chicago, Illinois for several years where he became accustomed to skills of the carpentry trade and painters union. He later returned to M’Chigeeng, married Mary Roy on November 10, 1962 and devoted the next 50 years of his life by applying the skills of the trade as a labourer, carpenter, eventually accomplishing and passing the skills and training requirements as a certified contractor. In 1986 Noel started his own construction company. He had a passion for building, learning and teaching others the skills of the trade and promoted the construction industry for First Nation members. He was a busy man throughout his life. He was a pivotal presence in the building of many structures in his home community and surrounding towns on Manitoulin Island. From building homes for his family and many housing developments for M’Chigeeng and other First Nations both on the Island and away. Noel was also the lead contractor involved in projects like the M’Chigeeng Health Centre, M’Chigeeng Day Care and Lakeview School, the Community Complex/Arena, UCCM Building Material Supply Outlet, M’Chigeeng Administration Office and Immaculate Conception Church. The projects are endless. He was an avid hunter. He loved moose hunting with his brothers and grandsons, and he enjoyed fishing, ice fishing, setting the net and playing cards. In his younger days he played baseball, broomball and later on in life enjoyed watching baseball on TV and a few times took in a live Blue Jays game. He was loved and respected by many throughout his life. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Mary of 59 years. He was father to Brenda (friend Terry), Andrew (predeceased), Yvette (friend Tim), Bernice and Sandra. He was grandfather to Megan, Evan (Wendy), Shelby (Jim), Andrew, Shaughnessy, David, Cheryl, Marcus and Destiny and great-grandpa to Cohen, Jase, Blake and George. Friends and family gathered Friday, October 29, 2021 from 4 pm at 255 Lakeshore Road, M’Chigeeng. Funeral Mass was at Immaculate Conception Church on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 11 am. Feast was at 255 Lakeshore Road, M’Chigeeng. Cremation followed. You may send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Noel Joseph through Island Funeral Home.