Obituary of Marshell Brunet

BRUNET, Marshell

On June 11, 2024 Marshell Brunet of Glendon, Alberta passed away at the age of 85. Marshell, known in recent years to many as “Papa Smurf” was born in 1938 to Patrick and Lillian Brunet. He was raised on a farm near Aultsville, Ontario then moved to Lunenburg and Napanee before the family settled at the Hilltop Ranch in Alexandria, Ontario. Marshell was industrious, a natural leader and whatever he laid his hand to he did so to the best of his ability with a sense of pride. He was an animated storyteller and recounted many tales of working with his father on the farm, hauling livestock, whiskey or hay, and managing production mares. He married Heather Goudie in 1962 and started his family while working as a farmhand for his father. He enjoyed building and driving hobby-class stockcars at his father’s Alexandria Raceway and in the area collecting 34 trophies in 5 years. In 1965, Marshell reunited with his first love Wanda (Babs) Annie Gill and bought his first farm a mile down Eigg Road in 1967. While raising his family and managing his own production mares, raising Holstein heifer calves, or producing grains Marshell always enjoyed family time playing cards, evening sitcoms, fishing, camping, boating, hunting and snowmobiling. In 1981 Marshell moved his family to Edmonton, Alberta where he learned the trade of flooring installation and sales. He spent most weekends exploring the lakes and hunting territories in northern Alberta. In 1993 Marshell returned to his farming passion when he bought his second farm in St. Lina, Alberta, where he continued flooring installation, raised cattle, foraged wild plants, made wine from local berries, and gardened.  He felt sincerely welcomed and developed a deep connection with his St. Lina circle and loved sharing coffee time stories of his fishing, hunting, and farming adventures with friends. When he retired, Marshell and Wanda enjoyed snowbirding and sightseeing throughout the U.S. and Canada where they made many good friends. In 2011 they moved to Glendon, Alberta and enjoyed quiet times and neighbours while he continued his outdoor passions and travelling. In 2015 Marshell continued his travels with Donna Low taking his last trip back to Ontario and his last trip to the U.S. He often reflected proudly on his life achievements.  

Marshell will be sorrowfully missed by his partner Donna Low, and eight children Mark (Martine) Brunet, Jeff Brunet, Brenda (Rheal) Brunet, Wayne (Debra) Brunet, Veronica Brunet, Angie (Randy) Pennell, Tammy (Glenn) Brunet, and Kathlina (Keith) Brunet; 24 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.  Marshell is predeceased by his wife Wanda Brunet, his sister Rita Shaver, his parents Zephire (Patrick) and Lillian Brunet and his granddaughter Samantha Brunet.  Cremation has taken place. The funeral service and lunch to take place in St. Lina will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haying In The 30’s (Cancer Support Society) ℅ 5626-51 Street, St. Paul, Alberta T0A 3A1. To send condolences online, please visit www.northernlightsfs.ca

Respectfully submitted by the Brunet family