Richard "Pepin" R. Desmarais

BERKSHIRE– Richard “Pepin” Desmarais, age 79, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at his home in Richford.

He was born in Sutton, QC on January 22, 1941 to the late Urbain “Ben” and Beatrice (Jacobs) Desmarais.

Pepin grew up in Richford and graduated from Richford High School in 1959. On August 2, 1969 he married Jacquline “Jackie” Shover and the two built their home in 1974. Pepin owned and operated B & D Service Station for several years and continued to work as a mechanic throughout his life. One of his biggest passions in life was bowling which he shared with his entire family. He loved to travel, especially behind the wheel; he took countless trips to Nevada for bowling tournaments and gambling, and Pennsylvania for the Carlisle Car Show; he had visited every state except Alaska. Pepin was also an avid collector, especially of Ford Mustangs and loved to tinker. But what really brought joy to his life was his children and grandchildren, they were the light of his life. Pepin will be remembered for being a jokester and having a nickname for almost all of his family members, which they will forever cherish.

He is survived by his wife Jackie Desmarais of Richford; children, Marie Bruyette and her husband Richard “Dickie” of Highgate, Joseph Desmarais and his wife Melissa of Richford, Timothy Desmarais and his significant other Samantha Dezotelle of Richford, and Martha Ryea and her husband Anthony of Richford; grandchildren, Avery Bruyette and his significant other Veronica Cook, Tyler Bruyette, Megan Bruyette and her significant other Aaron Colby, Dustin Jacobs and his significant other Ayla Atherton, Kyle Desmarais and his fiancé Sarah Paradee, Torrie Desmarais and his significant other Hanna Godin, Mya Desmarais, Mark Ryea, Monica Tatro, Grace Ryea, Madison Smith, Mollie Smith, and Liam Ryea; great grandchildren, Addison Jacobs, Arianna Irons, Ryleigh Jacobs, and Owen Desmarais; sisters, Paulette Laroche and her husband Robert, and Mary Desmarais all of Monticello, FL; brother, Michael Desmarais of FL; father-in-law and gambling buddy, Gilbert Shover of Swanton; sister-in-law, Elaine Thompson of Swanton; brothers-in-law, Alan Shover and his wife Linda of Florida, and Richard “Fuzz” Johnson of AZ; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Pepin was predeceased by his granddaughter, Shirley Tatro; mother-in-law, Shirley Shover; brother-in-law, Steven Thompson; and sisters-in-law, Carol Johnson, Linda Shover, and Louise Shover.

In keeping with Pepin’s wishes there will no services.

For those who wish, contributions in Pepin’s memory may be made to his family to help with funeral expenses, 447 Horse Shoe Road, Richford, VT 05476.

Goss Life Celebration Homes is the area’s exclusive provider of Life Celebration events. Please visit our website to share condolences, photos and favorite memories at www.gossfs.com