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Born to Winnifred Sadie and Clive Braden in Pouce Coupe, BC, Des spent his younger days in the vicinity of Dawson Creek including Pouce Coupe and Rolla.

He joined the army in November, 1943 and was proud to serve overseas in England and Western Europe.

While at a dance in Dawson Creek in 1949, he met Violet June Chambers, a Fort St. John gal, and the courtship began.

June and Des were married in Fort St. John in 1951 and settled in Dawson Creek where they remained until 1973 with Des employed at Finning Tractor, Coutts Machinery and the Dept. of Transportation (Weigh Scales).

In 1973, June and Des relocated to Quesnel as Des had an opportunity to get away from night shift by operating the Portable Scales for the Government. He retired in 1986 and continued to live in Quesnel until his passing. Although his job on the scales required him to hand out the occasional ticket he considered many of the loggers and truckers in the area, his friends.

He was very active in the B.P.O. Elks, the Legion and the Rodeo Clubs in both Dawson Creek and Quesnel.

June and Des purchased property on Puntchesakut Lake and this soon became a “mecca” for family and friends to enjoy camping, fishing, water skiing, sledding and the odd water fight with neighbours.

Des ended his life with the satisfaction of having completed his bucket list of things to see and do.

He leaves to mourn his wife June, his daughters: Judy (Jim) Renfrew, Kathie (Bill) LaForge, Carol (Allan) LaForge; grandchildren: James (Leanne), Janelle, Brett (Kelsey), Tye, Meagan (Todd) and Lindsay (Andrew); great grandchildren: Jennifer, Julianna, Jimmy, Cooper and Ryder. As well as sisters in law, cousins, nieces, nephews and many wonderful friends.

Interment at the family plot in Rolla, BC this summer. As per Des’ request there will be no service

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favourite charity.