Marcel Roland Joseph Boulet

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Marcel Roland Joseph Boulet, aged 51, of Halifax, NS, on November 1, 2022. He passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Kim, by his side.

Marcel was born in St. James, Manitoba. When asked where he was from, Marcel would always reply “Canada”, since he had lived in every province due to him and his father serving in the military.

Marcel’s accomplishments were many. The most notable included serving his country in the Infantry, where he went from jumping out of planes to the rank of Sergeant. Marcel thrived on learning. He graduated from the Dalhousie Fine Arts Theatre Program. He was certified as an ETCP (Entertainment Technician Certification Program) rigger. In his later years he attended the University of New Brunswick online to earn his Certificate of Occupational Health and Safety. His career as an Entertainment Technician took him on many adventures. With a children’s theatre he travelled to Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and Mexico as their Stage Manager. He toured with the band Chicago as their Rigger. He ran his own business, Stress Unlimited, managing events from the Busker Festival to The Tall Ships. “Improvise, overcome and adapt” was his motto. Marcel was very proud to serve as the President of two Unions, IATSE 849 and IATSE 680. He also served as the Canadian representative on the Board of Trustees for the IATSE Training Trust Fund.

Marcel relished the outdoors. He enjoyed short hikes as well as backwoods camping and backpacking. He was most proud of completing the West Coast Trail in BC as well as the rugged North Rim Traverse in Gros Morne. He faithfully camped and portaged Kedji every May long weekend for 10 years, and had a tattoo on his calf to honour that. He loved to fly fish for salmon on the Margaree River in Cape Breton, and was also a seasoned Dive Master. Biking and rock climbing were also ways that he liked to unwind in nature.

Marcel loved to travel, and outside of his work adventures he roamed from Costa Rica and Scotland, all the way to his dream destinations of South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba also got stamped in to his Passport over the years.

Marcel loved theatre and even in his childhood, he could always recite long passages from Shakespeare. He acted in many musicals and was an accomplished actor, through high school and university, and eventually went on to TV commercials.

Reading was another passion of Marcel’s, whether it was on paper, e-reader, or in audio format. Epic Fantasy was his favourite genre, but “The Power of One” was his favourite book.

Marcel was known for his multiple layers of socks, even on the hottest of days. These were usually paired with shorts, held up by a belt with his Leatherman attached. He could “MacGyver” anything with that tool. His Facebook friends knew that his favourite time of year was the short window of time between mowing the lawn and shoveling the driveway.

Marcel often said, “If they can’t find you handsome, at least they can find you handy!” He was blessed with both. Always the voice of reason, with a kind heart, the patience of a saint, and a calm demeanor. He was never quick to judge, and had a smile that could light up a room. Although he always claimed to not like hugs, he gave really great ones.

He loved music and dancing, and could cut a mean rug. MC Hammer had nothing on him when the right song came on. He also enjoyed creating music, strumming his guitar next to a crackling fire on warm summer nights. “The Wait” was one of his favourites to sing.

Always the romantic, Marcel proposed to Kim while rappelling down a waterfall in Costa Rica. They married in the Dominican Republic and enjoyed 18 years together, 14 of those married.

For the past 7 years, Marcel was very open about his diagnosis and struggle with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD). His condition presented as Cerebellar Ataxia and his FTD was dominant with Primary Progressive Aphasia. He handled all of the challenges this presented with his usual positivity and strength, dabbled with some stubbornness and determination. As with everything, his perseverance and patience got him through the tough days. He did indeed; “Improvise, overcome and adapt.” Marcel lived his life on his own terms and with dignity, right to the end.

Left to mourn with fond and loving memories, his wife Kim; mother, Lynda; sisters, Francesca, Lila (Glen) and Katy (Gilles); brother Andre (Patricia); 3 nieces, 6 nephews; Kim’s family and an absolute army of best friends! Marcel was predeceased by his father, Conrad.

In keeping with Marcel’s wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to any charity of your choice.

“Marcel, if the time ever came along, and it were possible to do, When picking out a husband, son, brother or friend, there’s no doubt that we’d all call on You.”

Online condolences and fond memories can be left by visiting www.coleharbourfuneral.com