Joseph Marcellin Boivin, known to all as Marcel, passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on March 29, 2026, at the Dryden Regional Health Centre. Surrounded by his family, Marcel concluded a long and full life defined by a quiet, steady strength.
Born in Kenogami, Quebec, on August 10, 1927, to Alfred and Marie-Ange Boivin, Marcel was a man of natural brilliance and purposeful work. A self-taught inventor, he possessed a rare ability to see the world in blueprints. His ingenuity left a lasting mark on the Dryden community, most famously through his 1963 creation of the “Boivin Buggy.” Whether he was solving a complex mechanical puzzle or hosting one of his legendary pig roasts, he moved with a grounded perspective and a generous heart.
An avid outdoorsman, Marcel was never more at home than when fishing, hunting, or camping in the rugged Northern landscape he called home for so many years. He leaves a legacy of cleverness and character that spanned nearly a century.
He was predeceased by his parents; eleven of his brothers and sisters; and his sons-in-law, Gordon Hatch and Dave Timson.
Marcel’s memory will be carried forward by his four daughters: Marilyn Hatch of Morden, MB; Sharon Timson of Dryden, ON; Barbara Singleton of Dryden, ON; and Phyllis Boivin of Kenora, ON. He is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Letitia (Dennis), Amy (Mark), Gini (Sheldon), Miles (Ally), Veronica (Daniel), Lewis (Diana), Nathan (Serenity), Kari (Michael), Matthew, and Sarah. His legacy continues through his 21 great-grandchildren: Belicia, Javier, Anna (Max), Paige, Evan, Kai, Kaos, Kali, Roric, Reegan, Dakota, Kaylee, Avery, Marshall, Scarlett, Dale, Bruce, Alec, William, Liam, and Aurora. He also leaves behind his five surviving siblings: Delipha, Roma, Henri, Julienne, and Jeanne.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Moir and nurses Jillian and Carly for their compassionate care.
A Celebration of Marcel’s life will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Dryden Community Funeral Home with Brian Callewaert officiating.
Service ZOOM Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82811701753?pwd=uOQCpRs4wmNtFnD3Q3PnNPykPj4LAB.1
Meeting ID: 828 1170 1753
Passcode: 211512
In lieu of flowers, the family simply asks that you spend time with your loved ones, as these were the moments Marcel valued most.
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Pauline Purcha says
March 31, 2026 at 7:09 pmUncle Henri and the family wish to extend our most sincere condolences in your loss. We got to know Uncle Marcelin thanks to his travels to Alberta over the years. We will remember him as being jolly and very sociable with quite a few entertaining stories.
Mike Daniels says
April 6, 2026 at 6:56 amWe lived in behind Marcel on the Nicol Rd through the mid 80’s. Marcel was the consummate neighbour, from helping out when we jackknifed our firewood trailer on the Henderson Loop, to fixing our brush saws overnight so we could go work in the morning. The guy was one of those, could fix anything or even build anything. He had a terrific sense of humour and just a heat of gold. RIP my friend.
Ray and Judy Powell says
April 10, 2026 at 10:43 amWe remember Marcel fondly from our years on Henderson Loop. He was always so ready to help with all things mechanical and wow, could he ever do a marvellous job preparing a pig roast!