Desdowd Icon Patrick Marion Retires

September 20, 2024

On September 11, more than 200 industry guests and colleagues celebrated Patrick Marion’s 35-year career history to the day. Guests travelled from across the country – some from as far as Vancouver and Halifax – to join those from Montreal and Toronto to celebrate Patrick’s career. Held at a prestigious golf club in La Prairie, QC, the event featured a photo booth, networking reception, dinner, and live music.

Marion

This event was a retirement party like no other. The event was emceed by Yves Martin, a close friend of Patrick, and JS Bercier who gave a heartfelt speech about his business partner and mentor. Patrick received three standing ovations during the evening, from his grand entrance to the speeches.

His parents, Jaqueline and Marcel, 85 and 87 years old respectively, were also on hand and were beyond proud of their son and the business he built at Desdowd, as well as his entire career in the electrical industry.

Patrick’s partner Caroline was equally proud of him as well. There were several guests names mentioned in recognition in Patrick’s speech who all supported his quest to excel in the industry, as well as owning Desdowd. Patrick received several gifts, one being a high end guitar and case, as Patrick is planning to learn to play the guitar during retirement.

Patrick says he will still come into work occasionally as a consultant, adding he may be late coming in the morning after his retirement party. Electro Federation Canada, Quebec Region and CEMRA were mentioned very positively throughout speeches regarding all of Patrick’s contributions. Patrick is a two time recipient of the CEMRA Person of the Year Award, the Quebec Region Personality of the Year Award, and was previously the Chair of  CEMRA, and the Quebec Region.

CEMRA Team Lead, and long time friend, Nathalie Lajoie, was also invited to the special celebration.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she says. “It was a true honour to be present for Patrick, as he is a close friend, and association partner. He has contributed so much to the electrical industry, and especially CEMRA. We are very thankful and appreciative with his level of engagement and all the hard work including event sponsorships for the Quebec Region, in which Patrick has provided for close to three decades.”

On behalf of EFC, Quebec Region and CEMRA, we would all like to congratulate Patrick on this retirement, and may he enjoy this milestone adventure. Congratulations to you Patrick on your well deserved retirement.

JS Bercier will now serve as President of Desdowd, along with partner Andre LeBlanc.

Go HERE to view the photo gallery from the event

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Code Question on Section 24 – Patient Care Areas

    Code Question on Section 24 – Patient Care Areas

    July 14, 2025 The rules for the installation of panelboards, circuits, and bonding in Patient Care Area depends on whether the area is designated as either, Basic Care, Intermediate Care or Critical Care. How are these areas defined? Read more on Section 24 — Health care areas Read More…

  • Ontario’s Institutional Component Drives Non-Residential Construction Intentions in May 2025

    Ontario’s Institutional Component Drives Non-Residential Construction Intentions in May 2025

    July 14, 2025 In May, the total value of building permits issued in Canada rose by $1.4 billion (+12.0%) to reach $13.1 billion. The increase in construction intentions was driven by Ontario’s institutional component (+$1.3 billion). On a constant dollar basis (2023=100), the total value of building permits issued in May increased 11.8% from the previous month and was… Read More…

  • Plan Group Partners in Construction of UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital

    Plan Group Partners in Construction of UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital

    July 14, 2025 Plan Group is proud to be a partner in the construction of the UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital. Plan Group will provide work on the project in: Mechanical: Plumbing, HVAC, Controls, Medical GasElectrical: Lighting & Controls, Power Distribution, Emergency Generators, UPSTechnology: Structured Cabling, AV Systems including Digital Signage and IPTV UHN’s 15-storey Surgical… Read More…

  • How Canada Can Equip Workers for a Low-Carbon Future

    How Canada Can Equip Workers for a Low-Carbon Future

    July 14, 2025 The Canadian economy is shifting towards low-carbon industries, and the workforce is shifting with it. New roles are emerging, traditional ones are evolving and the demand for skilled workers is growing fast — particularly in light of the ambitious nation-building agenda the federal government has set out. In the federal Speech from… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • OEL Apprentice Success Project Available Until March 2026

    OEL Apprentice Success Project Available Until March 2026

    July 14, 2025 With renewed funding by Ontario’s Skills Development Fund, the OEL Apprentice Success Project is now available for another year until March 2026. The project is part of OEL’s Employer Engagement Program (EEP) consisting of wage, training, and equipment subsidies for apprentices. These funding opportunities are available to OEL Members and non-Members. For… Read More…

  • EB Horsman Unveils New Mural at Campbell River Branch

    EB Horsman Unveils New Mural at Campbell River Branch

    July 14, 2025 EB Horsman & Son are thrilled to unveil a new mural at their Campbell River branch, painted by the talented Kwakwaka’wakw artist, Adam Lewis. “This stunning piece celebrates Indigenous heritage and our community spirit,” said EB Horsman on LinkedIn. “As we mark 125 years of serving Western Canada and 55 years in… Read More…

  • Glenco Electric Celebrate New Red Seal Team Members

    Glenco Electric Celebrate New Red Seal Team Members

    July 14, 2025 “The Red Seal Journeyman designation is the highest recognition in the trades, and we’re proud to have seen so many of our team members earn it under our watch,” said Glenco Electric on LinkedIn. “At Glenco, we’re big on mentorship and promoting from within. When you combine that with driven, hard-working professionals,… Read More…

  • Canada and Ontario Investing to Improve Energy Efficiency in Province’s Agri-Food Industry

    Canada and Ontario Investing to Improve Energy Efficiency in Province’s Agri-Food Industry

    July 14, 2025 The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $3 million and launching the third intake of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI) to help farmers implement projects to improve the energy efficiency of their farming operations. To support the province’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding will help local agriculture, agri-food… Read More…