Arcel Bruno Girard

Arcel passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026, at the age of 86. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Florence; sons Rhéal and René; daughter Liane (Lindsay); sisters Pauline, Rolande, and Stella; grandchildren Aron, Andrew, and Vanna; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends. He was predeceased by his son Gérald and brothers Gabriel and Roger.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank-you for the tremendous care and expertise provided by the staff at Royal Columbian Hospital and Queen's Park Rehabilitation Centre. Their magnificent support was integral to Arcel's encouragement and comfort.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, 315 Walker St, Coquitlam, BC, at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Arcel to the BC Special Olympics Coquitlam, c/o 210-3701 E Hastings, Burnaby, BC, V5C 2H6.

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Born to Paul and Cécile in Baie Saint-Paul, Manitoba, Arcel was raised on a farm in Saint-Eustache with his five siblings. In 1955, leaving two older siblings behind, his family moved to Coquitlam, BC, where he would become an exemplary member of his community and beloved friend to all.

In March 2025, Arcel received a King Charles III Coronation Medal for his 35 plus years of volunteer work. His main volunteer roles were with the Knights of Columbus, Les Scouts de Maillardville, Festival du Bois, BC Special Olympics, and the executives of Foyer Maillard and Caisse Populaire. He was a man of few words; however, his actions and willingness to serve spoke volumes of his commitment to the community.

A strong work ethic was an integral part of Arcel's DNA. Professionally, he was a TV repairman at Brunette TV, co-owning the business with Lionel Lambert. Later, alongside his best friend Paul Plante, he became an accomplished electrician, retiring from Inlet Electric in 2000. Even in retirement, he continued using his electrical and handyman skills to assist in a myriad of projects undertaken by family and friends.

Arcel enjoyed all things sports, including hockey, fishing, camping, hunting, curling, softball, and golf. Hockey was particularly important to him, having played high-level junior hockey for the New Westminster Royals when he was 18 years old. He even played for three different hockey teams simultaneously at one point! Playing hockey continued well into his 70s, where he thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Coquitlam Ambassadors Oldtimers hockey team.

Gardening was also a huge passion for him. He grew most plants from seeds, then transplanted them into the extensive gardens outside his home. He enjoyed discussing best gardening practices with neighbours and was known to even "talk to his plants" for that extra special something that produced higher yields. Arcel's garden was often referred to as the "envy of the neighbourhood." He was delighted to share anything he grew with passersby.

Arcel was a dedicated member of Our Lady of Fatima Church, serving on the Parish Council for several years as well as lending a hand to friends at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish when needed. He had a deep faith in God and continually displayed this through his acts of kindness, good deeds, and the rosary he carried in his fleece vest pocket. May God now take him into His eternal, loving arms and reward him for a life well lived!