It’s been a very tough year for Marcell Jacques, but his spirits got a lift Tuesday when he carried out one of his late wife’s last wishes at the Calgary Zoo.
“Michelle wanted so bad to come to the zoo,” Jacques recalled.
“It was on her bucket list. She wanted to see the animals so much.”
But unfortunately that dream never came true – Michelle Jacques died of cancer last month at the age of 49.
Jacques visited the zoo Tuesday to commemorate his wife’s life with an informal memorial service, bringing along several photos of her and a ring he’d given her almost 30 years ago.
“It’s a promise ring from my heart to her,” Jacques said. “And I would like to carry this throughout the zoo today.”
Accompanying him on the visit were Phil McHugh and Sam Jones, two Calgary paramedics who rushed to the Jacques’ home when Michelle took a fall.
“So we helped her up,” McHugh said, “and Marcell had mentioned that (visiting the zoo) was something they wanted to do.”
The zoo was providing passes for them and the paramedics offered to help, on their own time, by providing an ambulance and stretcher and helping the couple get around the zoo.
But just as they were finalizing the arrangements, Michelle passed away.
“I couldn’t afford a funeral service for Michelle,” Marcell said.
“And I cried by myself and now I have you all here helping me. This is the most beautiful thing for her.”
“Just being able to be here for Marcell,” McHugh said, “and help see him through this tough time – it’s an honour.”
Marcell’s brother, Leonard Jacques, was also at the zoo for the visit.
“I’m pretty sure that (Michelle’s) smiling today,” Leonard said. “I wish she could’ve been here with us, but in spirit she is.”
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