Rev. Rene L. Desmarais Fund

The late Reverend Rene L. Desmarais was a life-long resident of Port Huron. Known and loved by many, he was a man of compassion for his community and the ministry. From 1969 to his passing in 2006 Father Desmarais was the director of campus ministries at St. Clair County Community College and the Newman Center. He was also pastor at St. Joseph Church beginning in 1990 and St. Stephen beginning in 2004. His service to the community went beyond his parishes. He served on committees and boards with Mercy Hospital and helped create the People’s Clinic. As a spiritual leader, teacher and volunteer, Father Desmarais showed his care and love for the community and its residents. Through the “Rev. Rene L. Desmarais Fund” at the Community Foundation, his love and generosity will live on. The fund bearing his name provides support for those programs, projects and organizations he cared for the most, including:

• Those providing financial, social and personal support for the needy, such as the food bank, soup kitchen and other social service organizations.
• Educational assistance to students through a scholarship program.
• Facilitating dialogues by and among all faiths through informational and educational seminars, lecture series, book reviews, scripture studies and other enrichment programs.