- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
JOSEPH HOWARD DESJARLAIS
Date of Passing: Feb 02, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOSEPH HOWARD DESJARLAIS It is with deepest love and sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Joseph (Joe) Howard Desjarlais, on February 2, 2015 in Surrey, British Columbia. Joe was 71 years old. Left to mourn his passing is his only child Paul Desjarlais (Vancouver), sisters Audrey Michaeleski (Winnipeg), Sharon Sunderland (White Rock, BC) and Gayle Kirouac (Winnipeg), as well as nieces, nephews and many friends. Joe was predeceased by his parents Jean-Baptiste Desjarlais and Myra (Desjarlais) Townsend. Joe was born and raised in Winnipeg. He attended St. John's High School, then later graduated from the Red River College electrical contractor program. It was in Winnipeg that he met and married Gwendolyn Evans, and in 1966, son Paul was born. In 1986, Joe moved to Vancouver, and two years later, married Dianne Alyward. He then went on to open the highly successful electrical contracting business, Heartlight Electric, which ran for two decades. Joe was known for his kind demeanour and sharp sense of humour. He would, without fail, always be there for family or a friend. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, working on cars, traveling to Mazatlan and Manzanillo, hockey, Elvis, Neil Diamond and, of course beer. In his spare time, he could be found at his local Legion spending time with his buddies or yelling at the television while watching his cherished Montreal Canadians play. Joe was a member of the BC Fraternal Order of Eagles and the BC Transplant Society. Special mention must be made of Joes' beloved Pomeranian, Bingo. Everyone who knew Joe, knew how much his dog meant to him. Celebration of Life service for Joseph Desjarlais will be held in Winnipeg on May 30, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at 19 Lakelea Place (near University of Manitoba). Please call 204-296-5348 to RSVP, if possible. Private family burial to be determined. The family would like to extend their sincerest thank you to the caring and compassionate staff at the Surrey Memorial Hospital in Surrey, BC. "So do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand." Isaiah 41:10. "Friend, have you seen Glory Road Say, friend, I got a heavy load And I know Glory Road's waiting for me." (Neil Diamond, "Glory Road")
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 16, 2015
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
-
I first met Joe by accident, literally speaking outside Ron and Vicki's place directly in front of Joe's home. Joe accidently hit one of our vehicles and we all came outside from the party at Ron's to see what happened. We kind of got into a brief argument followed by a few beers which turned into a life long friendship. We laughed about this over the years. Joe and I partied hardy, played golf every summer, caught my first Master Angler (Walleye) with Joe and my son Alan on a fly-in to Echo Lake back 38 years ago. Our Friendship survived the years as Joe was a man with a very beautiful heart and soul. I am plagued by the fact I was not able to be with him last Christmas, although I did speak to him over the telephone on several occasions. He seemed optimistic and stated he would be out of the hospital and moving into a care home soon. I am going to miss him with all my heart and until we meet again, know in your heart my love and prayers will always be with you. Your Bud Brian - Posted by: Arthur "Brian" Grant (One of his" Best Friends") on: May 29, 2015