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DR. DESMOND VAN JAARSVELDT
Date of Passing: May 15, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDR. DESMOND VAN JAARSVELDT
Peacefully with his family by his side, Desmond passed away at home, on the 15th of May. Desmond will be deeply missed by his wife, Lindi; and four children, Alexander, Anneke, Aden, and Anina.
Desmond was born in Oudtshoorn, South Africa, to Torus and Burneth Van Jaarsveldt, with an older brother Johan and younger brother Dries. Desmond was raised on his family’s farm and built a life of diligence from a very young age. He worked and studied hard during his school years and later graduated from Stellenbosch University with a degree in Medicine and Surgery. During his career he practiced medicine both in South Africa and Canada with so much compassion and love for his patients.
He met Lindi during his internship at Uitenhage Provincial Hospital and fell hopelessly in love with this beautiful, young nurse. Desmond and Lindi later married in 1998 in South Africa, months before they departed for Canada. Living in Flin Flon, and later Winnipeg, Desmond cared deeply for those around him and those who were his patients. Desmond took great pride in the responsibility of his patients and counted it as his blessing to serve others. He also sincerely cared for his team at Pembina Medical Clinic which had especially supported him during these difficult times. He recounted to our family many times the support and kindness patients and colleagues showed him, which we are ever grateful for.
Desmond adored his family and every free minute was spent with his family, in their embrace. Despite his workload, he made as much time as possible to be with his family and worked very hard to continue providing past his diagnosis and up until his passing. His commitment to caring for his patients and in continuing his own treatment stood as a testament to his love of his family and wish to be by their side protecting them.
Desmond loved God and dedicated himself to serving him and leading his life in glory to his saviour, Jesus. He lived by Joshua 24:15: “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Desmond, a Christian who led a life full of humility, responsibility, and devotion to Christ has now passed to be with his Holy Father.
All are welcome to the celebration of Desmond’s life which will be held on May 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Jeffrey Graham and staff at CancerCare for their dedication to Desmond and his family. The family would also like to thank family, friends, colleagues, and patients who stood with them during the trying years since his diagnosis with kidney cancer in 2023.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 23, 2026
