Daryl Lynn Poncelet

Daryl passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, at the age of 72, with his son by his side at Pasqua Hospital in Regina. In his final days, he was surrounded by family, and his wife Shantell was a constant presence and source of comfort throughout his hospitalization.

He was born in Melfort, SK in 1954 and raised on the family farm near Meskanaw, SK with seven siblings. Daryl was an adventurer and eager to see the world beyond his home province. He hitchhiked to northern BC in 1971 and spent a few weeks fighting forest fires and later found work in a lumber mill. He then obtained his pilot’s license and worked as a bush pilot in northern SK. He was particularly proud of his time as a bush pilot, and aviation remained a lifelong interest. Whenever a small aircraft passed overhead, Daryl would happily identify the make, model, and engine to anyone nearby.

In 1979, he earned his Instrumentation Technology diploma from the British Columbia Institute of Technology, beginning a successful 30+ year career in mining and heavy industry. His expertise made him a valued member of project teams across Canada, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Chile, and Saudi Arabia. Near the end of his career, he spent four years working in Sussex, NB, where he developed a lasting affection for Canada's East Coast.

Away from work, Daryl spent plenty of time on the things he loved. Music topped the list. His stereo system received heavy use – and so did the neighbourhood's patience. Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Leonard Cohen were in especially heavy (and loud) rotation.

He was rarely far from his Honda motorcycle or a magazine about one.

In 2017, Daryl and Shantell moved to Gravelbourg, SK. He appreciated the peace and quiet of small-town life. One of his favourite places was the front porch of his Gravelbourg home. He enjoyed “watching the world go by”, surrounded by the birds, trees, and big prairie sky.

Daryl was not afraid to be himself. If he had something to say, he said it (even if correcting your grammar was likely to be met with a groan). If he felt like dressing up nicely for no particular occasion – which he often did – he wore a three-piece suit and fedora without a second thought. And if a home maintenance project wasn't going his way, everyone within earshot knew it, thanks to a remarkably creative string of expletives. While he lived life on his own terms, it was clear that he also had a big heart. Daryl was quick to express his appreciation for others, eager to help however he could, and generous with gifts. If you knew him, chances are you've received a bouquet of flowers from him.

Despite his physical health declining in recent years, gratitude was a defining trait. Conversations with Daryl were typically focused on appreciation for simple daily moments, stories from a full life, and wonderfully dry and sarcastic remarks typical of the Poncelet sense of humour.

Above all else, Daryl was a devoted and immensely proud father. Anyone who knew him knew that his son was, in his words, his "pride and joy." The love he had for his son was immeasurable and everlasting.

Daryl was predeceased by his parents, Hope and Marcel ("Jack"), and his brothers Hector and Brent.

He leaves behind many who will cherish the time they shared with him, including his son Evan (Caite), his wife Shantell, his siblings Guy (Sharon), Jacke, Mark, Dawn, and Bobbe (Rob), and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

A celebration of Daryl’s life will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, July 25, at the Sandman Hotel – Circle Drive and Avenue C North - in Saskatoon, SK.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to a charity of your choice. Daryl supported many charities and causes, often choosing them based on the interests of those he loved.