Peter John DesRochers

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of John DesRochers who passed away reluctantly, with grace and dignity, on June 7, 2019. John is survived by “his girls”: wife, Jeannie, daughters Amanda (Dale) and Lindsay (Melody); and grandchildren, Briggs and Leilindel, siblings: Lyn (Doug), Theresa (Phil), Gail (Ivan), Tim (Val), Daryl (Michelle), Kent (Cesar) and their families, his mother-in-law, Melnie, sisters-in-law Tracey (Kevin), Kelly (Norm) and their families. Predeceased by his parents Toby DesRochers, Elizabeth DesRochers and father-in-law Jerry Beattie. John grew up in Qu’Appelle and from the moment he was able to work, he did for a total of 49 years. Beginning as a paper boy at age 11, PFRA with his dad when he was 15 (that’s where he learnt to drive a grader!). At age 17 he graduated early and immediately got a job at Chatterson Lumber in Balcarres. He delivered parts for Lakeside Chrysler in Regina and worked for Elmer Kurbis at the bar in Qu’Appelle He worked with Commercial Fence Erectors from 76’ to 83’ and in 1983 he began working with the RM of South Qu’Appelle #157 for 2 years and then began as Foreman for the Town of Qu’Appelle until 1988. Fall of 1988 he joined the International Union of Operating Engineers. January 1989 he began working for PCL Construction at the Colomac Gold Mine 120 kms North of Yellowknife for a year and a half. Then through the rest of the early 90’s he worked with the IOEU with several construction companies, building roads, elevators, upgraders, construction projects throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta, where ever he was needed. When his family needed him to be at home more, he returned to the RM of South Qu’Appelle. He then returned to work for the RM of South Qu’Appelle until he retired on Dec 31/17 after a total of 25 years. He volunteered as the secretary/treasurer of the Qu’Appelle handgun Club for many years. Throughout his life he loved hunting, fishing, spreading knowledge of useless information, Mexico, tinkering in his shop, playing games (especially winning them). Even more than these things he loved his beautiful wife and his two lovely daughters. There will be an informal Celebration of Life on Friday, June 14 beginning at 4pm with a salute to John followed by good food, friendship and the sharing of “John” stories, at Double “J” Acres NW 24 18 14 W2 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society at www.craigscause.ca.