"Vince" Vincent Joseph Adeodat Desjardins

Vincent Joseph Adeodat Desjardins was born September 11, 1935, on the family homestead at Section 28, Township 45, Range 7, West of the 3rd Meridian, near Marcelin, Saskatchewan.

Vince attended the little country school of Crown Hill from 1941 to 1949, then on to Marcelin High School from 1950 to 1954. He worked for his Uncle Henri Desjardins in Marcelin from 1954 – 1955 at the BA (British American Oil Company) driving a fuel truck and working in the garage.

In 1955, Vince left Saskatchewan for Edmonton, where he worked building and installing rural water towers. His journey soon brought him west to Jasper, Alberta, where he began a long career with Canadian National Railway (CNR), retiring in 1991.

Alongside his railway career, Vince also worked at the BA, later Gulf, garage in Jasper as a mechanic and fuel-oil delivery driver. His routes took him throughout the area, including Maligne Lake, Pyramid Lake, Jasper Park Lodge and the town of Jasper.

Community was an important part of Vince’s life. He proudly served as a member of the Jasper Volunteer Fire Department for 27 years. Another contribution especially close to his heart was giving blood, something he faithfully did over the years. He was also a longtime member of both the Jasper Legion and the Hinton Legion.

Vince embraced life with an adventurous and competitive spirit. Over the years, he participated in bareback rodeo, curling, hockey, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, squash, downhill skiing, gardening and, of course, golf.

He was also a keen cribbage player and always enjoyed a good game of pool. One of his proud sporting accomplishments came in 2008, when he travelled to Prince Edward Island and won gold in 8-ball at the Canadian Seniors Games.

At the heart of Vince’s life was his family.

Among those who will carry his memory, his stories and his spirit forward are his two daughters, Sandra (Paul) and Christine (Peter); his grandchildren, Jordan (Toni) and Jacina (Jake); and his great-grandchildren, Scarlett, Ainsley and Rowan, who knew and loved him as Papa Vince.

Vince is also lovingly remembered by his sisters, Laurette, Marie-Ange and Lucille, along with his many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends whose lives crossed paths with his over his 90 years.

He was predeceased by his parents, Adeodat and Madeleine Desjardins, and his siblings Blanche, Joseph, Theresa, Philip, Anna, Gerald, Regis, Cecile and Gertrude.

Vince’s life stretched from a Saskatchewan homestead to the mountains of Jasper and Hinton, filled with hard work, service, sport, family, laughter, competition and community.

He lived a full 90 years, and the stories gathered along the way will continue to be shared by those who knew and loved him.

As per Vince’s wishes there will be no service.

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