Obituary of Denis Desnoyers

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Denis Thomas Desnoyers, beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. Denis passed away at his home on Saturday, February 18, 2023, in Moose Jaw, SK, at the age of 40 years. He was born in Moose Jaw, SK, on February 23, 1982. Denis was the second child of Jerry and Mabel (nee Hawkins) Desnoyers and a brother to Joe.  Denis was born with Tuberous Sclerosis and had to be on medication all his life. He had trouble learning to sit and walk to start, but with physiotherapy and Mom’s help, he learned those skills soon after being diagnosed. Then a few years later, the 2 boys welcomed their sister Sally. Denis enjoyed growing up on the farm in the Coderre district and the freedom of being outside.

Denis enjoyed his time visiting with Auntie Marguerite and Gordon Myhra. In fact, he would take his little red wagon and walk across the pasture and follow the fence line to their house. Many days Marguerite would phone to see if I had lost a boy.  There he was!! He loved helping her with gardening or whatever she was doing.

The boys loved playing outside together.  Riding the 4 wheeler, making roads in the garden with the Tonka toys, but no matter where Denis was, you could be sure his little red wagon was right close by.  That wagon had many miles with it. He wore out 3 sets of tires, till finally the body just was worn out too.  So a new wagon was purchased. And away he went again.

No matter what was going on, Denis loved visiting. Grandma’s house for visits.  The family birthday parties, whether at our house, at other family homes, or at Shamrock Park in the spring and summer,   All the kids had fun playing together, sharing toys, and birthday cake.

Denis attended school in Coderre.  He had a teacher in Grade 1 (teacher Shelby Hayter and teachers-aid  Vickie Desnoyers) he loved working with them at school, because they treated him like all the other kids. He got to join in on everything that was going on in class and even sang at church on some Sundays.  Denis spent many hours drawing pictures of the farm.

Denis enjoyed working with Gerry Nekrasof from Community Living in Moose Jaw. Gerry would come out to the school or home, take him for pop and ice cream and talk about how everything was going at school and home.  Denis always had lots of stories to tell him.

The Coderre School closed and everyone was transferred to Gravelbourg Schools.  He had a  new teacher Gloria Stringer and aid  Terri Alix.   School was a challenge, but he stuck with it and had a few more aids throughout his school years.  Graduated High School in 2009.

One day in the summer a neighbour (John Carrobourg) came to visit and wanted to see his dad.  Well, Denis thought he would handle that issue by himself.  So he told John he would give him a ride in a’51 Chevy 1 ton truck down the pasture to where dad was fixing fence.  That was some ride.   John said, “He would never do that again.”  Dad had to drive him back to the yard.

Denis then attended school at Riverview School in Moose Jaw for a few years. He then attended STI in the Life Skills Program.   Had several work placements.   His favourite placement was working at Roberge Transport in the wash bay, where he got to wash Semi trucks and trailers.  His love for any type of vehicle was an asset for that.   

 Denis lived in Moose Jaw during the week at a group home, then home on the weekends.  He was able to play floor hockey, swimming and bowling with the Special Olympics.   He really enjoyed that and made several new friends.  During that time he also worked at Diversified Services.

Many happy times were spent at Shamrock Park and visiting with family.   Going to visit Auntie Linda and Uncle Leo in Coronach.  Monique and her brothers would teach him all kinds of things (some good and some not so good)   But Denis loved his time there always.

In 2011 Denis moved to a Moose Jaws Family for Change group home, where he made new friends and was proud to be on his own. Denis loved to push snow! And cutting grass!  He would go to all the neighbours in the area to see if he could help with keeping their yards clean and looking good.  He always had lots of work to keep him busy.  His payment was sometimes cookies or some kind of food.  He appreciated whatever it was.

Denis’ pride & joy was his tricycle with a trailer to pull behind that Dad made for him.  He painted that bike a different colour every second week it seemed.  But he made many miles picking cans, cutting grass, or just cruzing the streets.  He was known by many for his friendly smile and help with yard work etc. 

Denis work with his mentor Adrian for several years, and they were great friends.  Ivan and Denise were very special people to him too.   He was well known in Moose for his friendly smile and willing help anyone that needed it.

We are so proud of you Denis.  You grew up going through many trying times.  But always kept going and made the most of your life.   You will be forever in our hearts!!

Denis leaves to mourn parents Jerry and Mabel; brother Joe, nephews Jace and Rylan; niece Leila, nephews Colt and Rex. He is reunited in heaven with his sister Sally (2021), numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Celebration of Denis’ Life will take place June 16, 2023 at the Coderre Community Center (the old School) at 2:00 P.M.   Everyone is welcome to come visit and share their stories of Good Times spent with Denis.  Memorial donations in memory of Denis may be given to Moose Jaws Family For Change, Box 58 335 4^th Ave. SW Moose Jaw, SK S6H 5V2.