Raynold Joseph Desjarlais

March 3, 1963 – February 15, 2021

It is with great love, heavy hearts, and profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Raynold Joseph Desjarlais, on February 15, 2021, at the age of 57 years.

Ray was born on March 3, 1963, in Regina Saskatchewan, to Georgina Desjarlais. Ray always had a passion for sports, playing hockey, football, softball, and golf, which continued throughout his life. Ray attended St. Michaels Elementary School and graduated from Sister McGuigan Highschool.

Following graduation, Ray began his career with the Government of Saskatchewan, in August 1981. During his career with the Government, Ray also took night classes at the University of Regina. His career with the Government progressed quickly throughout his tenure, always moving forward and taking on new positions and responsibilities. In October 1996, Ray began a second career, working at Saskatchewan Power Corporation, as a Communication Consultant where he undertook the development of SaskPower’s website. While with SaskPower his role continually evolved and in September 2015, as the Manager for Aboriginal Relations, Ray made the decision to retire so he could follow his passion for helping others. Ray was proud of his culture and heritage, and found his role with SaskPower very fulfilling, knowing that he made a difference, Ray’s reach was far, making long-lasting friendships across the prairie Provinces, well into Ontario, Ray was well respected by all of those fortunate enough to work or spend time with him. Taking what he learned over the years while working in the public service, in 2017 Ray started his own company, Skyhawk Consulting and Project Services.

Ray considered his biggest accomplishment the relationships he developed. None were more important to him than his family, especially his sons. Ray had a passion for coaching his boys Rhys and Jaxon in soccer, football and hockey. Ray was so proud of his boy’s accomplishments. Before starting in on a business meeting or a coffee with a friend, Ray always started with an update on how the boy’s games went over the weekend and how many goals they scored, tackles they made or touchdowns they got, he loved watching his boys in whatever sports they chose to play. Ray loved his HABS, always a true Montreal Canadians fan, despite how Uncle Wilbert tried to persuade him over to the Maple Leaf’s, blue and white side, he held strong and it was always a fun rivalry between them. Always a loyal Saskatchewan Roughriders fan, Ray wore his green and white jersey with great Rider Pride. Ray was a softy at heart when it came to animals, a life-long pet lover and owner, he always had his pets around him, several at once sometimes, he wishes to acknowledge and remember them with fondness and love, Kit, Porky (Dude), Chuck, Ruby, Stumper, Missy (Peezz), Lucy, Daisy (Poozy), Lily (Highway 11, Lilith, Big Girl), Sophie (PooTel), Nyla and Kita (the cats).

Ray was a real handyman, always fixing things or building sheds, decks finishing basements, or helping others with their projects, he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Ray was also an incredibly talented artist, always leaving drawings of his caricatures on notes and on any piece of paper he could get his hands on. Ray loved to go on vacations with his family, he loved the Saskatchewan summers, he loved to go camping, especially to the mountains, and you could always count on Ray to build roaring fires, so hot that you could not sit too close without losing your eyebrows. Ray was a kind and loving man, father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend. He will forever be missed and always remember by all of those he touched.

Ray was predeceased by his Mother Georgina Desjarlais, Grandmother Mary and Grandfather Albert Desjarlais, uncles Wilbert, Alvin, aunties Theresa and Frances and Lorraine who passed in infancy and Father-in-law Albert (Don) Sikorski. Ray is survived by his loving sons Rhys and Jaxon, and wife of 34 years Sandi, his sister Lynette (Robert), and their children, Janay and great nephew Gabriel, Riley, Elias, and Rhyanna, and his brother Albert (Mark), as well as numerous uncles and aunties, nieces, and nephews.

The family appreciates all sympathies and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to causes Ray held close to his heart: The Regina Humane Society, Saskatchewan Mental Health Association, any local addiction treatment facility of your choice and the Canadian Cancer Society.

At this time, due to COVID19 restrictions, a small private, family service will be held to celebrated Rays life.

To view the livestream of the service, please visit Lee Funeral Home and Crematorium Facebook page