Edwin A. Desfosses

Edwin A. Desfosses October 4, 1970 – May 2, 2025

Edwin A. Desfosses was born on October 4, 1970, in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, the second child of Arthur and Sharron (Hitchens) Desfosses. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on May 2, 2025, at 10:20 AM, in the palliative care suite at the All Nations Healing Hospital in Fort Qu’Appelle. He was 54 years old.

Ed faced numerous health challenges throughout his life, yet he met each one with his trademark blend of grit and humor. As he once joked, he was “one of the lucky ones” — not only getting one rare disease, but two. Through it all, he remained grounded in his faith and carried a mindset defined by strength, resilience, and hope.

Ed, or “Eddie” to many, grew up in Sintaluta before moving with his parents and siblings to a nearby acreage. He attended high school in Indian Head, where he earned a reputation as a bit of a wild one. He worked at the Sintaluta Coop and as a hired hand for a farmer in his younger years. But when he decided he was done with the party life, he simply made a quiet shift. With a care package from his mom and determination in his pocket, he headed to Alberta to start a new chapter.

He spent the next nearly 20 years in road construction, becoming a master operator of heavy machinery — excavators, dozers, graders — you name it if it had a lever, Ed could run it like a pro. In July 2013, shortly after receiving a pacemaker, with all the experience he gained he took a bold step and started his own construction company. Over the next 3 years, he handled projects from lake lot developments and road building to landscaping, oilfield, and forestry work. It wasn’t without some frustrations with weather, employees or equipment. He had a few stories to share.

On August 31, 2002, Ed married Michelle Shmigelski. A few years later, they welcomed their daughter, Jessica. While his work often took him away from home, Ed always wished he could have spent more time in her everyday life. Even after he and Michelle separated in 2013, they maintained a respectful and amicable relationship for Jess’s sake. He remained deeply proud of his daughter, especially as she currently pursues her education in Saskatoon. He cherished the moments he got to listen to her play the piano or play in her band concerts, the special road trips or just sharing a meal together.

Late in 2013, Ed met his partner and soulmate, Lorrie — this farm girl from Guy, Alberta. Together they shared a deep connection, a love of laughter, and countless memorable moments. In 2016, they moved to Regina to be closer to medical specialists and, more importantly, closer to Jessica. By November 2020, he settled in Dysart, just three blocks from his girl, whom he always called “Beautiful.”

In 2017, Ed met his perfect canine companion in a fluffy little puppy he named Coconut. From day one, they were best friends—wherever Ed went, Coconut went. Ed didn’t think he’d ever find another dog like his previous family dog Ginger, but Coconut ended up being the best loyal sidekick and shameless lap magnet, complete with a funny but undeniably cute underbite. Coconut brought laughter, comfort, and unconditional love into Ed’s life (and a few others). Their bond was unbreakable, and true to form, Coconut stayed nestled close to Ed’s side until the very end.

Over the last couple years, Ed found purpose in mowing grass around the community and became an active member of the Dysart Community Golden Years Club. Whether scooping ice cream or helping out at events, he brought his unique charm and just the right amount of mischief. In the last year and a half, Ed also developed his personal relationship with God, often studying the Bible and finding comfort in his growing faith.

Eddie had a heart as big as his stubborn streak. He was generous to a fault, often giving to others even when he didn’t have much himself. He was a great listener, easy to converse with, and a dreamer who somehow managed to turn ideas into reality. A true fixer — a MacGyver at heart — there wasn’t much he couldn’t repair with a little ingenuity and determination. (Just like his father.)

He loved camping, fishing, snowmobiling, gardening, woodworking, video games, card games, board games, and anything involving family and friends. Music was one of his greatest passions — always playing in the background, and he had an incredible knowledge of artists, bands, and music history.

He is predeceased by his parents, Arthur & Sharron Desfosses, his sister Heather Desfosses, and his brother George Fayant. He is survived by his beloved daughter Jessica Desfosses; his cherished partner Lorrie Benoit; his sister Georgette Fayant Raab (Blake); his brothers Steven Desfosses (Shannon) and Kevin Desfosses (Sherry-Lynn); along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his dog Coconut.

A celebration of Ed’s life will be held at a later date. As per his request — and to make sure he doesn’t come back to haunt us — we’ll be serving smokies, hot dogs, and pickled eggs in his honor.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the Staff and Physicians at the Regina General Hospital and the Fort Qu'Appelle All Nations Healing Hospital as well as Driven with Care and Ambulance crews who cared for Ed or crossed paths with him during his journey. Your compassion, dedication, and care made all the difference to Ed and our family. We are forever grateful.

If so desired, donations in Ed’s memory can be made to Telemiracle or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Ed, thank you for sharing your life, your strength, and your heart with all of us. You taught us how to face adversity with courage, how to laugh through the hard times, and how to show up for the people you love. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.