Roger DeWayne Desjardins of Brooks, beloved husband of Cindy Desjardins, passed away in Brooks on Monday, February 4th, 2019 at the age of 59 years. Son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, friend., these are all names we have known him by. No matter what relation you had with him, he would have welcomed you with the same warm smile. Roger was born on March 3rd, 1959 in Rimbey, Alberta to John and Donna Desjardins. The family moved to Tilley in 1969, with 10 year old Roger starting in grade 5. He went on to work at Mr. Dairy Bar and JB's restaurant in high school, while competing on various Tilley Tigers teams. His athletics and academics continued as he played college volleyball and curling in Lethbridge, while studying culinary arts, before moving back to the County of Newell. Roger married Cindy Gilham on November 13th, 1982, in Brooks. He was deeply involved in the Catholic Church, school, athletic programs, Knights of Columbus, Prairie Pioneers and countless other community programs. Roger's warm smile greeted passengers of the Handi-Bus and his mentoring extended beyond his family, through volunteering as a coach for multiple sports teams. He was one of the most seasoned and longest standings soccer referees in town, a career that extended long beyond his children's involvement in the sport. Roger's dedication and commitment to his family, friends and work are something he showed in his everyday interactions. He was faithful, loyal and wise. 36 years as a devoted husband, 34 years as a committed father, 7 years with Burton and Friesen Seeds Farms and 28 years in his career at IPL. Roger spent countless hours visiting, laughing, sharing wisdom and enjoying all the people he surrounded himself with. He always saw the good in everyone he met and strangers were just friends he had not met yet. Roger had an unprecedented ability to draw the smiles of children, especially his grandchildren. Roger will continue to be remembered for his fierce passion for his family. He was predeceased by grandparents, John and Mary Lee and Alexander and Della Desjardins, and father-in-law, Gib Gilham. Roger is survived by his loving wife Cindy; children, Courtney (Chris), Sheldon (Lykke) and Brendon (Stacy); parents, John and Donna Desjardins; grandchildren, Zayden, Everleigh, Ashten and Madelynne; siblings, Richard (Lori), Angela (Greg), Melody and Eugene (Bojana) and numerous other family and friends. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Roger's family is finding comfort in their faith and his victory of being welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven. Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Saturday, February 23rd at 11:00 AM from St. Mary's Catholic Church. Eulogy starts at 10:45 AM. Rev. Marino Infante Celebrant. Luncheon and Celebration of Life to follow at Heritage Inn and Convention Centre. In memory of Roger, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either St. Vincent de Paul, c/o St. Mary's Catholic Church, Box 578, Brooks, Alberta T1R 1B5 or STARS, Suite 100, 1519 – 35th Avenue East, Edmonton International Airport, Alberta T9E 0V6.

Cremation is entrusted to Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks.