We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Jean “John” Leon Desjardins (Ret’d) of Sparwood, BC at the Elk Valley Hospital in Fernie, BC on 21 January 2011 at the age of 93 years.

John was born in Ste. Amlie, MB. He was a veteran of the Second World War who served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. After the war, John worked in the mining industry.  Community-minded, John gave selflessly of his time; canvassing annually for the Heart & Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society.  John was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, BC Wildlife Foundation, the Royal Canadian Legion Sparwood Branch #81, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.  He was three times President of the Local United Mine Workers of America. In 1992, his efforts and achievements were recognized when he received the Citizen of the Year Award in Sparwood. 

Prayers will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church on Wednesday, 26 January at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, 27 January at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at the Rivercrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lilac Terrace Palliative Care Unit. ^{{gdJan18dc} [zsd, zcc]}