February 11, 1944 – September 24, 2022
Following a difficult struggle with Leukemia, Darvin Alfred Jasper died on September 24, in the loving care of family. He was born February 11, 1944 in Boissevain, Manitoba, the youngest of five children, to Jacob and Emma Jasper. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Arline Rowell, and brothers: Russell, Andrew and Jacob. He is survived by Sharon, his beloved spouse of 55 years, his children; Michael (Deirdre) and Paula (Stan). Also grieving his loss are precious grandchildren Jacob (Chantal), Kieran (Kira), MacKinley, Magdalynn, Terri (Travis) and several nephews and nieces he loved so dearly. Sister-in law, Donna Fry, and brother-in-law, Kevin McDonald, and their families will miss his determination to keep family connections strong, no matter the distance.
Darvin was so connected to his Boissevain rural roots. Growing up he was surrounded by a loving extended family that stretched across the US border. He made lifelong friends becoming a Queen Scout, attending the Peace Garden Music Camp, playing football, singing in a teen barbershop quartet, playing for dances in the garage band “The Silhouettes” and, of course, pursuing the Killarney girls. His group of friends have continued to meet in reunions from the early years of babies through to the last gathering this past July 2022. Boissevain was a frequent destination for visits to family and friends. Turtle Derby antics drew in Winnipeg friends to join in small town hospitality and fun. Lake Max Canada Day Boat parades were occasions for costuming and hilarity. Darvin remained a proud “country boy”.
After high school, Darvin joined the navy for three years with plans to become a navy pilot. However, love for his high school sweetheart called him back to Brandon where he and Sharon both attended college. Following graduation from Architectural Technology, Darv worked for Dring Laminated Structures in design and sales. Darvin and Sharon were married in 1967 and lived in Boissevain for two years until the opportunity to transfer to Penticton, B.C. led to a series of company moves to Port Coquitlam , Calgary, and then finally back to Manitoba. In their Charleswood home they raised their family and lived for 45 years. Darvin worked all his years in the building industry in various capacities. He also owned The Bread Man Bakery and managed a Kub Bakery for a time.
In 2016, preparing for the years ahead, Darvin and Sharon moved to Golden Gates Estates Condos in Silver Heights where Darvin piloted the building of decks and fences for several neighbors. New friends became like old friends. Some even called him “The Mayor” of the complex. He could fix almost anything and was always looking for small projects. Darvin feathered such a comfortable and manageable nest for their retirement years.
Darv was involved in so many projects and initiatives in the community and at St. Mary Anglican Church. He sang in the folk group and choir, planned the entertainment for the long running mortgage burning Medieval Banquet. He navigated the redesign and renovation of the sacristy of the church, co-led a large youth group for 5 years and was part of the beginnings of Winnipeg Anglican Marriage Encounter and Cursillo. In the wider community, Darvin volunteered many years at Folklorama, served on the board of Manitoba Theatre for Young People, worked at the Caring and Sharing foodbank and was a past president of Charleswood Rotary. In recent years participating in Rotary service projects was so important to Darv. As his health worsened, he often lamented how he had wanted to be doing more alongside his service minded Rotary friends. The annual Lobster Dinner, the Westgrove School garden and breakfast program and convention planning were highlights for fellowship and fun.
Darvin lived life humbly, generously and non-judgmentally, freely offering his time, skills and resources to family and friends. He had so many interests, gifts and talents: builder, designer, tech guru, baker, chef, music lover, artist, entertainer and master of hospitality. Darv was happiest in the kitchen preparing gourmet dinners with his mens’ cooking club or for friends and family meals. His hot cross burns and butter tarts have a reputation!
Darvin and Sharon counted themselves fortunate to be able to spend several winters in Arizona and to travel extensively. They visited Canada and US, coast to coast, as well as Egypt, China, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Thailand, Italy, Spain, France and Ireland learning about and appreciating the culture of each country. Scotland was a favourite destination and there were plans to visit there again. Over the last year Darv painted a back yard fence gallery of 14 paintings each depicting a country visited. Creating art was a great help as he dealt with decreasing energy.
Above all else, Darvin gave each of his children and grandchildren a piece of himself to remember: singing little ones to sleep with The Red River Valley or You are my Sunshine, teaching ukulele, introducing exotic food tastes, playing guitar and ukulele, building a complete kitchen, a bathroom reno, a playhouse, a garage and gazebo. He tackled it all with gusto. He will be so dearly missed.
Thank you to friends and family for all your kind gestures as we walked this last difficult journey with a nasty disease. Thank you to the wonderful staff of HSC GD6 blood cancer ward and to the caring Palliative Care team for helping us bring Darv home. If you so wish, contributions in his honour, to Cancer Care Foundation or to the Assiniboine Forest fundraiser would be appreciated.
Darv loved a party and asked that we plan his last party with “lots of his music”. The family invite friends to gather with us for an afternoon of music, song and stories on Saturday, October 22 at 2:30 pm in The Royal Ball Room of. The Viscount Gort Hotel.
For as long as you remember me, I am never entirely lost.”— Frederick Buechner
6 thoughts on “Darvin Alfred Jasper”
There are so many things I could say about Darv, but I will keep this short, as so many things have been said in his obituary. His love for others, talents, and his generosity.
What I cherish the most, was Darv’s ability to make ME feel welcomed, safe, and important. Being with Darv ( and Sharon), always made me feel like I was home. And now, his earthly body is gone, but his Spirit will live on, in all our lives. His smile, stories, jokes, lessons will surface when least expected, letting us know he’s there.
Bless you Darv, for the impact you have had in my life Dee Ford
We have such fond memories of Darwin who was such a kind supporter of our daughter Julie’s music. We send our condolences to you Sharon and family Sincerely Chuck and Dianne Biggs
Alan and I have great memories of your visit to us in New York! Glad we got to spend quality time with you both!
Darv will always be in our hearts! Sending Love and Prayers to Sharon and the family! ♥️
Doreen and Alan
Darv was a man of many talents. He was a loving, kind & generous man. Our daughter couldn’t have asked for a nicer father-in-law. We will always be grateful for all he did for our daughter & her family. He had the ability to make everyone feel special. I will always remember his big hugs & kiss on the cheek. Darv will be greatly missed by all. RIP Darv. Sending love & hugs to you, Sharon & your family.
Rab & Sue
Darvin will be greatly missed. He leaves a big hole behind him and a lasting impact on many. He was the living embodiment of a truly good man, and I will forever be grateful to have been a part of his life and the lives of his family. I looked up to him my whole life, and will never forget the kindness he showed us in times of need. Our families shared some wonderful times together and it’s a gift I hold dear. God bless. We love you.
We are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences,
Sandra and Larry Simonson