We Remember
DESJARLAIS, Anthony “Tony” Robert Stanislaus
July 21, 1961 — January 6, 2024
It is with immense sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Anthony “Tony” Robert Stanislaus Desjarlais on January 6, 2024, at age 62.
Tony was born in New Westminster on July 21, 1961, the fourth child in a large French-Canadian Metis family. To know Tony was to love him. He was a gregarious, kind, and openhearted man who always made others feel welcome and included. Tony loved people and made many friends wherever he went. He had friendships that have lasted since his childhood and friendships made by his active lifestyle of swimming, biking, and hiking. Tony had a career in sales management and was a business owner who supported the funeral industry across Canada and the North Western United States.
Above all else, Tony loved his family. Tony was a devoted husband and father whose greatest gift in life was giving his wife and children a strong sense of family and home. Left to mourn his funny, warmhearted, and loving nature are his wife Raphael (née McVea) of 37 years, and children Rebecca (Jeff), Christian, Elaine (Mishkin), and Ashley (Josh), who will cherish his memory and the family time they had together for the rest of their days. He is survived by his brothers Paul and Greg, and sisters Christa and Jennifer.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Lakeview Heights Fire Department and Emergency Services for their efforts. The family also wishes to thank the Kelowna General Hospital staff, especially the many nurses who cared for Tony during his final days; thank you for ensuring his final days were as comfortable and as peaceful as possible.
After his family, Tony’s greatest love was swimming laps; Tony loved to brag about all the different pools he had swam in or lakes he had swam across. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in tribute to Tony through the YMCA of Southern Interior BC to support programming at one of his favourite places. Donations can be made in Tony’s memory through this link (www.ymcasibc.ca/Donate). Select the check box under the ‘Tribute Gift’ heading and enter Tony Desjarlais in the name box.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2547 Hebert Road, West Kelowna, BC. It will be followed by a luncheon by the CWL in the OLOL parish hall (school gym). Mass will also be live-streamed here (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8SSUEwsHNwcePeMwkL7PA) for those unable to attend in person.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 11:00 AM
Location
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2547 Hebert Road, West Kelowna, BC
Share with Others:
YMCA of Southern Interior BC Link: www.ymcasibc.ca/Donate
Service Information
Service Details
The service for DESJARLAIS, Anthony “Tony” Robert Stanislaus is scheduled for Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2547 Hebert Road, West Kelowna, BC
2547 Hebert Road, West Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
So sorry to hear this very sad news. Please know Don and I have your family in our prayers. Tony will be missed greatly by his Parish friends as well as all who knew him.
Condolences to Tony’s immediate and huge family’s loss. Tony’s my first cousin, had a lot of memory’s growing up, always a super great nice guy. Always a smile and laugh, humorous vibes, even remember him happy drywalling. Our family mud slinging job. Our thoughts go out to his wife and children in this tragic time, and to all our family and friends for the loss of Tony. May he rest in peace deepest condolences to uncle Paul, Greg. Paul Jr. Christa and Jennifer sending hugs and prayers to you all.
Thinking of you during this time of loss. Our deepest condolences to the family. Sincerely Joe and Lynn Kumalae.
To Tony’s family I and his old dad JeanPaul are extremely saddened by this sad news as believers we will be praying for his soul. May he rest in peace.
MY Condolences to Raphael and family.. my prayers and heartfelt thoughts are with all of you…xxoo
Raphael, Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss of Tony. I was deeply saddened to hear about his passing. Losing a spouse is an indescribable loss. May you find comfort in the shared memories and may Tony’s love continue to guide you in the days ahead.
Our deepest condolences on the loss of Tony. So many great memories of him and the whole Family, growing up in Maple Ridge. Another one gone too soon. R.I.P Tony.
Please accept my sincere condolences for this sad loss. I fondly remember the laughter we had as kids at summer camp . Prayers and Hugs to you all xo
So sorry for your loss. Tony was a very generous man we always looked forward to seeing at the pancake breakfasts at church. He will be missed.
Dear Raphael, Christian, Rebecca, Elaine & Ashley (and all Tony’s family): I am so so sorry for the loss of your precious husband and father. Tony is my first cousin, and we spent much time together in our younger years and only in the most recent of time I had the privilege to become reacquainted with him, in his Great heart to look after his father. The last 14 months I got to know him again in a very special way and I was absolutely devastated when I found out about him being in hospital, and then, passing away. Tony was very very special to me and to all my family. I remember my own late Mom & Dad enjoyed him so much too! We really enjoyed his humor, his kindness, generosity, sensitivity, common sense, wisdom, great capabilities, and amazing faith. I thank the Lord for the privilege of spending time with him and learning from him. I will always appreciate everything he did for me, and just being like a brother to me. I have great respect for him for how he could manage take care of his Dad all the way from out of town, and took care of just the simplest to the most difficult tasks, all with that kind twinkle in his eye and reassurance. I am going to miss him so much. I feel sure that when he got to Heaven, the Lord said “Well done, My good and faithful servant.” 🙏✝️❤️. To you his precious family he loved so much, I pray for great comfort and peace and strength in your grief. My heart is filled with love and prayers for you each one. Sincerely, Teri ❤️
I am so sorry to hear the news. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. Rest in Peace.
Dear Raphael and family, We’re so sorry for the loss of Tony.. Prayers and hugs to you and all your family. We’re so happy we got to see him at his dad’s 94th birthday celebration in April. May he rest in peace🙏
We are so sorry that we didn’t have more time to get to know Tony as an adult. While looking through old photos that belonged to his Uncle Harry, we found these of Tony when he was very young & thought it would be fun to share that awesome smile he apparently has always had.
I’m so sorry to hear about Tony’s passing I always enjoyed hanging out when we met to talk about business he was a really nice guy my condolences to his family
Rick Brown.
I send my condolences to Raphael and family. Tony was a dear friend in high school, He was always very fun to be around, with a great sense of humour. He will be missed by all who knew him
I am so shocked and sad to hear of Tony’s unexpected passing … this is a great loss for all of his family and our community … I knew Tony from the pool… we were always laughing and joking at the bulkhead when we stopped for coffee breaks … our swim lane will never be the same without his fun filled presence … May God flood your hearts with love on the days you miss him the most …
Remembering Tony
As a newcomer and senior in the community, I valued meeting someone like Tony.
We met at the Y through mutual friends and shared our love of early morning swimming. This evolved into an easy friendship.
Everyone seemed to matter to him. He quietly made his way from the west side every morning to join his swimming community. Whether you were an Aqua Jet, a recreational swimmer or a pokey senior, you were all accommodated in his world, without complaint.
Tony shared in our lives in a positive way.
We will miss you Tony. You leave a legacy of kindness.