Obituary of John William DesRoche

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of John William DesRoche, April 26^th 1938 – March 27^th, 2025 at the age of 87.

On March 27^th, 2025, surrounded by his wife Theresa Gschaider and daughter Evelyn Smith, our husband and father passed away peacefully with us both at his side.

John being a very proud man not only of his family, but of the trucking business he so proudly owned. On October 9^th, 1998 he was awarded Canadian Owner/Operator of the Year. Boasting 42 years of safe driving and 6 million accident-free miles, stating “I enjoy being an owner-operator because it gave him a strong sense of personal freedom and accomplishment". Always a hardworking and honest man.

He was a volunteer fireman for many years and proud of the fact that he was able to help others.

John is predeceased by his brother Ernest, sister Tilly, and parents Wilfred in 1984 and Annie in 2000.

He is survived by his wife Theresa, daughter Evelyn (Tim), son Ernest (Janice), grandchildren Amie (AJ), Michael (Jill), Liam, Joceline (Jackson), and great-grandchildren Jaxson, Hailey, and Nathan, as well as Theresas daughter Eleanor (Steve) Travis, and Brandon.

His sisters, Eleanor (Dale), Edith (Edward), Lillian (Ernest), and one brother Arthur (Mary).

He is also survived by Arlie (Don), Perry, Helen (Dave) and family.

At his request John will be cremated and will not have any service or memorial.

We thank all the staff at the Northumberland palliative care unit and Dr. Azzopardi for their utmost care of our father and partner.