- Brandon Sun Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
DR. DESMOND VAN JAARSVELDT
Date of Passing: May 15, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDR. DESMOND VAN JAARSVELDT
Peacefully with his family by his side, Desmond passed away at home, on the 15th of May. Desmond will be deeply missed by his wife, Lindi; and four children, Alexander, Anneke, Aden, and Anina.
Desmond was born in Oudtshoorn, South Africa, to Torus and Burneth Van Jaarsveldt, with an older brother Johan and younger brother Dries. Desmond was raised on his family’s farm and built a life of diligence from a very young age. He worked and studied hard during his school years and later graduated from Stellenbosch University with a degree in Medicine and Surgery. During his career he practiced medicine both in South Africa and Canada with so much compassion and love for his patients.
He met Lindi during his internship at Uitenhage Provincial Hospital and fell hopelessly in love with this beautiful, young nurse. Desmond and Lindi later married in 1998 in South Africa, months before they departed for Canada. Living in Flin Flon, and later Winnipeg, Desmond cared deeply for those around him and those who were his patients. Desmond took great pride in the responsibility of his patients and counted it as his blessing to serve others. He also sincerely cared for his team at Pembina Medical Clinic which had especially supported him during these difficult times. He recounted to our family many times the support and kindness patients and colleagues showed him, which we are ever grateful for.
Desmond adored his family and every free minute was spent with his family, in their embrace. Despite his workload, he made as much time as possible to be with his family and worked very hard to continue providing past his diagnosis and up until his passing. His commitment to caring for his patients and in continuing his own treatment stood as a testament to his love of his family and wish to be by their side protecting them.
Desmond loved God and dedicated himself to serving him and leading his life in glory to his saviour, Jesus. He lived by Joshua 24:15: “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Desmond, a Christian who led a life full of humility, responsibility, and devotion to Christ has now passed to be with his Holy Father.
All are welcome to the celebration of Desmond’s life which will be held on May 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Jeffrey Graham and staff at CancerCare for their dedication to Desmond and his family. The family would also like to thank family, friends, colleagues, and patients who stood with them during the trying years since his diagnosis with kidney cancer in 2023.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 23, 2026
Condolences & Memories (23 entries)
-
Dr Van was one of the best people in my opinion. He went out of his way to make me and my family healthy and he was more family then my doctor. I will always have a place for him in my heart. Ty so much Dr. Van. You were king of all doctors on earth. - Posted by: Adam Holmes (Patient) on: May 25, 2026
-
I met Dr Van many years ago when he was practising at Lakewood, following him to Pembina, and was instantly charmed by his wit and demeanor. His humourous yet frank way of delivering a diagnosis or opinion was a breath of fresh air. The medical community and his family lost a great one. Rest easy, Dr Van. - Posted by: Chris Varga (Patient) on: May 24, 2026
-
Dr. Van was truly an amazing human. He was our family doctor for many years and I can't express enough how blessed we were to have him as our doctor. He treated us like family. His caring nature, patience, understanding and guidance will never be forgotten. We will miss him greatly. Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Shauna N. (Patient) on: May 24, 2026
-
We met you two in Flin Flon and Enjoyed friendship as well as patients - and Des was always there for us through the years with our medical needs. He was always so proud to give us updates on you Lindi and the children. Take care of each other. Betty and Glenn Smith -Flin Flon - Posted by: Glenn and Betty Smith (Friends and patients) on: May 24, 2026
-
My deepest condolences to Lindi and family. He was a great man, and we loved him too. We really miss him and know he is with the Lord. - Posted by: Laurette Godard (Patient and friend) on: May 24, 2026
-
A visit to your office was always more than business. Thank you for sharing life stories combined with humor. Thank you for your low key approach which got me to finally quit smoking. Rest in peace my friend. - Posted by: John Evan (Patient) on: May 24, 2026
-
Dr.Van was the best doctor anyone could ask for. He always listened to everything you had to say and never rushed you out of his office. He was so caring and always had a joke to tell. He will be hard to replace and missed dearly. - Posted by: Jo-Anne Weselowski (Patient) on: May 23, 2026
-
To the best family doctor we ever had, thank you for your kindness, compassion, and dedication. You cared for not only our health, but also our hearts. Your comforting words, patience, and genuine concern touched so many lives. You will always be remembered with gratitude and respect. Thank you for the care, hope, and warmth you shared with every patient and family you met. Rest in peace, Doctor Van. Your legacy of love and service will never be forgotten. - Posted by: Pingul (Patient(s)) on: May 23, 2026
-
Deepest condolences to Doctor ‘Van’s’ wife and children. 💒🌹🕯A searing loss from your lives.I had the good fortune of being referred to Dr.Van years ago. Such energy and always felt put at ease with his exuberance and warm personality.He will be deeply missed by many. Margo Lancaster - Posted by: Margo Lancaster (Patient) on: May 23, 2026
-
My heartfelt condolences to Dr. VanJaarsveldt's family and those who were fortunate to know him. I had the pleasure of being his patient for 23 years and he spoke proudly of Lindi and the children. He was the most compassionate, kind and knowledgeable physician I ever encountered. It is with great sadness that I say goodbye. May you RIP Dr. Van. - Posted by: Janet Carr (Patient) on: May 23, 2026
-
Dr. Van had been our Dr for over 25 years. We looked forward to our office visits with him. His humour and compassion were bar none. He always made you feel like family and you could talk to him about anything and always gave you his little antidote’s. His dedication to his patients was truly amazing, working through his cancer treatments always with a smile. You will be truly missed. Heaven has gained an angel. Our deepest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Janet & Bruce Purtill (Patients) on: May 23, 2026
-
Dr.Van was the best! He was the smartest, kind and caring doctor I know. My husband and I will really miss him. My husband would never go to a doctor but he went to see Dr.Van. There truly was something special about this good doctor. We are at a loss for words to say how much he will be missed. We can honestly say we will never forget him. The care this man gave to us was above and beyond. Rest in peace Dr.Van! - Posted by: Sandra Dupuis (Patient and friend) on: May 23, 2026
-
I really liked Werner, such a positive guy. I wish we had more time to become friends. He is missed. Condolences to Lindi and family Peter Schwartz - Posted by: Peter schwartz (Veterinarian) on: May 23, 2026
-
Started as patient of his at Meadowood Clinic and then Pembina for 27 yrs. Our conversations were always very personal and how he compared your condition to other life examples, as he did with every patient. Just saw him in March. He will be missed by so many. My deepest condolences - Posted by: barry fitzsimmons (Friend) on: May 23, 2026
-
Dr Van has been my doctor for many many years. And he was an awesome doctor who took the time to make sure he answered every concern you had. He will be truly missed! - Posted by: Crystal Hanley (Patient) on: May 23, 2026
-
If laughter is the best medicine... then Dr. Van was the best doctor. Always quick with a joke or a funny story... but equally patient with questions and always providing solid, intelligent answers. His story of how his cancer was discovered was incredible, his determination to beat it resolute, his dedication to his patients unwavering, his love for his family steadfast. His faith shone through in our discussions, he wanted to spend more time with his family, but accepted his life was in God's hands... enjoy your reward in heaven Dr. Van! - Posted by: Stan Wiebe (Patient) on: May 23, 2026
-
My heart goes out to the family. Thinking of the family during this time. Dr. Van was my doctor for many years. When I had a Dr. Appointment, he always spent some time .... just to talk like he was your friend and he was. He will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Engelina Ineke Cameron (Long time patient) on: May 23, 2026
-
Doctor Van , was the most compassionate man I have ever known. Our whole family were patients of his, We started seeing Doctor Van when he started practicing at Lakewood and followed him to Pembina Clinic. I will always remember my last appointment with him ❤️ Doctor Van would always give me a hug when I left his office 🥲 .. After 30 years of seeing Doctor Van he became more of a friend than just my doctor. He will be missed by everyone in my family.. RIP Doctor Van. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ - Posted by: Denise (Patient) on: May 23, 2026
-
We were lucky enough to have Dr. Van as our Doctor for over 20 years. In addition to being a great Doctor, he was always kind, considerate, thorough and willing to answer any question you had without feeling rushed. We will miss his wonderful sense of humour and positive energy. Rest in Peace Dr. Van and here is one last hug.🫂 - Posted by: Sharon and John Ikonen (Patients) on: May 23, 2026
-
It deeply saddened me to read of Dr Van's passing. I was a patient of his for well over 20 years and during that time we became friends. He was the kindest and most compassionate doctor anywhere, and he was always funny and upbeat even when he was sick. A trip to Dr Van's meant a long wait, but once you got to see him you knew it was worth the wait as he spent whatever time was needed to explain a diagnosis with you including using funny little drawings. The moment that meant the world to me is that when after learning of my cancer diagnosis he phoned me just to see how I was doing and to encourage me, this at a time when he too was dealing with a broken neck and also advanced cancer. Before ending the call we prayed together for each other. He was one of a kind and will truly be missed by his patients. My deepest condolences to Lindi, his children and to his devoted Ellen, staff and fellow doctors at the Pembina Medical Clinic. Rest well in Paradise dear Dr Van. - Posted by: HARRY TROCHE (Patient) on: May 23, 2026
-
Dr. Van was our family doctor and my GP for several years. He was caring and helpful and always willing to take whatever time was needed to help. It was very noticeable that his patients left feeling better after their visit with Dr. Van. He was more than a good doctor, he was a good person with such a positive attitude. The world could use more people like him. He will be missed. - Posted by: Bruce Mogg (Patient) on: May 23, 2026
-
My deepest sympathy go out to the family and staff of DR practice. What a incredible Dr, man, human and carrying for humanity. Dr Van was so caring for everyone he crossed paths with always had a story and just loved people. I’ve been with DR VAN for a very long time he will be dearly missed by all .Thank you Dr Van for being the kind of person you were. - Posted by: Rod (Patient) on: May 23, 2026
-
Our family is so saddened to hear of Dr Van s passing. He cared for our family since he started his practice in Windsor Park so many years ago. Dr Van s kindness, great stories and excellent medical care will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, whom he loved dearly. Lucille Daudet-Mitchell,Todd, Genevieve and Melissa Mitchell. - Posted by: Lucille Daudet-Mitchell (Patient) on: May 23, 2026
