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PAUL ALLEN DESJARLAIS
Born: Jul 08, 1953
Date of Passing: Aug 26, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryPAUL ALLEN DESJARLAIS
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Paul Allen Desjarlais, affectionately known by many as “Al” or “Big Al”, on August 26, 2025, at the age of 72. Al passed away peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Born on July 8, 1953, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Al lived in St. Laurent until he was six years old, where his deep connection to family, community, and culture began. He was raised in the core of Winnipeg, a proud Métis man. Al carried his heritage with honour throughout his life and was a well-known figure in the Métis music community.
He is survived by his beloved daughters, Jacqueline and Jocelyn (Robert); his loving partner Trina and her sons, Danny and Kenny (Jennifer); and his cherished grandchildren, Dylan, Alexandra, Kendall, Aidan, Jesse, Louie, Tristan, Emery, Redding, and Memphis. He also leaves behind his brother Claude and countless friends who became like family over the years.
Al was predeceased by his parents, Hilda Marie Desjarlais and Leo Paul Desjarlais, whose memories he carried with him throughout his life.
Al spent 11 years working for the City of Winnipeg Parks Department, but it was in the 1980s that he truly followed his passion for music. Touring Canada with Len Henry & Good Co., and later leading his own award-winning groups, The Al Desjarlais Band and Trapline, he made his mark as a talented musician. In 1984, he was honoured with a MACA Award, a testament to his artistry and dedication to the craft.
After stepping away from touring in the 1990s, Al found a new calling in the hospitality industry. He eventually ran Elsie Bear’s Kitchen at the Manitoba Métis Federation for over two decades, where he was a warm and familiar presence to many. His love for music never faded - he continued organizing and producing concerts and events and would still take the stage from time to time, sharing his gifts with the community he loved.
Big Al will be fondly remembered for his larger-than-life personality, sharp wit, and signature sense of humour. He had a special way of making people laugh, whether it was through teasing, storytelling, or handing out one of his famous nicknames. He brought joy and warmth to every room he entered.
A celebration of Al’s life will be held on September 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Voyage Funeral Home, 472 Kirkfield Street, Winnipeg, MB. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend and share in remembering a truly one-of-a-kind man.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a local Métis music initiative or cancer support organization of your choice, in honour of Al’s passions and the strength he showed in his final days.
His music, laughter, and love will echo in our hearts forever.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 06, 2025
