Obituary of Donald Elwin Esch

"Please click here to view the livestream of the service."

Don Esch, age 83, passed away on March 11th, 2023. He had been dealing with ailments for the last couple of years, but his passing came suddenly. A lifelong resident of Regina, Don was born at Grey Nuns Hospital as the only child of Arleigh and Jean Esch (Lawton). He spent the majority of his 32-year career as an elementary school principal who was well respected by colleagues, students, and communities that he served. Don was pre-deceased by his parents, stepmother Doris, first wife Peggy (Williams), father-in-law JD Williams, mother-in-law Norma Fisher, brothers-in-law Dale Williams, and Grant and Bev Fisher; sisters-in-law Faye and Deanna Fisher; son-in-law Ray, and grandson Keaton. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Sharron, sister Pat and her husband Ralph, his children Dan and Denise, Cathie, Jeff and Suzanne, Chris and Lisa; his grandchildren Katie, Courtney and Justin, Madison and Alexander, Jed, Andie, Siara, Emmie, and Quincie; bonus grandchildren Lindy and Trent, Norma, Holly and Ken, Jeremy and Preya, and Megan and Shane; in-laws Barry Williams, Betty Williams, and Kay Williams; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Even though he was a city boy, Don cherished his summers spent at the Lawton farm with his Aunt Dot and Uncle Lawrence. As an adult, he loved to travel whether it was camping in Canada with Peggy and the children or traveling to Australia and Europe with Sharron. Don was known for his love of hockey both as a fan, a coach, and a player. He played goalie his whole career and his kids thought he was a star easily capable of starting for any NHL team. He spent over 25 years volunteering for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in a variety of roles and took great pride as Gainer’s “gopher chauffeur”. Don embraced his role as an entertainer. He was a “pull-my-finger” type of dad. He loved pranks, and when he was in a room, chances are people were laughing. But the role that ultimately fit him best was Grandpa. Whether it was attending plays, recitals, and sporting events, or making an appearance as Santa or Gainer, Don was sure to be involved in his grandchildren’s lives. Don Esch made the world a better place. He will be missed. A funeral service will be held Friday, March 17, at 2 pm at Speers Funeral Home, 2136 College Avenue. For those who can’t attend, the service will be live streamed.. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chip and Dale Homes at https://chipanddalehomesinc.ca/, Inc. or Hospitals of Regina Foundation at https://www.hrf.sk.ca/.  

Link for the Live Stream will appear as a link closer to the date of service.