VERNON JOHN WILLIAM BLASH

September 9th, 1949 – June 6th, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Vernon John William Blash, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, at the Regina General Hospital.  

He was predeceased by his parents John and Kate Blash; sister, Monika Bierer; and his beloved wife, Debbie.  

Vern leaves behind his daughter, Lori and grandson, Boston; son, Chad, daughter-in-law, Nadine, granddaughter Jordyn and grandsons Kennedy and Avery.  He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Siegfried; nephew, Sandro, Sandro’s wife, Kathi and their son, Phillip.

Vern was born on September 9th, 1949, in Camberwell, England.  He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1958 and grew up in Regina.  On August 10th, 1974, Vern married the love of his life, Debbie.  They moved to Moose Jaw shortly afterward and started their family.  

Vern dedicated his career to Sport and Recreation with the Government of Saskatchewan.  His work reflected a deep commitment to making sport accessible to families and communities, while also supporting high-performance athletics at the highest level in Canada.  He proudly contributed to team leadership at both the Saskatchewan Games and Canada Games on numerous occasions while also working and volunteering for the Saskatchewan Special Olympics.  

Vern was truly one of a kind.  He was a gifted storyteller, often turning a brief conversation or transaction into a two-hour visit.  Even those who had just met him, felt as though they had known him for years.  He was also known for describing things as “bananas,” a word that could take on many meanings depending on the story he was telling.  

More than anything, Vern loved sharing stories about his children and grandchildren, of whom he was endlessly proud.  As a grandfather, Vern found immense joy in making every holiday special.  He loved putting together gift packages for his grandchildren, often filled with candy and thoughtful surprises curated specifically for each of them.  Known to his grandchildren as Pappa, Vern lived for the time he could spend with them.  He gave encouragement without condition and spoke proudly of all they accomplished, sometimes with a little exaggeration that only made his love for them even more evident.  

While his grandchildren held a very special place in his heart, so too did his children and daughter-in-law.  Above all, Vern’s deepest devotion was reserved for Debbie.  After Debbie suffered a stroke in 2017, Vern became her full-time caregiver for six years, allowing her to remain at home and continue to live life as fully as possible until her passing in 2023.  His care for her was selfless, courageous, and unwavering.  So many who witnessed it spoke of the extraordinary love and commitment he showed Debbie every single day.  

Vern will be missed by all who knew him, but most especially by his family.  Knowing he is back with Debbie helps the family carry the sadness of losing him.  We miss you so much already.  

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to close family friends — better known as family — Brent and Linda, as well as Randy and Mel, for their support of Vern and family over the years.  

A Celebration of Vern’s Life will be held on Friday, July 31st, 2026 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Salon A at Temple Gardens Mineral Spa.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Kidney Foundation of Canada in memory of Vern.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550