It is with deep sorrow that the family of Trent Wilfred Blaus, 50, of Regina, Saskatchewan announce his passing on August 15, 2023.
Trent was born July 17, 1973, making a surprise early entrance while the family was visiting his great-grandmother in White Rock, British Columbia. Tiny enough to fit head to toe along his dad’s forearm, he was the light of his mom’s life from that moment on. He spent the next 50 years sharing that light with everyone around him, making the world a better, brighter place.
Trent worked hard at everything he did, but work was always a means to an end. His family was his priority. His life was built around his family – with Patti and his boys at the center, and his extended family – his own and Patti’s – in a close circle. Long weekends and holidays were filled with fun, food, and endless laughs. He was the family chef, party master, and music arbiter. Whether it was around the campfire or the kitchen table, his nieces and nephews looked forward to their uncle’s next antic. It was almost a rite of passage to actually take part in one of the many escapades with him that made their way into the family lore.
Trent’s influence wasn’t limited to his family. Depending on the season, hockey rinks or ball fields were his second home, especially since he was almost always juggling at least two teams. Even when his own sons aged out, he continued to show up for his nephews and friends. Whether it was in the dressing rooms or the dugout, he helped develop not only players’ skills, but also their sportsmanship and team spirit. He made sure the players felt good about their efforts and had an opportunity to grow. The positivity that he brought to youth sports secured him the status of “favourite coach” with innumerable players who remembered him years later.
It wasn’t just the players who appreciated him. Trent had a spark that drew everyone in. His big, mischievous grin and wicked sense of humour were always at the ready and his wide circle of friends grew larger with every new team. Nobody – parents or players – could resist his sunny outlook and playful nature. You hadn’t really been to a hockey tournament if you hadn’t gone with Trent. The opportunity for late-night shenanigans was impossible for him to resist. He had his own brand of “good trouble” and he always seemed to find willing accomplices.
It was only in the past several years that Trent was able to spend summers at his true second home at Sunset Beach. Hours spent on the lake, grilling up a storm, and stoking the nightly campfires were precious times for the entire family, and will be remembered fondly in the years to come.
Trent was predeceased by his grandparents Ernie and Eva Blaus and Lawrie and Lucille Criddle, three uncles, Leo Blaus, David Exner, and John Hansen, and his nephew, Jordan Sparvier.
Trent leaves to mourn his wife Patti; sons Jaxon (Keirra) and Dryden (Paige); granddaughter Alexis and her sister expected in September; parents Wilf and Gerry Blaus; his sisters Leah (Laura) McIsaac, Dawn (Lee) Blaus, and Michelle (Ryan) Low; parents-in-law George and Lynne Redler; brothers-and-sisters-in-law Jeff and Angie Redler and Mike and Melanie Redler; nieces and nephews Mike (Bri), Matt, Chelsea, Jensen (Devin), Dylan, Dalton, Kieran, Mellissa (Kyle), Brendan (Kailee), Hudson, and Burke; great-nephews Hunter, Hendrix, and Xavier; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and the many, many friends who became family at the rink, on the ball field, or in any space that Trent spent his precious time.
Trent’s was a light that attracted others and left them warmer for having been near him. He made good times better and tough times bearable. We will miss him forever and remember him even longer.
The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to the nurses and staff on Unit 3B and Unit 3A at the Pasqua Hospital and Unit 5E at the Regina General Hospital, as well as to Dr. Chalchal. We are forever grateful to Tom Glen.
A Celebration of Trent’s Life will take place on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the Broadview Community Centre, 715 Main Street, Broadview, Saskatchewan. The celebration will be preceded by a brief Graveside Service at 1:30 p.m. in the Broadview Cemetery for those who would like to attend.
Plant trees in memory of Trent Wilfred Blaus