SCHAN, Darren

SCHAN, DARREN DUANE It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our brother, Darren Duane Schan Jr.
Darren (DJ) was a devoted father, brother, uncle, son, grandson, and friend. DJ was born and raised in the Picture Butte and Coaldale area. From a young age, it was clear that DJ had a keen interest in fixing things. Even if they weren’t broken, there was always room for improvement.
His abilities as a mechanic blossomed during high school, and he chose to enter the trades in Grade 11, winning 2nd place in the Skills Canada Provincial Competition in Precision Machining. After that, he completed four years of training at SAIT as a machinist. He continued his education, achieving two more tickets, and spent time at NAIT, where he received a certificate in Business Management.
DJ always said he could fix anything, and if you knew DJ, you knew he wasn’t wrong. He spent his life working and building a life in the Leduc and Hay Lakes area.
In 2015, his greatest joy, baby girl Daelynn, made her unexpected early arrival, and DJ’s heart instantly melted. His love for his little girl had no measure. Daelynn spent several weeks in the NICU, and while there, DJ and Daelynn’s mom, Jennifer, stayed at Ronald McDonald House in Edmonton. DJ was forever grateful for the support of that organization. He spent years getting his buddies to show up and cook meals for the families staying at Ronald McDonald House as a way to give back.
DJ loved taking his little girl to do things – camping, fishing, and riding their ATVs, you name it. DJ was off doing it with Daelynn.
In 2023, DJ joined the Hay Lakes Volunteer Fire Department. He was a dedicated volunteer and would help anyone with anything at the drop of a dime. He loved riding his bike and was a member of the Smoke and Iron Firefighters Motorcycle Club for first responders. His sense of community and dedication made him a true hero.
DJ was fearless and lived every day like it was his last. For his family, he was always there – anytime, anywhere. If you called, he showed up. Minutes before DJ passed, he was doing what he always did: helping people.
Our hearts are truly broken. His smile and light will forever be remembered by his daughter, Daelynn, and her mom, Jennifer; sister Jen and husband Clyve Melanson; brother Tyler Schan and wife Ashley; grandmothers Sylvia Schan and Donna Coppieters; grandfather Peter Coppieters; uncles Donnie and Jimmie Schan; auntie Darleen Schan; stepmom Rhonda Schan; great-uncle Peter and Teresa Hoare; nieces Avalon and Athena; nephews Ethan, Roddy, and Daemen; as well as numerous family members and friends.
He was predeceased by his father, Darren Schan; mother, Coreen Featherstone; grandfather, Duane Schan; and uncle, Darcy Schan.
A viewing will take place on Sunday August 30, 2026, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at Serenity Funeral Service Leduc (4702 – 51 Ave, Leduc, AB).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are greatly accepted to the Ronald McDonald House -https://ronaldmcdonaldhousealberta.org/donate/donate-general/
We want to thank his team at the Hay Lakes Fire Department for their heroic efforts in trying to save our brother. We take comfort in knowing that, in the end, he was with people who loved him.
He truly will be missed by all. Rest easy, brother. Condolences: www.serenity.ca Serenity Funeral Service, Leduc (780) 980-3688