For the Love of My Dad

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My name is Erinn-Jane, and I think we have something in common. We both know someone who has lived with dementia.

Before dementia, my Dad was larger than life. In his younger years, he played professional hockey in Europe and was proud of his years as a Swift Current Bronco. The connections he made through hockey lasted a lifetime and helped him build a long and successful career in sales.

Dad was thoughtful, personable, and easy to be around. He made friends wherever he went. He genuinely loved doing things for other people. 

I first noticed signs of dementia in 2016. At first, they were easy to overlook. But over time, dementia became the elephant in the room – something none of us could ignore. Dad was good at convincing people he was fine.  Although the doctors were kind, they dismissed my concerns. It took more than five years of fighting to get a diagnosis.

But I knew.

Thankfully, I connected with the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan. For the first time I didn’t feel so isolated. I felt heard.

The staff were knowledgeable, helpful and supportive. They had suggestions for caring for Dad, and later, for taking care of myself.  I wish I’d had that information sooner. But you don’t know what you don’t know.

As Dad’s disease progressed, I lost a little more of him every day, right in front of my eyes. He was the person I called first thing every morning before work.  Talking on the phone was now in the past and instead I was cajoling him daily for errands and appointments, keeping my voice bright while my heart was breaking.

Dad died in memory care in February 2025. By then, he no longer knew us. Dementia took him away from me, his family and his only grandchild, my son, August.  It also took him away from countless friends and acquaintances who struggled to see the changes.

I was so lucky to have him as my dad. We speak of Grampy constantly. I don’t want him to be forgotten.

It was an honour to care for Dad, and we did the best we could with the information we had at the time. One of the things that helped most was connecting with the Alzheimer Society.

That’s why I am sharing my story. Because I want you to know that you don’t have to face dementia alone. There are people who are ready and willing to help.

As I’ve told others who have asked for my advice: “If you do nothing else, contact the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan.”