Joshua Christopher Schaefer

With heavy but loving hearts, the family of Joshua Christopher Schaefer announces his sudden passing on November 22, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta.

Joshua was the firstborn son of Chris and Bonnie Schaefer, and the proud older brother to Jesse. Together they formed a small but mighty family of four, bound by love, laughter, and countless shared memories.

Joshua’s presence was a gift—he was kind, gentle, witty, and endlessly curious. His intelligence and inquisitive nature meant he was always reading, researching, and sharing knowledge about history, religion, science, politics, and space. Music was woven into his soul, and his creativity shone through in drawing, storytelling, and the comics he made with friends. He had a soft spot for animals and children, and his compassion touched everyone who knew him.

As a child, Joshua was meticulous and thoughtful, lining up his Hot Wheels cars with precision, yet always finding time for playful wrestling matches with Jesse. He excelled in school and competitive swimming, and as a teenager embraced the fun and mischief that came with growing up. He shared with his dad and brother a love of vehicles, owning many over the years, and worked in a variety of jobs—from grocery and retail, a season at Marmot Basin and cooking at a vegan restaurant—where he picked up skills that enriched his family’s life too.

Joshua loved the outdoors. He spent summers boating and hiking in Sicamous, and Winters going on many skiing and snowboarding trips.  He enjoyed camping and quadding trips, attending music festivals, and traveled with his family to Disney and Hawaii a few times. Recently, he had moved to Edmonton, where he found joy in living in a historic downtown building and seemed to be thriving. His family takes comfort in knowing he was happy.

Though Joshua faced health challenges, his resilience and spirit remained strong. He will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Chris and Bonnie; his brother, Jesse; grandparents Frank and Judy Deren; Auntie Doreen Zenner; cousin Hunter Zenner; many friends; and his beloved dog, Joni. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, John and Ingrid Schaefer.

"If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever."

A Celebration of Life for Joshua will be held November 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Missionary Church, Athabasca, AB.

Memorial donations in Joshua’s name may be directed to your choice of:

Bandaged Paws in Grande Prairie

The Mustard Seed (Grande Prairie or Edmonton)

Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joshua Christopher Schaefer, please visit our Tree Store.