June 14, 1952 – October 2, 2014
The death of Richard (Rick) Reddekopp, age 62 years of Saskatoon occurred on October 2, 2014 at St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon. He is survived by his daughters: Kerri Sorensen; Karla Reddekopp; grandchildren, Mackenzie Sorensen, Braiden Schmidt; mother, Phyllis Reddekopp; sisters, Marilyn Reddekopp, Darlene (Bill) Remenda; brother Randy (Carol) Reddekopp; nephew, Tyler (Nicole) Nixon and family. He was predeceased by his father, Ben Reddekopp, and son Kris Reddekopp. The Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 10, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. at Dalmeny Bible Church, Dalmeny, SK. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Prairie Hospice Society, 716 Queen Street, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0M9 or Saskatoon Cancer Centre, 20 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 4H4. Arrangements are in care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK. (306-232-5245, http://www.funksfuneralhome.ca).
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Rick. Rick was a great boss with wonderful values. He showed Kevin an admiral way to lead a company and was compassionate to others needs. Kevin has missed Rick at work immensely . He obviously made his mark on this world- our son dedicated his Terry Fox run to Rick just 2 weeks ago . You will be missed Rick !! Kevin and Shelley Heuchert and family
My sincere condolences on the loss of Rick. He will be missed.
Benoit Bouchard, Projects Technician at Demers Ambulances
On behalf of Lanigan & District Ambulance (Lanigan and LeRoy EMS Divisions),
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Rick’s family and friends. Rick was such a pleasure to work with. He always had a smile on his face and he was always happy to work with and visit with his customers and colleagues.
One of my best memories of Rick was the day I was picking up a new Ambulance. Rick said, “lets take you out for lunch young man”. So Rick, Bob, Chris, and myself headed to one of the boys favourite lunch time dining spots. Listening and laughing with Rick and the other guys while they talked about the good ole times and reminiscing about past stories and shenanigans was a real delight.
Rick will be greatly missed and I am proud to have known him and provided him with our business. Truly a kind and gentle soul.
On behalf of Valley Ambulance Care Ltd, Fort Qu’Appelle and
Wuschenny family
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Rick.. Rick always had a smile and everyone knew he always had a heart of gold. He will be missed immensely by each one that was blessed to have known him.
“I feel the warmth upon my face as I enter the land of God’s good grace,
Friends and loved ones gone before, waiting here beyond the door.
With open arms they welcome me, amazement in my eyes they see.
They look so well and at their best, beauty beholds them now they rest.
I walk across the grass so green, the greenest grass I’ve ever seen,
I jump and skip and bounce on air, it’s almost like there’s nothing there.
A sky of blue, not a cloud in sight, perpetual day no darkest night.
Every flower is in full bloom, undefined colours of every hue.
The streams and rivers crystal clear, no rubbish or decay found here.
The sea is calm and turquoise blue, I long to test it, wouldn’t you?
The softest sand beneath my feet, at the waters edge where they both meet.
The warmest waters gently flow, bathing me from head to toe.
A city built of alabaster walls, where translucent light eliminates the halls.
Theatres of music and concerts too, magnificent galleries for all to view.
Amazing sights for me to see, I just wander in, there’s no entrance fee.
Libraries stacked with books galore, history, science and many more.
The celestial sun does forever shine, it’s a perfect temperature all the time.
Orchards here overflow with fruit, a taste in itself that is quite exquisite.
I’m told it will help my soul to restore, pick what I like, there is plenty more.
This ethereal plain is a pure delight, it’s my new home, my God given right.
There is nothing here to cause me fear, the lord protects within his sphere.
An infinity of perfect peace, from the toils of earth I am now released.
I have landed on a higher realm, in perfect harmony to forever dwell.
So believe when I tell you my dear friends, you cannot die, life never ends”
With Deepest sympathy
Management and Staff Valley Ambulance Care Ltd.
Walter and Mary Wuschenny
Alex Wuschenny
Sally Graefer
On behalf of Rosetown EMS
Our deepest condolences to Rick’s family at this time of loss. Rick was truly one of a kind and will be missed
For as long as I have known Rick, I always knew him as a gentle man with a love for life and a sense of humour. He brought much joy to my family, especially my Dad. He was a trust worthy friend, colleague, and confidant. He will be truly missed and I am so blessed to have known him. Our condolences and prayers to Rick’s family.
Crystal, Tyler, Tayte, and Taliyah Knihnitski
My dear friend Rick.
God is our witness for all the good time we had together. From driving in the Rocky Mountains in Alberta or cruising in a Ford pick up in the Eastern Township of Quebec, singing while driving just like if we were 2 of the biggest country rock in the world, reaching our goals in business and even sharing some tears. You were a great guy Rick! Both of us knew that 3200 kms was not further then a phone call when we needed. Great memories Big Guy! To Mrs. Phyllis, to your brother and sisters, to your childrens and their own, please receive my deepest sympathies. Rick, please, get me a place at the table with you when you get there … and don’t forget… in a tall glass please!
I hardly knew Rick. He sat a few rows in front of me at most Rider games over the past handful of years. Friends of his sat near us, so we sometimes got pulled into the friendly banter that took place. Our seat-neighbours told us of Rick’s health sometime last season, and we began watching him more closely and checking how often he attended. At last week’s game, we were informed that Rick had passed.
It’s a treat to read words from those who really knew Rick. From a few row back, he appeared a man who cared for others, who smiled quickly, and who enjoyed life. I can see, even from a glimpse of the comments here, that he was far more than that! My father’s side has roots all through the Wadena and Kelvington areas as well, so I see the likelihood that Rick’s life and influence likely touched some of my family tree as well, though I’d never know for sure. The ripples of a life reach far indeed.
Grace and peace to all those who are mourning the loss of Rick but who felt the blessing of his life upon theirs. Go cause some Rick-ripples of your own! 🙂
To the Reddekopp family of Rick. Tom and I are so sorry what you are going through. Our hearts and love and prayers are with you all. Rick is resting in piece now with his dad. We have some wonderful memories of him and his family. He has always had a special spot in my heart. I think his personality was a lot like his Grandpa Bowen.
To Ricks family, Bob Lang and his extended family at Demers. I believe Rick made this a better place and heaven will be a better place with him in it. I have had the pleasure to have know Rick and call him friend since the early 90’s. He was always happy to see you and loved to tell stories and reminisce. I will miss him.
Larry Tetreault
Medi-Van Canada, ERRS Emergency Rescue Response Services.
Back in the early 1980s I played drums in a band called “Sentimental Spring”. It played country and light rock music for rural bars and weddings around Saskatchewan.
The leader of the band, Rick Reddekopp, had an interesting sense of humour. One day he saw a farmer walking out of the bar we were playing at. The farmer stared at our bright yellow band poster on the wall a few seconds, then started laughing and said “Sentimental Spring? I thought that was an ad for a Simmental Sale”.
A few weeks later, Rick had t-shirts made up for the band and friends that said “Sentimental Spring Dammit, not Simmintal Sale – And That’s No Bull!”
That band was important to me. It was my main source of income during my University years and a great experience in my life.
Rick however had a much more important influence on my family. He also owned the Shamrock Ambulance company in Wadena. He’s the person who hired my Dad to run the Kelvington ambulance base, which my father later purchased from Rick. That led to my entire family, as well as uncles and cousins, getting careers in the ambulance business.
If it wasn’t for Rick, I would have had a harder time affording university, my father Vern and mother Carol wouldn’t have had their long ambulance careers, my brother Daryl wouldn’t be in the safety consultant business and my brother Trevor wouldn’t own the Kelvington Ambulance company now.
It is really amazing how one person can cause such a positive ripple effect in the lives of others.
Thanks Rick for everything you did for our family. I’m sure the angels with their harps are busy making room for a Bass player to sit in with them …
Our deepest sympathies to the family of Rick on his loss. He will be dearly missed in the ambulance industry. His integrity, honesty, and good nature made him one of a kind. A gentleman we were truly blessed to have known and be given the opportunity to work with. We will miss him. Please accept our condolences to you all.
Melfort Ambulance
Kerry and family of Rick,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know that it’s been a tough go for all of you, and now your dad rests. Prayers that you also may rest and lean on the ONE who gives us comfort during this time. Thoughts and prayers with all of you.
Cindy
Dear Darlene, Bill, Tyler and families,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of Rick. He was a great man and entrepreneur, a gentle giant, it was an honor to have worked with Rick. We will miss him.
Ben Lafortune
On behalf of Demers Ambulances
Our sincerest condolences to Kerri, Karla, Mackenzie and Braiden and to Rick’s Mother and Marilyn, Darlene and Randy and families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Carol Lowey, Kevin, Daryl & Barb, Trevor & Tammy and family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family tonight. Rick was a true gentleman and will be missed. His honesty, integrity and friendship were only surpassed by his sense of humour. One of the “greats”.
Dear Darlene, Bill, Tyler and families,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of Rick. We have not forgot your family and are thinking of you now.
Colleen and Bruce Monette