Obituary of Don Regier

August 10, 1923 - December 8, 2022

99 Years

With a mix of sadness and joy, the family of W. Donald Regier, age 99 formerly of Laird, SK. announce his passing on December 8, 2022. Ever thankful to God for the long, happy, and healthy life he had been granted, Dad lived in good physical health and of clear mind until weeks before his passing. Born in their family farmhouse in the Hamburg district, Dad was number 12 in a family of 17 children. It was said at his birth that the word went out that the dozen was now complete.

 Dad took his active role working on the farm, but particularly enjoyed his early school years at Hamburg school. He was fortunate to graduate from Grade 12 at the German English Academy (Rosthern Junior College), which he attended for grades 10, 11 and 12. He did this by taking a year off school between school years to earn money to attend the following year, graduating in 1943, just shy of his 20th birthday. Dad was called to military service in 1943 but was granted Conscientious Objector status; this after being called before a judicial tribunal. He spent about 2 years in voluntary service in lieu of military service.

Dad met Mom, Mary Jeanne Krack, playing circle games at her parent’s farm when attending high school. They married in 1945 and settled in Laird, where Dad owned and operated the family grocery store, Don’s Shop Rite. Dad was always very active in his community and church and the grocery store was an ideal vocation for keeping in touch with everybody. Dad served his church in many capacities, serving as Sunday school superintendent for over 25 years. He was always a witness to God’s love and kindness and always stressed love and harmony within the family. Of his many favourite bible verses, John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Dad remains in the hearts and is remembered by his children Don Regier, Brenda (Art) Tremblay, Ruth Regier, Mark (Kelly) Regier and Shirley (Howard) Enns, his remaining sibling brother Victor and sister-in-law Sarah, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Helen (Auntie Bea) and Chuck Ruchotzke. He was ever thankful for his 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild! He was predeceased by his loving wife Mary, daughter-in-law Linda and great-grandson Blake Evans.

Interment at Laird Cemetery at 12:00 pm. A memorial service to celebrate Dad’s life will be held at Laird Mennonite Church, Friday, December 16 at 2:00 pm, family and friends are welcome to both.

Arrangements entrusted to Funk's Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK (306)232-5245