ALVIN (AL) RICHERT

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ALVIN (AL) RICHERT May 10, 1920 - October 10, 2009 Peacefully, on October 10, 2009, Al Richert passed away at the age of 89 in the Deer Lodge Centre. Al will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his sons, Ron (Gail) Richert and David (Janice) Richert, by Ron and Gail's sons, Jeff (Nadeen Halls) and Jon; and by David and Janice's sons, Jay (Reta), Todd (fiancée Ruth Vooys), and Dean (Jane). His surviving sisters: Helen, Ann (Rick) Ricketts, and Carol (Henry) Krahn, along with many nephews, nieces, and other family members, will cherish his memory as well. In 1995, Al was predeceased by Elsie, his devoted wife of 48 years. His parents, George and Anna Richert; his stepmother, Marie; and three of his siblings: Cornelius, John, and Vera also predeceased him. A special friend, Berta Lundgren, passed away in 2006. Born in Watrous, Saskatchewan, Alvin grew up on a farm, attending Rapid Advance School near Young. He enlisted in the Canadian military to serve with the Fort Garry Horse during the Second World War and, in 1944, was wounded in Normandy. On his return to Canada after the war, he joined the Regina Police Force before embarking upon a lifelong successful career in the oil industry. Big Al was employed at a number of oil refineries in Regina, Kamloops, and Winnipeg, retiring in 1976 as Operations Manager at the Shell Oil Refinery in St. Boniface, Manitoba. After his formal retirement, he returned to work as a consultant in the industry, for Saturn Engineering and at the Syncrude Refinery in Fort McMurray, Alberta. A resident of East Kildonan since 1955, Al involved himself in caring for others and participated actively in community life. He was a faithful member of the East Kildonan Baptist Church for many years and, as long as his health permitted, cheerfully served in the activities of the Church. Al belonged to several other organizations, including the Shell Retirees Association, the McBeth Centre, and the Fort Garry Seniors and Curling Club, volunteering many hours of his time to these groups. Recreationally, besides a passion for curling, he enjoyed boating, fishing, camping, golfing, gardening, and travel, especially to his favourite destination, Hawaii. He had a special love for animals, dogs in particular, and supported the Humane Society. The family wishes to thank Dr. J. Mayba, his physician for many years. Veterans Affairs provided Dad with valued services on a continuous basis. Special appreciation is expressed to all the staff at Amber Meadows Retirement Community, Seven Oaks Hospital, and the Deer Lodge Centre, as well as to the Pastoral Ministry at EK Baptist Church, who provided kindness, support, and care to Al and his family during the final phase of his life. Cremation has taken place and an interment of his ashes will occur in Pambrun, Saskatchewan at a later date. A memorial service celebrating Al's life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. in the East Kildonan Baptist Church at 700 Watt Street, with a reception to follow. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial donations may be made to the Church or to a charity of choice. Thomson In the ParK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 04, 2009