NORMAN REIDT

Nov. 19, 1930 – Feb. 22, 2021

With heavy hearts, yet many fond memories, the family of Norman Russell Reidt announce his passing on February 22, 2021 at the age of 90.

Dad was born November 19, 1930, to Anna and John Reidt, the fourth child in a family of five.  He entered the world on the farm that his grandfather homesteaded, in the Silver Grove district. He grew up there attending school and working alongside his parents and siblings on the farm.  As a young adult, he spent a few months as a cab driver in Edmonton, set up machinery for an implement dealer in Leask, as well as worked his way up to high-pressure welder during some winter months.  In 1958 he bought the adjacent farm from his uncle, which became home when he married Lucille Robin in 1960.  They raised their two girls and continued to farm there until they moved to Leask in 1989 upon semi-retirement.

Dad was an accomplished farmer, welder, carpenter and general craftsman.  If he needed something unique or specific, he fabricated it precisely and skillfully.  Just one example of his handiwork, a brush piler, remains in the Silver Grove District.  In his retirement years he fabricated beautiful wrought iron plant pots and in earlier years, harvesting and milling trees was a true passion.   Along with other local farmers, the group enjoyed many days in the woods working toward their goal of processing lumber for use in their various personal building projects.  He could eyeball a spruce tree and come to within fractions of an inch in estimating its circumference.    As recently as 2018 we would enlist his help as we stacked firewood in the front-end loader bucket as he was able to fit a considerably larger load with his meticulous placement skill.

He had a strong and independent work ethic; “if it needs doing just do it.”  He was a realist.  Integrity, honesty and the highest of moral values was applied in all he endeavored.  He shared his gifts freely.  As a member of All Saints Church in Leask, he served on the vestry and worked with others to ensure that all repairs were completed, and any other needs were met.  During his time with the Leask Lions’ Club, he was a committee member on various projects including the founding and construction of the Leask Community Hall, Wheatland Lodge and the Medical Clinic.  He enjoyed working at the fundraising bingos as it was yet another opportunity to visit with people.  Being quiet and humble, he very much enjoyed meeting and hearing other people’s experiences and stories.

Dad was so very inquisitive and adventurous.  Touring with RV’s, exploring new places, cities and buildings and meeting new people were paramount in his life.  Mom and Dad enjoyed camping and fishing in beautiful northern Saskatchewan.  Dad loved antique cars.  Along with relatives and friends, they would set out on golfing excursions within the province, each with their own collector’s car.  They visited most of the United States, toured Alaska and the eastern Canadian coast.  For fourteen years they spent a few months in southern warmer climates during the winter.

Mom passed away in November 2012.   In June 2013 Dad had an auction, sold his acreage in Leask and made his home at Preston Park II Retirement Residence in Saskatoon.  He fit right into the Preston Park family, made great friends and participated in the many activities.  As an avid and accomplished billiards player, he looked forward to the tournaments.  The annual All Seniors Games was the highlight of the year.  We never saw the competitive side of him until it came to billiards.  Calm, cool and collected he mastered several medals and a national gold within the All Seniors’ facilities.

We extend heartfelt thanks to the St. Paul’s Hospital Chronic Kidney Disease Clinic, Preston Park II staff, National Care Services, the Saskatchewan Health Region Palliative community team, and the Palliative Unit at St. Paul’s Hospital for the compassionate care provided on his journey with kidney disease.

Survived by:  Daughters Sandra (Murray) Galambos of La Ronge, Connie (Andy) Jessop of Leask; grandchildren Brett (Cara) Galambos of Warman, Kelby Galambos (Angela Wallace) of Saskatoon, Jillian (Colton Smith) Galambos of Osler, Lynnae (Patrick) Gauthier of Blaine Lake and Nolan Jessop (Shawna Battersby) of Leask; great-grandchildren Ethan and Arlow Galambos, Camille Gauthier and baby Smith to arrive in the spring, his sister Lillian Reynolds, sisters-in-law Ella Reidt, Marie Robin, Ingrid Robin; brother-in-law’s wife Terry Coates, brothers-in-law Leon (Audrey) Robin, George (Olga) Robin. Predeceased by: His wife Lucille, parents John and Anna Reidt, sister Charlotte Coates, brothers Milton and Lloyd Reidt, parents-in-law Arthur and Marie Anne Robin, brothers-in-law Ernest Coates, Frank Reynolds, Paul Robin, Oliver Robin, Emile Robin, Paul Garand, Albert Garand; sisters-in-law Gaby Verbonac, Therese Garand and Olive Garand.  A celebration of life will be held at Silver Grove in the spring.  For those who wish, donations in his memory may be made to Parkland Integrated Health Centre, Box 33 Shellbrook, S0J 2E0 or Leask Legacy Museum, c/o Village of Leask, Leask, S0J 1M0

Family and friends wishing to send private online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Lori Saam, Spiritwood, 306-883-3500

• Date : 2021-02-22
• Location : Saskatoon