Obituary of Richard Wessing

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Richard Ronald Wessing March 31, 2025, at the Regina General Hospital.

Richard was born July 3, 1948, in Theodore, Saskatchewan. He was the second oldest born to John and Annie (nee Derkach) Wessing who farmed in the Parkerview district. He attended school at the Crewkerne Country School.

Richard enjoyed working on the family farm with his dad. He loved farming so much he wanted to own his own mixed farming operation one day. So, no better way to start saving he started working for other farmers, ran heavy equipment pushed bush, and became a Cat operator. Then he had the opportunity to work in Spruce Grove, Alberta at Alberta Hydro as a Laborer. 

Richard met the love of his life Anna (nee Smysnuk) in 1969 and got married October 16, 1971, and Richard's dreams came true after his hard work he purchased a farm in the Kelliher District which became a place where Richard and Anna called home for 53 yrs and raised their 3 children, Roxanne, Melanie and Sheldon.

Richard was a jack of all trades and loved to work with his hands. He built everything from elevators, outdoor buildings, laid cinder block basements, to building his family home in 1978.

During any down time, Richard enjoyed trapping in the winter and going to farm auctions in the spring. He would study all the upcoming Auctions near and far. He would always turn an auction sale into a social outing as he would always know someone. It would never fail he would come home with a truck load of treasures he didn't need.

Richard instilled his hard work ethic into his children so they would succeed in life. He was always very proud of his children and the things they have accomplished. He enjoyed visiting the kids and once he became a grandpa, he would light up every time he would see the grandkids. He would always have a pocket full of candies for the kids. It meant the world to Richard when the whole family was able to get together. He enjoyed giving the kids rides on the tractor, quad or letting them practice driving around the farm.

Richard leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory his beloved wife Anna and his 3 children Roxanne (Chad) of Pilote Butte, SK, Melanie (Ryan) of Fort Saskatchewan, AB, Sheldon (Kat) of Marshall, SK. Grandkids Kaydince, Reese, Brooke, Natalie, Ryland, Ryder and Austin. His siblings Irvine (Shelia) of Kelliher, Jeannette (Norman) of Brandon, Randy 
(Heather) of Sheho and Eleanor of Sheho. sister in-law Elaine of Kelliher. and nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Richard will be reunited with his parents John and Annie, Brother Larry, Donald and Sister Angie. His in-laws Nick and Elsie Smysnuk. brother in-law Randy Harrick.

I'm Free
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free. I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard him call. I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work, or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way, I found that peace at the close of day.

A Funeral Service was held on April 5, 2025 from Kelliher Community Hall, Kelliher, SK with Rev. Brian R. Mee officiating. Musical selections included; 'On The Wings of a Snow White Dove', 'Church in the Wildwood', and 'Take Me Home, Country Roads'. Words of remembrance were shared by Tom Leader. The interment followed in Kelliher Memorial Gardens with Lonnie Pawluk, Ed Datchko, Marvin Wahl, Pete Serelo, Garnet Harmon, and Jamie Tillotson serving as casket bearers.

 Memorial donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada or the Liver Foundation of Canada as gifts of remembrance.