Obituary of Welfred Erich Reichert

Eric passed away peacefully on Friday, March 15, 2013 in Beaverlodge, Alberta at the age of 77 years. He was born in Sexsmith, Alberta on February 17, 1931 to Arnold and Alvina Reichert. Eric began working at a young age in construction, then later began working on the rigs south of Grande Prairie. He would also work on a cat brushing seismic lines along with hauling logs in the winter months. Eventually the farm is where Eric stayed and continued to farm with his brother John. Eric loved to travel, he and his loving wife Irene went to Hawaii, and made several trips to the States. They managed to escape the Alberta winters to their place in Yuma, Arizona for over twelve years. Disneyland was a favorite destination where Eric and Irene marked a visit 4 or 5 times. Someone once asked Eric, "why so many times to a place that was for kids?". To which he replied, "you have to be a kid at heart to enjoy it." A great source of pride and joy for Eric were his grandchildren. Grandsons Robbie and Dallas would spend time with him on the farm, Eric did whatever it took to make them happy. The boys wanted to drive the lawnmower because Grandpa did not have a quad, but being short they could not reach the pedals so Grandpa put blocks on the pedals so his boys could reach. When the boys started playing hockey, Eric was their biggest fan and travelled to nearly every game. Then two granddaughters came along and stole his heart again. Kaitlynn and Kalie kept Grandpa busy playing hopscotch or hide and seek. Whenever they needed a snuggle, Grandpa was where they went. He loved his grandchildren very much. Eric was a hard working man, not afraid to tackle any task. He was usually trying to build or improve something as long as it was made of metal. Eric was a good neighbor, who gave his time generously. Most neighbors liked Eric borrowing their things, since it had a good chance of returning in better condition. For friends, he had a quick smile, and a twinkle in his eye when he began a story, for they could get long-winded. A Visitation for Eric was held from 7:00-9:00 PM on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at St. John's Lutheran Church in the Wembley/Huallen area. A Funeral Service was held on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 1:00 PM at St. John's Lutheran Church. Eric was laid to rest in the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery. Eric was predeceased by his parents Arnold and Alvina Reichert, in-laws Gus and Elizabeth Pfau, brother-in-laws Bill Sauder, Ken Pownal, Gil Johnson and Gary Pfau. Eric is survived by Irene, his loving wife of 54 years, son Marvin (Cynthia), children Kaitlynn and Kalie, daughter Janice (Robert), and children Robbie (Andrea and Andi) and Dallas. Also sisters Freida, Elsie, Dena, Helen, Ester, Trudy, and brothers John and Fred, along with their families. For friends so wishing donations may be made in memory of Eric to the Beaverlodge Hospital Foundation, Box 480 Beaverlodge, Alberta T0H 0C0. Very Respectfully Beaverlodge Funeral Service