Obituary of Raymond Eric Brecht

Raymond, “Ray” of Regina, SK, passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Raymond was fortunate to be in his home at the time of his passing. He was born on February 15, 1935 and had just recently celebrated his 86th birthday. “Hooray!” Ray proclaimed… “But I’m old as dirt!”. He certainly experienced life.

Raymond was predeceased by his wife Eva; daughter Janet; son Robert; his parents; brother Clarence

Eva (nee Delanoy) of Weyburn, SK, was born on April 26, 1937. Ray and Eva found each other in marriage, family, and commitment. Married on August 12, 1957, they celebrated 62 years of marriage and sadly, Eva passed away April 9, 2020, in Regina.

Robert Brecht was born January 14, 1965 passed on Nov. 27, 2020. Robert was a son, brother and friend that all who met cherished. Robert was the cornerstone of the Brecht household in Regina, giving both Ray and Eva countless memories and joy.

Ray is survived by his three daughters; Maureen (Russ) Bretell of Lebanon, Tennessee, Carolyn (Merv) Friesen of Calgary, AB, and Michele Brecht of Calgary, AB; six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two sisters, Irene Banyay and Maryann Kennedy, and two brothers, Richard and Norbert.

Ray was born and raised in Humboldt, SK. One of Ray’s first jobs took him to Radville, SK where he was working on a road construction project, and where he met his future wife Eva. They built their first home in Weyburn, SK on Edward Street, and soon started a family. Ray, with the support of Eva, ventured into several businesses including Southern Pride Lumber, among others. After 16 years, they moved to Saskatoon where they lived for one year before moving to Regina for the next 46 years.

Ray believed in continual education, achieving his Bachelor of Administration at the University of Regina while living and working in Weyburn. The moves to Saskatoon and Regina were to be the District Manager for Primco, a wholesale floorcovering company, where he worked for 16 years until his retirement at age 55.

Having grown up in rural Saskatchewan, Ray felt the pull of getting back to the land and invested in a small farm in the Foam Lake area in the late 70’s, which kept him busy for many years.  The farm was his refuge, and the gathering place for the family on weekends with fond memories that are shared by all.

After retiring from farm life, Ray was past president of the Regina Garden Associates Inc., which focused its efforts and resources to supporting the Regina Floral Conservatory.

Regretfully, services are postponed until the Covid-19 quarantine is lifted. Family and friends so wishing may make donations in the memory of Ray to the Regina Floral Conservatory, 1450B 4th Avenue, Regina SK, S4P 3C8.