Richard Robert Scheffelmaier
Richard Robert Scheffelmaier passed away peacefully in the Coronation Long Term Care on July 20, 2013 at the age of 82 years. Richard was born September 2, 1930 at Lake Thelma, Alberta. He attended school and finished grade 9 at Bonny Doone. In 1947, Richard worked for Lawrence Schacker on the farm and in 1948 for Hiram Richardson, looking after cattle at the Meadow.
By 1949 he started working on his own leased land at Silver Heights while sharing equipment with his Dad and older brother Albert.
Richard decided to pursue mechanical training in Edmonton at Chicago Vocational School. Soon after his course, he worked at Harold Wiltse’s Garage in Consort. Richard married Marie Kurek of Consort in 1955. They resided and began their life together, farming northeast of Brownfield.
It all began in a three room house, on a section and a half of land with eight head of cows and one borrowed bull, along with a small line of machinery. Their same humble little house kept changing and expanding and became “home” for 58 years.
The first son, Blaine was born in 1956, and second son, Greg in 1959, and a daughter, Michelle in 1969. For extra enjoyment, Richard loved playing baseball, coaching some ball and curling. He was also involved in the Elks and Kinsmen Clubs of Coronation.
One of many highlights in Richard’s life was getting to sing with Merle Haggart in Provost, Alberta (when he was supposed to be at home combining). Merle even told him he was pretty damn good. Maybe that’s why he had such a love for singing and music. Richard decided to take up the hobby of raising buffalo, which ended up developing into quite a time consuming, thriving business which he thoroughly enjoyed.
This “hobby” brought people young and old from all over the world. “The more the merrier,” for Richard.
Another obvious part in Richard’s interests was his love for cattle and horses, along with the odd and unusual pets such as his famous camel, donkeys and mules. Of course everyone will admit that it wasn’t very often that he missed a rodeo. He loved to hit every dance, anywhere, any wedding or even funeral.
His love and caring for all people from any and every walk of life, friend, family or stranger were important and special to him. He always took the time for absolutely anyone. Richard accepted everything and judged nothing. Coffee was always on or a whiskey or rum available. Giving Pepsi or Coke was always a must, flipping a burger or two was never an issue.
His attitude was always so positive and his stories went on and on; they were usually quite comical.
Most of all, Richard loved his family beyond words. His brothers, sisters, wife, in-laws, kids, nieces and nephews and then grandkids that came along were everything to him and truly blessed his life. Each one must have always known that. He too knew their love for him was unmeasurable.
Richard was predeceased by his brother Sam, his parents Molly and Adolf and daughter-in-law Lorena. Richard is survived by his wife Marie, son Blaine, granddaughter Jill (Matt), son Greg (Karen), grandson Jeremy, daughter Michelle (Kevin) grandsons Bradan and Brandt. Siblings Albert (Gwen), Helen (Al), Verna (Erv), Herb, Ester (Alvin), Jean (Don), Shirley (Bill), Linda (Leo) and numerous nieces and nephews, in-laws and special friends.
The funeral service for Richard Scheffelmaier was held on Friday, July 26, 2013 at the Brownfield Rec Centre at 2 p.m. with Pastor Darrel Durksen officiating.
The eulogy was read by Bradan McLean. Tributes were given by Orville Hawthorn and Bud Kelts. Soloist Jill Hackney sang “It Is Well With My Soul”. Soloist, Sandy Foster sang “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”. Special music was by Laurel, Becky, Stephanie, Sasha and Julia.
A video in memory of Richard was played during the service.
Active pallbearers were Jamie Bruha, Dan Bruha, Martin Kurek, Jay Kurek, Ken Scheffelmaier and Larry Scheffelmaier. Honourary pallbearers were “all of Richard’s family, friends and neighbors”.
The interment followed the service at the Fairfield Cemetery. Family and friends gathered in the Rec Centre for a luncheon prepared and served by the Brownfield Baptist Church Ladies and the Brownfield Community.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Richard’s memory to the Coronation Hospital Foundation, specify, Continuing Care Unit, mail bag 500, Coronation, AB, T0C 1C0, The Brownfield Rec Centre, Box 56, Brownfield, AB, T0C 0R0 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to: corofuneralhome@xplornet.com Heather Caseley of Coronation Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral arrangements. Ph. 403-578-2928. “Knowledge, Experience And Professionalism With A Personal Touch”
