Obituary of Arthur George Neufeld

We are saddened to announce the passing of our father and grandfather Arthur George Neufeld who passed away peacefully on April 10, 2021 at the age of 95 years, after a long struggle with cancer and dementia.  Art is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty; son Ian (Kay) and their children Patrick (Paula) and Brennan; son Angus (Shelley) and their children, Hannah and Spencer; sister Alvina Klassen; brother Glen (Linda) Neufeld along with numerous nieces and nephews.  Art was predeceased by his parents Johan and Maria Neufeld; brothers Reuben, Joe, Gordon, Allan, Lloyd; and sisters Mildred, Lila and Mary.

Art was born September 30, 1925 near Hepburn, Saskatchewan and grew up on a farm near Mennon, Saskatchewan during the Depression.  At an early age, he started working with his father on their farm and on neighbors’ farms as a laborer to help support his family. 

In 1944, Art enlisted with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry where he served until 1946. Art started work at Robinhood Multifoods in Saskatoon in 1950 and worked there for 37 years, retiring in 1987.  Art met his future wife Betty in 1956 at the downtown Legion in Saskatoon. Art and Betty were married on April 6, 1957 in New Pitslago, Scotland near Betty’s family’s farm.  In 1961, he became a father to son Ian and three years later to a second son, Angus.  

Art and Betty were very social and enjoyed spending time with their friends in Saskatoon.  Art loved to take his family camping in the mountains, fishing at Chitek Lake and traveling to Scotland and Hawaii.  Art spoke fondly of his Scottish holidays and adventures during the many trips he and Betty took to visit family. At home, Art loved to garden.  We all looked forward to his bountiful tomato crop, pickled beets, and borscht each summer. 

Art was keen to see his sons take part in sports. Though he never had the opportunity to participate in sports himself, he ensured that his sons were involved in as many sports and activities as possible.  Art volunteered countless hours timing at swim meets, driving kids to swim practices and watching his sons excel at football, rugby, and swimming.  Many families appreciated his offer to drive a truck load of kids to swimming at 5:30 am every day!   It was through his involvement in his sons’ numerous activities that he made many lifelong friends.

Art’s family grew to include 4 grandchildren: Patrick, Brennan, Hannah, and Spencer.  Art truly enjoyed watching his grandchildren as they participated in sports and activities.  He was their biggest fan, and though he did not always know the rules of the game, he proudly cheered them on. 

Art was a kind, decent and generous man who worked hard and enjoyed life, and with Betty, he built a great life and lasting legacy.  He taught us to work hard, be honest and take care of family as that is what matters most.  We are grateful for, and cherish, all the time we had with him; he will be dearly missed.

Art’s family would like to thank Dr. Brian Laursen and the staff at College Park II for the care they provided Art over the years.

A private family Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. 

Donations in Art’s memory may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, 1820 Cornwall Street, Regina, SK, S4P 2K2 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK, S4P 2R3.