Obituary of David Frederick Rissling

Today, and every day since July 31^st, we mourn the sudden passing of our dear brother, uncle, cousin and friend, David.

David was born on June 7, 1957 in Regina, to Fred and Lena Rissling. He grew up in Eastview, with his brother Adam, and sisters, Janet and Eva. He was a beloved little busy brother and friend in the neighborhood.  David was an excellent worker and did things well. He was very proud of the years he spent working at the City of Regina, helping build and maintain Regina’s roads, especially the Lewvan. From a young age, he loved cooking and was good at it. He loved mellow soul music, especially artists like Peabo Bryson, Barry White, Andre Crouch and Lou Rawls. As a teenager he loved the Beatles, and nearly drove us crazy playing “Obladi Oblada” over and over and over again! David loved his family, and was very generous at Christmas-he loved buying special gifts for each one. He so enjoyed the bright lights and mum’s beautifully decorated tree, and all the festivities and great food.

David was a quiet, and thoughtful person, and had a lot of wisdom. He loved just sitting back with a cup of coffee, and listening to people interact and tell stories. He had a sharp mind for numbers and remembered details. He wasn’t demanding, and didn’t put himself first. David was a realist, and accepted life as it was, bravely carrying on when others would fold. He was satisfied with what he had and happy for others when they did well. As the saying goes, David was a man of integrity and was “honest as the day is long.” Although he suffered much with his health throughout his life, David kept on keeping on and made the best of things. He lived simply and appreciated every kindness given him. David was always ready with a kind word and an outstretched hand to say “Hello” or to thank someone for their kindness. David found joy in the simple things, and enjoyed a good meal, a coffee or tea and a smoke. He was a man of peace and had a simple routine. He loved being with friends or family, and sharing memories. “We miss your great big belly laughs!” We grew up with A & W, and David loved going to the “Dub” with Janet and Robin for a Teen Burger, Fries and a Root Beer. For a gourmet meal, Dave loved Afghan Cuisine, where Abi and Zahra, and their nephew, Ramin, always treated David with the greatest respect and love. They, along with David’s best friend and neighbor for 18 years, Albert Schlick; his nurses Starla, Sherry, Byron and Candi; his doctor, Dr. Peluola, and his wonderful neighbors Kristen and Brian, who were there for David at the end of his life, are all grieving along with all of us. David has touched so many lives, of even people who didn’t know his name from the neighborhood. He loved people and was always friendly, respectful and sociable. We are forever grateful to Kristen and Brian for being there for David when he needed you in his last moments here on earth. For loving and being with him, and for always watching out for him on his walks, you and Patty are The Best! Also special thanks to the Regina City Police and the Firefighters who responded so quickly to help David, for you compassion, and kindness, especially Corporal Bob.

David also leaves behind his brothers-in-law Robin and Laurence; numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews; his dear Rissling cousins, Leo and Eileen, Gary and Donna, Brian and Dolly, Gennie and John, and Sandy; as well as all of his Eastview friends, including Mark Zaryski, Cliff Geiger, and the Lavoie, Zuck and Putz brothers.

A man’s life is not just how he died, but how he lived, and all those daily decisions he made, that after all the challenges and struggles, life is still worthwhile. David made some great choices. He lived with courage, peace and dignity. He respected others and had a grateful heart of each gesture of kindess that was sent his way. He loved God and appreciated having prayer. He was at peace with God and with all people. He has run the race, fought the good fight, and is now at rest in his heavenly home. David was loved by professionals, neighbors, friends and family, and had a very deep humility which he learned from his mother and grandmother. He found hope and encouragement on Sunday mornings, from watching Tribal Trails from Prince Albert, and Mark Hughs “Church of the Rock” from Winnipeg.

We are grateful for David’s life. We love you David and miss you. “Go Rest High On That Mountain!”

A Celebration of David’s Life will be held at the Speers Family Centre, 2333 Cornwall Street, Regina, SK on Sunday, August 15, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Graveside Service will be held at Riverside Memorial Park, 815 Assiniboine Avenue East, Regina, SK, on Monday, August 16, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Please meet inside the cemetery gates.  

Donations in David’s memory may be made to Tribal Trails. Please log on to www.tribaltrails.org or donations may be brought to David’s funeral service.