Obituary of Dick Rendek

Dick died on Sunday March 1, 2020, at the age of 88 years. Dick will be deeply missed by Freddie, his wife of almost 67 years; children, Tyler (Dianne), Kelly, Rich and Cary; grandchildren, Kat (Jon), Lindsay (Noah), Riley, Chloe, Celia, and Charlotte; sister Alice; and the nieces, nephew, cousins, and friends who outlived him. He was born on June 3, 1931 in Middle Lake, Saskatchewan to Hungarian immigrants Paul and Kay Rendek. Dick spent his youth in Quebec and Ontario before moving back to Saskatoon where he completed high school at Bedford Road Collegiate and then his law degree at the University of Saskatchewan (1954). Dick’s attention to detail, quick wit, and confidence served him well during his long, extensive career.  After passing the Saskatchewan and Alberta bar in 1955, he practiced in Lloydminster, Regina and Toronto, before going into a partnership with his law school roommate Garry Wilson in Regina, SK in 1961. When that partnership ended in 1975, Dick practised on his own until in 1980 when he joined the firm which became Rendek Toews Kaufman. The partners and firm name changed occasionally over the years until Dick’s retirement from law in 1997. Seeking a new adventure in the mid-1990s, as President & CEO Dick led the privatization of the Regina Airport and stayed on until 2001.  He then took on the role the Freedom of Information Privacy Commissioner for Saskatchewan for a year before returning to law and ultimately retiring in 2011. A dedicated Kinsmen member and National Kinsmen President in 1970, Chair of the Inaugural Western Canada Summer Games in 1975, and Vice President, President (’82-’84) and on the board as Past President with the Saskatchewan Roughriders; Dick’s strong work ethic, passion for sports, and commitment to community were evident in many of his volunteer efforts.  A personal highlight was securing the Saskatchewan bid for the 1995 Grey Cup, which was only one of the many achievements that led to his induction into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. Remembered by friends and family for his love of nature, hunting and fishing, Wascana Park jogs, Hungarian hot peppers, famous artichoke salad, reading, listening to and singing a wide range of music, and four-legged friends. Considered a man of many words, life experiences and joyful songs, no social gathering was complete without Dick sharing a captivating tale, riddle, or impromptu song to liven the mood.  He was the Master of very long “Dad Jokes.” Friends are invited to raise a glass and perhaps sing a song in remembrance and farewell. Please join us for Dick’s Last Party, at 2215 Cameron Street, Regina, SK, on Saturday March 7, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

“We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun, but the joy and the fun like the seasons are all gone.”