Obituary of Paul Ritter

Please click here to view the recording of the service on Speers TV

Please note that due to technical difficulties with the live stream,
the service recording is available only in part at the link above.
We sincerely apologize. 

Paul Ritter, late of Southey, SK, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 9, 2020. He was predeceased by his wife Violet, just 7 months ago on December 8, 2019. They were married 70 years.

Dad was born and raised in Southey, to John and Karolina Ritter. He was predeceased by them; his older brother Walter; his sisters, Esther Mohr, Martha Schmidt and Ruth Smith and he also lost his son-in-law, Robert Gerrard, on April 1, 2020.

Dad is survived by his brothers, Herman (Jeanne) and Norman (Diana); his sister Joyce Ritter; his brother-in-law Alfred Schmidt; and his sister-in-law, Leona Ritter. He is also survived by his loving community, that sadly lost a pillar of their society.

Mom and Dad had four children; Mervin (Peggy), Shirley Gerrard, Joan (Barry) Kuzik and Allan (Talitha). They were also blessed with six grandchildren, Rhett (Corinne) Gerrard, Kelli (Jody) Kemp, Mark (Jillian) Gerrard, Bryon Burnett (Jodie), Cameron Kuzik, and one year old Vaughn Ritter; as well as eight great-grandchildren. Dad loved his family, his community and his church.

Dad was a devout Christian. He was raised in the Lutheran Faith and very seldom missed Sunday services. He graduated from Southey School in 1944 and a year later was employed by the Southey Coop as the Manager. After three years, he realized that he would never own the Coop. He resigned and found a job at BA Service, owned by his uncle John Maier. He eventually purchased it over the years, which was the beginning of Southey Motors as we know it today. They sold BA GAS and BA oil products, Oliver Farm Equipment, Dodge and Desoto cars, and Dodge Trucks. He worked six days a week, and found some time to farm as well. Mom was very supportive and was instrumental in his business and farming success.

When Merv returned to Southey, and a few years later Allan, Dad expanded his farming operation. We called him our Senior but not so Silent partner. His grandchildren gave him a lot of joy. Mom managed to get him to travel a little, Hawaii, Europe, Scotland, Maritimes, Alaska, Arizona, California, and New York come to mind. He loved baseball, but seemed to love work more.

He once said “As far as I can see, hard work never killed anyone.” He passed away at the age of 95 years. “I guess you’re right dad. You will forever be in our hearts. We LOVE YOU.”

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private family Funeral Service will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Southey, SK, on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Those who wish to attend, a live radio broadcast of the service will be available on FM 106.9. Please park outside of the church across the street in the Parsonage parking lot. To view the livestream of the service please click on the link to Speers TV at the top of Paul’s Tribute page at www.speersfuneralchapel.com  Please be aware that the livestream link will not be available until the day of the service.

 In lieu of flowers, and to honor Paul’s life, those so wishing may make memorial donations to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Box 177, Southey, SK, S0G 4P0 or a charity of your choice.