Richard Stajniak

It is with deep sorrow and peace in our hearts that we announce the loss of our dear husband, father, grandfather and brother, Richard Stajniak. After a brief and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, he passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by the love and chatter of his family, while under the diligent care of his two daughters-in-law on Monday, January 4th 2021.

Richard will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 47 years, Linda, his daughter Evelyn (Clayton), their children Riley, Brodie, Grace, and Fiona; daughter Connie (Greg), their children, Emily, Sophie, and Kate; son Martin (Dawn), their children Corbin and Montana; and son Chad (Amanda), and their children Ruby, Braxton, Wynnie, and Quinley. They all look forward to sharing their fond memories of him with Chad and Amanda’s expectant child, due in February.

Richard was predeceased by his father Joe Stajniak, step-father Joe Rieder, mother Mary (Broda) Rieder, and father-in-law Tony Englot.

He is survived by his sister Betty Kosteniuk, mother-in-law Anne (Zabalski) Englot, and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Richard started his working life with Broda Construction, travelling thousands of miles throughout Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Richard eventually settled into his true passion, pouring his heart and energy into building the family farm. He valued hard work and attention to detail in how he tended his fields, maintained his equipment, but, most importantly, taught his children. Selflessly dedicated, he set a positive example to his children, grandchildren and community by investing 20 years serving the Rural Municipality of Golden West as both Councillor and Reeve. He stepped off his combine this fall after his final harvest with pride in his accomplishments and the legacy that he, his wife, and sons had built.

Richard enjoyed watching the Riders, the World Juniors, and Spangler Cup. He took a real liking to Judge Judy in his later years; thus, she is an Honorary Pallbearer. He especially loved fishing, making annual trips with Linda to Mirond Lake, taking a young Chad ice fishing, up two extra holes but down two spoons, and eventually buying a pontoon boat and camper to enjoy Moosomin Lake. Richard was great with children, immediately smitten with each grandchild, evidenced by his special bond with his youngest grandchild, Quinley.

A private family funeral mass for Richard was celebrated in Our Lady of the Holy Rosary R.C. Church, Glenavon, SK on Friday, January 8, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. by Rev. Gerard Joy Montiague. Interment in Stony Brook Cemetery. Due to Covid-19 gathering restrictions, a live streaming recording of the funeral mass is available for viewing with the "Previous Services" link below.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary R.C. Church, Building Fund, c/o Adelard Perras, Box 51, Glenavon SK, S0G 1Y0.

Close the Gate (For Dad)

For this one farmer the worries are over,

lie down and rest your head, your time has been

and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed.

Years were not easy, many downright hard,

but your faith in God transcended,

put away your tools and sleep in peace.

The fences have all been mended.

You raised a fine family, worked the land well

and always followed the Son,

hang up your shovel inside of the barn;

your work here on earth is done.

A faith few possess led your journey through life,

often a jagged and stony way,

The sun is setting,

the cattle are all bedded,

and here now is the end of your day.

Your love of God’s soil has passed on to your kin;

the stories flow like fine wine,

wash off your work boots in the puddle

left by blessed rain one final time.

You always believed that the

good Lord would provide and

He always had somehow,

take off your gloves and put them down,

no more sweat and worry for you now.

Your labor is done, your home now is heaven;

no more must you wait,

your legacy lives on,

your love of the land,

and we will close the gate.

Nancy Kraayenho