Harvey Gordon Riffel, beloved husband of Barbara Riffel of Rhein district passed away with family at his side on July 21st, 2013. Harvey was born on November 18, 1941 to John George and Lydia (Hilderman) Riffel on the family farm in the Rhein District. Harvey was the youngest of 6 children. He took his primary education at Wallace school just a mile from the farm. He then went on to attend boarding school in Yorkton to complete his high school education. Harvey later attended Teacher's College at the University of Saskatchewan - Regina Campus where he obtained his Bachelors of Arts and Bachelors of Education degrees. He began his teaching career back at home at Wallace school. On July 5th, 1969 he was married to Barbara Yuill in Regina. They then lived in Swift Current, Pangman, Lipton, and Churchbridge before moving their young family to the farm in the Ebenezer/Rhein area in 1980 where Harvey farmed with family until his passing. Harvey also worked as a field adjuster for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance for over 20 years. Harvey loved anything to do with the land and with people. He had an incredible memory for people, recalling those he had met years before, also every birthday and anniversary of family members which he made a point of calling on their special days. Harvey made lifelong friends everywhere he lived and worked. Harvey's family, community and Church were sources of great pride for him. He was very active in the communities where they lived. Especially in the Christ Lutheran Church at Rhein, serving on Church Council for close to 30 years. Harvey was predeceased by his parents John George and Lydia Riffel (Hilderman), his sister Almina and George Artemenko, brothers Ronnie and Edgar Riffel. He leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory his wife Barbara, children Flora (John) Moore, George (Melonie) Riffel, Alec Riffel, Hugh Riffel, grandchildren Matthew, Andrew, Trinity and Michael Moore, Erika and Allison Riffel, Rebecca and Ian Riffel, brother Wilfred (Peggy) Riffel, sister Hilda (Pete) Knapik, his sisters-in-law Dorothy (Edgar) Riffel and Ida (Ronnie) Riffel as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A Prayer Service was held on Friday, July 26, 2013 at the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home. The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at Christ Lutheran Church in Rhein with Rev. Fred Schneider officiating. The organist, Shirley Ostafie led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Morning Has Broken", "Church in the Wildwood", "Amazing Grace", "I Love To Tell the Story", and "God Be With You Til We Meet Again" A solo, "In The Garden" was sung by Ray Yost. The eulogy was shared by Barron Stricker and personal reflections by Kendall Buhler. The epistle and gospel readings were given by Kendall Buhler. Serving as honorary casket bearers were Matt Montain, George Boghean, Gerald Bausmer, Jim Savage, Glen Dreger and Ed Dickie. The interment took place in Christ Lutheran Parish Cemetery with Duane Riffel, Trent Riffel, Jessica Riffel, Robert Ashcroft, Autumn Ashcroft and Tim Artemenko serving as the casket bearers. Memorial donations in memory of Harvey may be made to Christ Lutheran Church Memorial Fund at Rhein. Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com. Harvey - Your family is extremely proud of the examples you set for them. Loving and kind, compassionate and caring, tirelessly hard working, endlessly patient, generous of self, intensely proud yet humble. They are honored to have had you in their lives and to have been a part of yours. We love you dearly and miss you more than you can imagine. No words can describe the empty feeling left here without you. May God bless you. We wish you a joyous reunion above and look forward to meeting you again. Arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
