Walter Liebrecht, an artist in residence of Yorkton & District Nursing Home passed away peacefully April 27, 2012. Walter Ernest Liebrecht was born on August 3, 1920 in the Clyde district, near Stornoway, SK; a son of Elizabeth (nee Molter) and William Liebrecht. He was baptized in the Lutheran Faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stornoway and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church in Rhein on April 5, 1936. Walter obtained the majority of his schooling at Clyde School and completed Grade 8 at Rhein School before leaving to help his father farm. His favourite subjects were history, geography, physics, math and of course art. He found art and drawing a great help in improving communication with his English and Ukrainian neighbours to overcome the language difficulties. Walter farmed with his father and the family moved closer to the town of Rhein in 1935. There a certain young neighbour woman caught his attention, Irene Schwartz. They were united in marriage on July 1, 1945 and were blessed with four children - Judy, Ernie, Joyce and Robert. Walter and Irene continued to make their home on the family farm, working together, raising their family and enjoying farm and community life. In addition to his grain and cattle farm, Walter was an accomplished welder and manufactured many types of farm equipment, steel steps and artistic railings, which still stand today in many areas. Walter was very active in the community, including the Christ Lutheran Church Council, ELCC, Lions Club, SK Wheat Pool, CCF/NDP, and many other committees and associations. Through his love for history, economics and politics, Walter spent his life studying Canadian and Saskatchewan events, from their formation to what they are today - including the tracing of his family lineage back to Russia. He loved to have long discussions with those who had similar interests. An avid curler, fisherman, Saskatchewan Roughrider fan and baseball, Walter enjoyed many years of participating and watching his favourite sports. Walter loved spending time on his farm with family and the daily trips he and Irene took to town to visit with friends and neighbours over a cup of tea. In 1978 Walter returned to his love of art and painting and began formal training through Community College in the district. Over the past 30 years Walter painted an uncountable number of pictures on a huge variety of subjects. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and we are blessed to have these incredible works among us. He leaves to mourn his passing and to celebrate his life, his loving wife of 66 years, Irene of Rhein; daughter Judy (Don) Leikam of Peace River, AB; son Ernie (Valerie) Liebrecht of Yorkton; daughter Joyce Liebrecht of Regina; son Robert Liebrecht of Rhein; grandchildren: Michelle Leikam of Toronto, Heather Leikam of Toronto, Lennon Leikam of Calgary, AB. He is also survived by his brother, Harold Liebrecht of Leduc, AB, as well as many relatives, neighbours and friends. Walter will always be remembered for his sharp wit and ready smile. The funeral service was held on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 from the Christ Lutheran Church in Rhein with Rev. Fred Schneider officiating. Reflections and Remembrances of Walter were given by Terry Ross. Organist, Arlene Stiglitz led the congregation in the singing of the hymns "The Strife is O'er, the Battle Done", "Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me", "Just As I Am", and "The Last Mile of the Way". Soloist, Sharon Coleman sang "Beyond the Sunset". The interment took place in the Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery with Lorne Naherney, Barron Stricker, Robert Engel, Gary Ruf, Wendel Gnyp and Gary Mann serving as the casketbearers. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com. Memorials were to the Church Memorial Fund or to the Yorkton & District Nursing Home. A special thanks to Dr. Fourie and the staff of Melody Manor at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home for the wonderful care and friendship that was given to Walter over the past years. Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
