Rene Joseph Henri Riviere was born August 5, 1923 on the home quarter (presently being farmed by his great nephew Paul Riviere). He was the third child of Henri and Angele Riviere, with two brothers Paul and Guy as well as two sisters Genevieve and Marguerite. The Riviere family were born and raised in the Lacadia district; however, in 1934 the family rented the farm out and moved to France for three years during which time Marguerite died following an accident. In the fall of 1937 the family moved back to Saskatchewan where Rene farmed with his parents and brother Paul. In 1952 he married the love of his life, Isabelle Gatin of Regina and the two started their life together. They raised three children; Sue, Yvette and Danny on the farm currently owned by Ross and Patricia Verhelst. During his farming career he was innovative, building a silo (which became a landmark), barns with slatted floors and an automatic trough that shook feed from one end to the other. Rene loved farming and his love for farming continued until his passing. Up to and including the fall of 2013 Rene would drive to the farms almost daily during seeding and harvest to watch the progress. Although Rene continued to farm, he and Isabelle moved to Radville in the early 80s. They enjoyed travelling and spent many winter months in warmer climates. Rene's favourite place was New Orleans. In 2000 Isabelle passed away suddenly while travelling in the US. After her death, he continued to travel with a close friend from France. Rene had an excellent memory for highways, which resulted in no need for maps or a GPS. He seemed to remember every highway he had travelled on and this memory of highways and locations continued until his passing. Shortly after Isabelle's death he moved to his daughter, Yvette's apartment building where he continued to live until the end of 2013. His last few months were spent in the Radville Marian Health Center. Rene Joseph Riviere passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at the age of 90. Rene was predeceased by his parents, Henri and Angele Riviere; wife, Isabelle; grandson, Gregory Verhelst; great grandson, Ryken Larocque; sister, Marguerite Riviere; brother, Paul Riviere and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Rene is survived by his daughter, Sue (Larry) Verhelst of Radville, and their family, Tanya (Larry) Buchinski and {Keeton, Kove, Kashia}, daughter-in-law, Sherrill Verhelst (Emile Bourassa) and {Jordyn, Hailey, Rylan}, Kyle (Shannon) and {Tessa} (Carsey) [Gracy, Katy], {Logan, Brandon}, Ross (Patricia) and {Jaida}; his daughter, Yvette Riviere of Weyburn, and her family, Pam (Brett) Larocque and {Kaden, Kyran}, Deann (Jayme) Schwindt and {Aycen, Kyde, Drey}, Mindy (Clint) Fladeland and {Benz, Tave}; his son, Danny (Dorothy) Riviere of Regina, and their family, Christopher (Shannon), Kelsey (Cory), Courtney; brother, Guy Riviere of Montreal, QC; sister, Genevieve Thurmeier of Radville, as well as numerous, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. Prayers were said on Sunday, May 25 at 7:00 PM at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, Radville with Jeannine Erickson presiding. A Mass of Christian Burial was held from Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, Radville, on Monday, May 26 at 10:30 AM with Father Anthony Pangan celebrating. Interment followed at Laurier Cemetery, Radville. Donations in memory of Rene may be made to the Radville Marian Health Centre. Condolences may be left at: www: fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, 306-842-5432
