On November 21, 1930 a handsome baby boy, Richard Otto, was born to Ernest and Gertrude Kater of Viewfield, SK. He was the fourth child born into a family of eight. Growing up on the family farm Richard helped out with the chores and attended the Olmstead School until grade eight. At the young age of 17 Dick tried his hand at many different jobs around the area. When working he became very sick with Rheumatic Fever and was hospitalized, thankfully he made a complete recovery. One winter Dick and Garry set out to Alberta to survey the Jasper Banff highway, this is where he acquired his love for strong tea. When he returned he started working for the City of Weyburn. During this time he took his welding course in Edmonton and decided to make a career change. In 1957 he started working for Central Del Rio in the oilfield and became assistant superintendant of PanCanadian. At this time he took a fire fighting course in Texas, which qualified him for fighting severe oil fires. When he retired, he was decorated with many safety awards. November 1,1986 he married the love of his life Elda. With a combined marriage they have ten children, 17 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Dick and Elda started their life in Goodwater on the farm, every cow and calf had a name and every puppy was held. Many seeds were planted along with the famous Kater Corn. They enjoyed hunting, fishing, and many camping days. Dick was also involved with the St. John's Ambulance and he was a teacher for any years. In 1995 Dick had bypass surgery and suffered a stroke. Shortly after, they sold the farm and moved into Weyburn. They continued to enjoy their lives and in March of 2013, Dick moved into Tatagwa View nursing until his passing. If it was broken Dick fixed it, if a friend or neighbour needed help he was always there. If there was a hurt, stray animal, it was in the barn. If any of the kids had a baby, he was there to hold it. If you were down he gently picked you up. A kind, gentle and loving man, he will be missed. Richard was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Gertrude Kater; infant sister, Elfreda Kater; brother, Paul, mother- and father -in-law, Minnie and Clifford Gallinger; step granddaughter, Brittany McKim and four brothers-in-law, Marvin, Donald Gallinger, Andy Bisson and Larry Phillip. Richard is survived by his wife of 27 years, Elda of Weyburn; daughters, Debbie Kater (Grant Rubin) of Weyburn, Linda Kater of Regina; sons, Lorne Kater of Vancouver, BC, Barry (Madeline) of Devon, AB and Brian (Jeannine) of Weyburn; stepchildren, Linda (Owen) Shukin of Lundar, MB, David Kater (Shelly) of Medicine Hat, AB, Phyllis (Gary) Hala of Indian Head, Juanita (Barry) McKim of Milestone, and Glen (Abbey) Hala of Weyburn; grandchildren, Derek (Elvera), Amanda, Kayla, Brett, Paige and Reid; step grandchildren, Owen, Bret, Logan, Georgia, Jania, Tania, Wade, Jordan, Tyler, Jessica, Nadya, Nicole, Taylor; great grandchild, Lily, step great grandchildren, Davin and Aaron; brothers, Gary Kater of Weyburn, Carl (Shirley) of Weyburn, and Walter Kater of Weyburn; sisters, Marlene Roemer, of Weyburn, Ella (Bernie) Neuberger of Weyburn, and Susan (Ron) Kodes of Regina; brothers-in-law, Armand (Betty) Gallinger of Weyburn; sisters-in-law, Georgina Gallinger of Weyburn, Viola Gallinger of Carlyle, Elaine Phillips of Weyburn, Helen (Norman) Eggum of Weyburn, Jean Gallinger of Regina, and Edith (Lorne) Ferguson of Redcliff, AB as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation was held on Friday, July 19, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn. A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, July 20, at 2:00 pm from Grace United Church, Weyburn with Reverend M. Barnabas officiating. Interment will be at a later date. Donations in memory of Richard may be made to Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation Inc. New Palliative Care Room. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, 306-842-5432.
