It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Richard. A devoted husband, son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and true friend who passed away suddenly on June 9, 2013 at Regina General Hospital CCU. Richard is survived by his wife Shelly, parents Wally and Fay Klatt; brother Jim Klatt; niece Kayla Klatt (Nick) and great niece Nikayla Anderson; nephew Andrew Klatt. Richard's in-laws Ron and Marilyn Lautenslager; sisters-in-law Kim (Bill Kain); Carla (Barry Murray), nephew Dustin Murray and great nieces Taylor and Bret Murray; nephew Evan Murray (Alycia); Carrie (George Moore), nephews Drew Moore and Dane Moore; brother-in-law Shawn. Godparents Jack and Shirle Bradley, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Richard was predeceased by his grandparents James and Ruby Bennett, Gotlieb and Rosyln Klatt; Aunt Ruby Coupal and Uncle Don Kerslake. Richard was born and raised in Yellow Grass. He was diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukemia at the age of 9 years and 7 months in June of 1972, and won his battle in November of 1974. Richard was a community minded person, serving as a Town Councilor, Cablenet board member and a Lions member. He coached and played all levels of hockey and ball. Whether it was organizing comedy nights, entertaining at Ladies Night or serving at Dinner Theatre - Richard always took part. He could also be seen helping out with many town BBQs and community fundraisers. If there was an event in Yellow Grass - Richard was there. Richard's career started off with one year in Regina at Marbco Company, followed by moving back to Yellow Grass working as a garage attendant at the Wheatland in town. In 1987 he started working in Weyburn at Nexans as an operator and spent 27 years there. Although he worked full-time, he always enjoyed farming with his dad. Richard married Shelley Lautenslager in October of 1994. They enjoyed their life together travelling, curling, golfing, attending Rider games, hockey games, dancing, skiing, music of all kinds and especially their Friday night happy hours. Richard loved the Riders, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Toronto Blue Jays, going to many games over the years. He was a long-time Rider season ticket holder. As a dedicated fan he travelled to 3 Grey Cups to cheer on his beloved Riders. He was lucky enough to catch a few Major League Baseball games in Toronto, but one of Richard's greatest memories was attending the Ottawa Senators Stanley Cup Final in 2007. During his life, Richard had two special pets. Tammy and Zeus were treasures companions and were definitely considered members of the family. A memorial service was held June 13 at 2:00 p.m. in the Yellow Grass United Lutheran Church with Pastor David Hanes officiating. Interment will be held at a later date. Richard's family would like to express their sincere thanks to the YG First Responders, Weyburn EMT, Weyburn General Hospital, Regina General Hospital, and R.D Family Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Yellow Grass Communiplex or the Yellow Grass First Responders. Arrangements were entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Weyburn, SK (848-0333 ~ 1-888-848-0333). Expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at www.rdfamilymemorialchapel.com "Our family serving your family"
