Clement “Clem” Eckert of Medicine Hat, passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2017, at the age of 93 years, beloved husband of the late Eva Eckert. He leaves to cherish his memory three children, Carolyn (Tony) Leismeister, Les (Janice) Eckert and Perry Eckert (June Wilson); eight grandchildren, Jacque (Kirby) Johns, Jody Eckert (Brad Gaulton), Jamie (Kyle) Brown, Selene (Kurtis) Reid, Kelly (Chelsea) Leismeister, Nolan (Brittany) Eckert, Jared Eckert, Priscilla Eckert (Scott Sadler); nine great grandchildren, Easton, Jada, Paige, Janai, Talia, Carlyle, Emmett, Davion and Lydon; three brothers, John, George (Lorraine) and Tony; four sisters, Georgina Coburn, Gwen Krull, Florence (Donald) Kaufmann and Freida (Jim) Culbert as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Anton and Elizabeth Eckert; his wife Eva in 1977; one son Delmar; three brothers Ben, Paul and Ronnie; one sister Irene Wilhelm. Dad was born in St. Joseph’s Colony (near Balgonie), Saskatchewan to Anton (Tony) and Elizabeth (Deis) Eckert.

He was the eldest of 12 children. Being the oldest in the family, Dad had to leave home at a young age to work to help support the large family at home. He worked as a farmhand on a number of farms and eventually ended up at the large Minor’s ranch, near Abbey, Saskatchewan. At the age of 18, Dad was called to join the army and he went to Dundurn Military Camp for training. However, luckily he did not need to serve overseas as WWII was winding down at the time.

Eventually, Dad met his wife-to-be, Eva Meier and the two were married at Johnsborough in 1948. After marrying, Mom and Dad settled in Prelate and later moved to Leader, together raising four children. During many of those years, we remember Mom’s folks, Adam and Caroline Meier, living with our family and being cared for by Mom and Dad.

Over the years, Dad had various jobs in and around Leader, including farmhand, janitor at the Leader Hotel, licensed mechanic at Jensen Motors, a janitor at Leader School and a Field Service Rep for Marshall’s Enterprise. After retiring, Dad worked as a farmhand for Tim Geiger on the Gill farm at Leader. It was difficult to know whether this was a job or a hobby, as he thoroughly enjoyed working for Tim and always looked forward to spending time at the farm.

Dad was quite the handyman, able to fix anything and he especially enjoyed woodworking projects. He loved baseball and was an avid Toronto Blue Jays fan. He was also quite proud of the Eckert baseball team that his dad put together with all the kids in the family.

Dad moved to Medicine Hat around 1999, he lived in his own apartment until 2013. Despite his failing vision he went for long walks around the neighborhood at least once every day, weather permitting. In 2013, he moved to the Teeoda Seniors Lodge and remained living there until his passing.

The funeral mass will be celebrated in Holy Family Parish (1451 Strachan Road SE) on Friday, June 2, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Albert Sayson celebrant. A private family interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind #102, 520 2nd Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0C6. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Clem Eckert, or you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence.

• Date : 2017-05-28
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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