REGNIER

Richard Regnier of Winfield, Alberta was born on August 14, 1940, at Big Prairie, Alberta.  With sadness we announce that he passed away at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the age of 84 years.

Richard was raised in the Sundre/Bergen, Alberta area, which was a great location to grow up considering his passion for horses and the outdoors.  This passion ensured a natural progression from childhood into Richard’s adult work career that started in the west country.  Richard began his guiding career in the Jasper and Lake Louise areas as a wrangler, packer, and guide. 

While working in the Parks, he met the love of his life, Naomi Land, and they were married in 1963.  Richard became a ‘Class A’ guide, a license he proudly held for over 40 years.  He guided most sheep hunts for various outfitters west of Sundre, Caroline, Rocky Mountain House, and a few trips to the Yukon Territories.  In the late 1960s, Richard was hired by Parks Canada to raise and train horses for them at the Ya Ha Tinda Ranch, the only federally operated working horse ranch in Canada.  It was here that their son, Shawn, joined the family. 

In the early 70s, Richard and Naomi purchased a farm west of Caroline.  During this time, he also got a job in the oil industry on oil rigs.  He worked his way up to the position of driller and was employed with various companies for 25 years. 

At one point, Richard and Naomi sold the farm and moved to Alix, Alberta for a couple of years, but the mountains called them back to Caroline where they then bought an acreage.  They tried their hand at raising pigs while Richard worked on the rigs.  Richard also took an opportunity to buy a gravel truck, and eventually a tank truck, which kept him on the road until the oilpatch slowed down.  At this time, Naomi was operating a restaurant in Caroline and Richard was promoted to a new position as the head dishwasher, coffee server, and gopher! 

Their next adventure was to sell the acreage and the trucks and purchase The Boundary Store and Café.  They called The Boundary home until 1995 when they then purchased a quarter of land west of Buck Lake.  While at Buck Lake, Richard worked various jobs; including at the PMU barn, as a truck driver, a pipefitter, and as a mechanic’s helper on oilfield engines and compressors until he eventually retired.

Richard was an outgoing, outspoken man who told it like he saw it.  There was never a doubt as to where he stood on any position, on any topic. Richard was also a hard-working and great neighbour.  He was always full of stories to tell of his exploits in the back country, and he recited the most unusual, colorful, made-up poetry – that often was not suited for young ears!  Richard was a devoted grandfather to his one and only grandchild, Brayden.

Richard is survived by his son Shawn (Elaine) Regnier; his grandson Brayden; and his brother Ray (Marlene) Regnier; as well as a special niece Diane (Dave) Ketchum; and a special nephew Dusty (Birdy) Cooper.  He is also survived by his brother-in-law Elliot (Sharon) Land; sister-in-law Nancy Land; brother-in-law Fred (Sandra) Land; brother-in-law Roger Land (Shelley Sands); sister-in-law Laurie (Rob) Bullick; in addition to many other nieces and nephews, family members, and good friends.  Richard was predeceased by his wife Naomi; his parents Alphonse and Nora; along with eight siblings.

With respect for Richard’s wishes, no formal funeral service will be held.  A private family gathering in his honour will be held at a later date.  If  desired, memorial donations in Richard’s memory may be made directly to STARS Air Ambulance, Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary, Alberta  T2E 8M7 (www.stars.ca).  Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page. 

Cremation Arrangements for the Late Richard Regnier entrusted to the care of