Joe McEachern

It is with extreme sadness that the family announces the passing of Donald Joe McEachern of Regina Beach, Sk. As Joe’s end drew nearer he was ultimately hospitalized during his final two weeks of life with his family continually at his side. Joe was eventually able to pass peacefully onwards with his lovingly devoted wife Linda laying at his side on Friday, January 24, 2014 when his heroic and inspirational battle with cancer ended at the Regina Pasqua Hospital.

Joe was born on May 11, 1945 in Regina, Sk. On June 13, 1970 he married his true love Linda Rittinger and together they raised three precious children. Joe has often described his life as being truly blessed. At fourteen years old he won the Western Canadian Novice Men’s Figure Skating Championship wearing the figure skates of his aunt, Canada’s Sweetheart and Olympic Gold Medal Champion, Barbara Ann Scott. Playing Pinocchio in a production of “Pinocchio on Ice” he was honoured to receive a telegram by Ed Sullivan recognizing his performance. Joe was the first vice-president of the Regina North Rotary club and served as president during 1982-83 in which he spearheaded the development of the Rotary International Student Exchange Program in which he was bestowed the honour of becoming a Paul Harris Fellow for his outstanding leadership. In 1987-88 Joe coached the Regina Optimist Stinger Ringette team, in which both his daughters played on, to victory winning the first and only gold medal for the province of Saskatchewan at the Canadian National Championships thus being named the Saskatchewan Amateur Sport Athlete of the Month in April 1988 and later being inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in June 2001 thus receiving a letter of recognition from the Government of Saskatchewan signed by Premier Lorne Calvert congratulating Joe on his outstanding dedication and contribution to the sport of ringette and helping to promote Saskatchewan to the world-wide arena of sports competition. Joe’s last 20 years have been dedicated to actively advocating in the best interests of his “Teddy Bear” following a tragic motor vehicle accident which left his youngest daughter Jodi with an acquired brain injury. As a devoted family man, Joe will always be remembered by his children for the active role he played in their lives, his unconditional love and unwavering support. Joe was very, very loved by his wife Linda as he will continue to be forever and always.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Linda McEachern (Rittinger); his three precious children Cy-Lyn (Rick) Crupi of Thunder Bay, On, Jodi McEachern of Regina Beach, Sk and Rob (Renee) McEachern of St. Albert, Ab; his four beautiful grandchildren Richard and Matthew Crupi of Thunder Bay, On and Sienna and Haven McEachern of St. Albert, Ab; his mother-in-law Elva Rittinger of Regina, Sk who during his married life was truly like a second mother to him; his sister Katherine (Ron) Vicklund of Cedar, Mn; his brother-in-laws Larry (Rhonda) Rittinger of Regina, Sk, Kenny (Dianne) Rittinger of Regina Beach, Sk and Bob (Sharon) Rittinger of Saskatoon, Sk; his sister-in-laws Brenda (Pat) Ogilvie of Saskatchewan Beach, Sk and Wendy (Doug) Rink of Regina, Sk; his Aunt Beryl McEachern of Vancouver, Bc who during his early adulthood was his second mother and his beloved four legged friend Mocha. Many nieces, nephews, cousin and close friends also survive. He was predeceased by his parents Donald & Katie McEachern, father-in-law Cyrus Rittinger, and many aunts & uncles.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a come and go visitation being held on Wednesday, January 29 between 6:30 – 8:00 pm with a celebration of life memorial service to follow at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 30, 2014. Visitation and memorial service will both take place at Lee Funeral Home and Crematorium at 3101 Dewdney Ave, Regina. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that any expressions of sympathy be made via donations to the Allen Blair Cancer Clinic. On-line condolences may also be expressed at www.dignitymemorial.com.

The family would also like to extend their sincerest appreciation to the compassion shown by the caring doctors, nurses and medical staff at the Allan Blair Cancer Clinic and the Oncology and Palliative Care wards of the Regina Pasqua Hospital.

Arrangements under the direction of Lee Funeral Home and Crematorium, Regina, SK.