BETTCHER: Neil passed away, at 71, April 1, 2025 at Pine Island Lodge, Maidstone, SK. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Jessie Bettcher. Mourning the loss of our brother, uncle and friend are: his brother, Gordon (Carol); sister, Jean (Eugene); nephews and nieces, Chris (Laura), Marc (Tanya), Andrea (Rhod), Jenna (Adam), and his many cousins and friends. During harvest in 1953, Jessie and Johnny Bettcher’s third child, Neil, was born; an interruption in a bountiful harvest. And, what a precocious child he turned out to be. Before he started school, he learned to read, print, and hit a baseball. During his early years in Maidstone Public School he became a baseball catcher, learned to play piano, played hockey and completed three grades of schooling in two years. He entered grade 10 at 14 years old. He was an honours student, a track star at the provincial level, played soccer, and rugby, graduating from high school at the age of 16. At the University of Saskatchewan, he made the Husky Track Team before he was 17. He competed at the national level until being sidelined by an injury. In the 1970’s he worked in the oil fields in Alberta and in Canada’s High Arctic. He studied power engineering at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. He worked as a motorman and a driller for more than 14 years. After a serious work accident, in the 1980’s, he returned to the farm to help his dad. Later, he enjoyed working for Wayne and Gloria Fehr and was grateful for how well they treated him. In his late 60’s, chronic illness forced him to give up the farming life that he loved. In 2024, he expressed his gratitude to Doctors Spangenburg, Naidoo, and Kvinlaug, for their care and expertise. He was very grateful to all of the staff at the Maidstone hospital, and especially grateful to everyone at Pine Island Lodge for looking after him so well, and for allowing him to use his electric wheelchair! McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements. Card of Thanks Neil’s family is sincerely grateful for exceptional care given to Neil by all the wonderful staff at the Maidstone Health complex. EVERYONE, administration, doctors, nurses, cooks, housekeeping, and the all the amazing caregivers, you all did so much to ensure that Neil was safe, comfortable, and content during his last few months. We can never thank you enough for all that you did for Neil, and for us. We must also express our gratitude to everyone in the community who rallied to ensure Neil’s safety and comfort. Many thanks to the Maidstone RCMP, staff at the Credit Union and CIBC, the pharmacy, the post office, the Town and RM. You all went above and beyond to help us navigate a very difficult circumstance. We are eternally grateful to all. We also thank everyone who attended Neil’s Memorial service, May 13, at the Maidstone United Church, with special thanks to the Maidstone Health Care Auxiliary for the lovely luncheon. Your kind condolences have been a great comfort to us. Donations in memory of Neil may be made to Maidstone Health Complex – Pine Island Lodge, or to the charity of your choice.
