April 21, 1956 - July 11, 2021
Rick Kreil of Ponoka, Alberta passed away peacefully at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre, Long Term Care on Sunday, July 11, 2021. Rick passed away at the age of 65 years, following a lengthy 42-year battle with multiple sclerosis.
Rick was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta on April 21, 1956. He worked in the automotive industry as a shop foreman and service manager for many years. Rick and his co-worker, Dave Sandin won the prestigious 'Chrysler Troubleshooting Contest' in the mid 80s, attesting to Rick's prowess as a very competent mechanic! To this end, he was the service manager at Wilder's Motors in Ponoka until his health no longer permitted him to work. Rick then resided at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre, Long Term Care until his passing. Although Rick was diagnosed with MS when he was only 23 years old, he worked hard and fought a hard fight in his lifetime. In fact, up until the time he had to retire, Rick had received every service award that Chrysler could present him! For a quiet soul, he sure was a lot of fun! Rick was also a people pleaser, almost to a fault at times, as helping other people with their problems always came first before anything he wanted to do for himself. Rick was profoundly admired by his family and friends, and their cherished memories of him will live forever in their hearts.
Rick will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his mother, Esther; and two sisters, Melody (Scott) Campbell of Crestomere; and Debbi (Wade) Raugust of Ponoka; in addition to his sister-in-law, Mabel Kreil of Rimbey and her family. He will also be greatly missed by numerous nieces and nephews, many cousins and additional family members, as well as several close friends and his 'chosen siblings', Charlie and Sharmayne. Rick was predeceased by his father, Rolly in 2013; an infant brother, Donald; and his older brother, Reg on July 3, 2021. Rick and Reg were always racing in life, but Reg won the race to heaven where he was waiting for a week for Rick to catch up.
Rick also leaves behind two children, Mathew and Shannon.
As Rick's passing was expected and imminent, his life was also celebrated by family and friends at his brother, Reg's memorial service held on Saturday, July 10, 2021. An additional service will not be held. If friends desire, memorial tributes in Rick's memory may be made directly to Hope Mission, 9908 - 106 Avenue, Box 953, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2L8 (www.hopemission.com); or to the charity of one's choice. Condolence messages may be forwarded to the family by visiting: www.ofc-ltd.ca
Cremation Arrangements for the Late Rick Kreil entrusted to the care of Oberhammer Funeral Chapel.