Brian James Neufeld

The family of Brian Neufeld of Preeceville, beloved husband of Shirley Neufeld, sadly announce his passing on December 19, 2022. He was 76 years of age.

Brian was born to Waldemar and Elsie (Bartel) Neufeld in Humboldt, SK, on March 2, 1946, and grew up in Drake, SK. He was the first born of two sons. Brian went to school in Drake for his first 8 years and then graduated high school in Lanigan.

Brian and Shirley (Chute) were married on October 18, 1969 in Nokomis, SK. Their son, Darren Scott, was born in 1971, and daughter, Deanna Leslie, was born in 1973.

After high school Brian spent a year in Moose Jaw attending the Saskatchewan Technical Institute where he studied autobody. The following year, Brian moved to Saskatoon where he worked at Jubilee Ford. Brian returned to Drake where he worked for the Shell bulk fuel station until 1969 when hired on at Alwinsal Potash Mine near Guernsey SK. He worked at the mine until approximately 1972 when he decided to work with Morrissey Construction.  He trained and worked as a millwright with Morrissey until 1976, when Brian and Shirley moved to Preeceville to begin farming.

Brian was always an active community member. During winters in the 70’s and 80’s, Brian loved volunteering as a hockey coach and serving as president for the local minor hockey league. He served a couple of terms on the local school board as a trustee, as well as a council member for the RM of Buchanan from 1991-1996. Brian was also an active member of the Preeceville Lutheran Church.

In the early 80’s, Brian and some of his neighbors bought a portable seed cleaner. It was here where he got his first taste of cleaning grain. Eventually he purchased a herb and spice cleaning business, which he relocated to his farm. In the late 90’s Brian purchased Preeceville Seed Cleaning, and again relocated the herb and spice plant to this location where he operated it until spring 2018, when he retired. Even with his many health challenges, Brian always kept busy in retirement, returning to his love of antique cars, and building projects in his shop. He used to say, “I’ll have to live to 150 to finish them all.”

But in early December, Brian’s health deteriorated, and on Dec 18, 2022, Brian was moved into the Preeceville Hospital’s palliative care unit where he passed away surrounded by his friends and family on Dec 19th, 2022. The family would like to express the sincerest appreciation and acknowledge the great care given by all the members of Brian’s medical team during this difficult time.

Brian is survived by his wife, Shirley; son, Darren (Kelly); daughter, Deanna (Mark) and four granddaughters; Jessica (Matt McKeage), Taylor, Savannah, and Josie. Brian is also survived by his brother, Ron (Dawn) and sister-in-law, Deanna Chute, nieces, and nephew.

Brian was predeceased by parents, Waldemar and Elsie Neufeld.

A Memorial Service in celebration of Brian’s life was held on Friday, May 26, 2023, from St. John Lutheran Church in Preeceville, SK, with Pastor Hein Bertram officiating. The pianist, Barb Melsness, led the singing of the hymns  ‘Near to the Heart of God’, ‘It Is Well with My Soul’, ‘There is Power in The Blood’, and ‘Softly and Tenderly’. Robert and Therese Sandager sang  ‘In the Garden’. Interment followed in the Preeceville Lutheran Cemetery with Darren Neufeld serving as the urn bearer.

Memorial donations in memory of Brian may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society (55 St Clair Avenue West, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario, M4V 2Y7) as gifts of remembrance. Arrangements were entrusted to Preeceville Funeral Home.