Robert Neitling beloved husband of Stacey Neitling of Preeceville, father of Kaeley and Zander, son of Ron and Margaret Neitling, brother to Chris.

Robert passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2016. He was forty four years of age.

     Robert Andrew Neitling was born September 14, 1972 at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster BC. Second child born to Margaret and Ron, a younger brother for Chris. These brothers had a rambunctious childhood, competing with each other at every opportunity. They maintained an undivided bond throughout their life.

     This young family moved to Saskatchewan in 1979. The majority of Rob’s primary education, grade 1-12, was obtained at the Preeceville Composite School, graduating in 1991.

     He completed his welding trade at SIAST in Moose Jaw in 1992, after which Rob worked at a number of welding businesses before deciding to pursue further education with the funeral profession.

     Before he entered the funeral profession, Rob actually lived with our family for a summer while working in Gravelbourg. Being a younger cousin, I always looked up to Rob and was always looking forward the next ride in his sporty truck, or on the back of his beloved motorcycle. I always remember one day in particular, when he was shining up his motorcycle helmet, he set it aside, looked at me, and asked “Dave, please do not touch my helmet”. Being a young boy who was just told not to do something, I just had to touch it! And little did I know that my fingerprints were all over it! A few hours later, he came and asked me if I had touched his helmet. I was so nervous that he was going to be mad at me, but I told him that I had indeed touched it. He just smiled at me and simply said “it’s ok”.

     He achieved his certificate of qualifications for the Saskatchewan Funeral Association in 1998. He then joined his father in their family business of Preeceville Funeral Services. Since then his professionalism has been unrivalled and anyone who enlisted his services were not only given Rob’s best, but THE best services available.

     Rob married the love of his life Stacey Pristie on August 20, 2005. They have 2 children Kaeley and Zander. Together they built their home on a solid foundation, not just figuratively, but literally as Rob himself renovated their house to make it their own. There was nothing Rob couldn’t do.

     His kids were his number one priority. Any interests that his children had, soon became his; such as archery, hunting, motor sports, boating and swimming to name a few. All opportunities were turned into family events, from holidays to weekends at the lake. His family was his core; and he could make a seemingly ordinary event into something memorable - making nothing feel like something really special. Like limo rides for birthday parties, or Barbie filled bath tubs.

     Rob was also an avid motorcycle rider. Thinking back as far as I can, I have always remembered Rob with a motorbike. You would always get excited when he would come to visit, cause there was a good chance he was on his bike, and if so, he would take us for rides around town. He took many long road trips with his dad and brother, and even went so far as to name his dog Harley.

     Rob remained a devoted and loving son, he dedicated his professional career to working side by side with his parents and eventually his wife and his children. He would take any opportunities he could to spend time with his mom (like leaving a little early for work and stopping in for a morning tea and a chat). He hosted many family meals, treating us all to his self-learned cooking techniques like his homemade smoked meats, deep fried chicken wings, butter chicken and especially his German cabbage rolls. These techniques evolved over time from his first meals of mashed potatoes and perogies which he had made for his wife

     In 2009 Rob and Stacey proudly became the owners of Preeceville Funeral Services, furthering his dedication to those he served.

     Rob actively participated in establishing the guidelines for pandemic preparedness within the Saskatchewan Funeral Industry.  His dedication was not only to his profession but it extended to his community.  He spent many years as an active member of the Lions Club; attending meetings, working bingos and volunteering at Western Days. For a period of time, he volunteered as Emergency Measures Organization Coordinator for the town and RM of Preeceville.  Rob was appointed to a coroner position which he held for two years. He acted as president of the Lady Lake Regional Park Board.

     Throughout his years he remained an active member of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Parish, both as a youth and adult alter server, as a Eucharistic Minister and an active parishioner. Rob was instilled with a deep faith that was a source of comfort for him throughout his life. When I mention Rob’s personality most people will smile! He made you want to be a better person.  He pushed himself in every aspect of his life, and there was nothing he wouldn’t try, nothing he wouldn’t learn, nothing he wouldn’t finish on his own or with the help of family or friends.

     He focused on building people up; his wife, his children, his friends. He was humble, truthful, genuine, and charitable to all.  Everyone was given the benefit of the doubt in Rob’s books.

     To his brother he was a great sounding board, he kept him grounded and gave him the odd push when he needed it. People would say to Chris, “he’s your only brother” and Chris would respond: “You only need ONE when they are that good.”  He was a confidant to those who knew him and a beloved mentor to his nephews.

     Rob was predeceased by his Grandparents Ken and Elizabeth Neitling, George and June Nightingale, father in law Philip Pristie.

     When I mention Rob’s personality most people will smile! He made you want to be a better person.  He pushed himself in every aspect of his life, and there was nothing he wouldn’t try, nothing he wouldn’t learn, nothing he wouldn’t finish his own or with the help of family or friends

     He is survived by his loving wife Stacey, his children Kaeley and Zander, his parents Ron and Margaret, his brother Chris (Jodi), nephews Christopher, Nicklaus and Gus.  He is also survived by his Mother in law Stephanie Pristie, brother in laws Rick (Joanne), Bruce (Coleen), Cory, Roy (Amber) and their children. As well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

     Rob encompassed the best of all of us. If we stop to think about him for just a minute we see an infectious smile, we hear a robust laugh, we feel the warmth of his hug and if you listen carefully you’ll hear the gentle whisper of “I love you”.                        ~   Tara, love! ~

     Rob passed away on Saturday November 12, 2016 at the Preeceville Hospital surrounded by his family.

     Mass of the Resurrection was held Tuesday November 15, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Sturgis. Sk. with Fr. Marcin Mironiuk OMI officiating.  Interment followed in the Preeceville Community Cemetery .  Memorials in memory of Rob may be made to the Preeceville Hospital Auxiliary for Palliative Care or to St. Patrick’s Church Building Fund as gifts of remembrance. Preeceville Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

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