Philip John Brecht

PHILIP J. BRECHT

(1936-2016)

   It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. Philip John Brecht, long-term resident of the Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, who passed away while receiving compassionate and professional care from the Crowsnest Pass Continuing Care facility and hospital staff for which our family is eternally grateful. Phil lived a full and wonderful life of 80 years.

   He was born on February 15, 1936 in Viscount, Saskatchewan to parents, John & Monica Brecht.  Phil and his eleven siblings were raised during modest times and had a great appreciation for fair play, the importance of family and the rewards of diligent work.

   Phil won the heart of a lovely young lady, Beverley Jean Armstrong, and on December 27, 1981, they pledged their love in holy matrimony.  The young couple was further blessed with a family of their own to care for and as a devoted husband and father, he did his utmost to provide for all of their needs.  Beverley brought two children from her first marriage, Phil brought four children from his first marriage to Lorraine and they had one child together. 

   He gained incredible skills working with drywall and eventually owned and operated a successful drywall business for over thirty years and even though he did not have much spare time, he often found moments to share with his children and encourage them in their sports or school activities.  Phil was an accomplished athlete competing at a semi-professional level for many years in both hockey and baseball.  He also enjoyed curling, fishing, crokinole, cards, crossword puzzles and watching sports on TV.  He was a proud member of the ELKS and donated much of his time to community events.  His long labours now done, may he find peaceful rest and always be fondly remembered by us all.

   He is survived by his beloved wife, Beverley Brecht of Bellevue; his sons, Gordon (Kathy) Brecht of Blairmore, Scott Hawkshaw of Lethbridge and Darrel Brecht of Bellevue; his daughters, Carol (Chuck Vance) Watson of Mexico, Judy (Bruce) Ruthven of Australia and Christine (Todd) Hellyer of Medicine Hat; his grandchildren, Blair, Melanie, Kellee, Michael, Jaimee, Melissa, Lewis, Kirstin, Cole, Aaron (Samantha), Ryan, Skyann, Sebastian and Haeven; his great grandchildren, Zakkary, Justyce, Ayden and Austin; his brothers, Peter (Helen) Brecht and Benedict (Jeannet) Brecht of Regina; his sisters, Madelena (Charles) Hyland of Saskatoon, Mary (Johnny) Koczka of Prince Albert, Winnifred (Joe) Fink of Saskatoon and Brigetta (Bob) Bodnarchuk of Saskatoon; his extended family including Lorraine and Charlaine Brecht; numerous nieces and nephews; and the many friends he made throughout his lifetime.

   He was predeceased by his son, Thomas Henry Brecht; his father, John Brecht; his mother, Monica Brecht (nee: Kosokowsky); his siblings, Wendelin Brecht, George (Elsie) Brecht, John Brecht III, Annie (Anthony) Gusikoski and Theresa (David) Klashinsky.

   The Memorial Service celebrating Philip’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 1:00 pm at Fantin's Funeral Chapel in Blairmore (13461-20 Ave) with Rev. Renso Castellarin officiating.  The interment will follow in the Hillcrest Union Cemetery along with the reception to be held at the Hillcrest Miners’ Club.  Honorary urn bearers:  Gordon Brecht, Scott Hawkshaw, Darrel Brecht, Dwayne Fincaryk, Aaron Miskulin and Trevor Brazzoni.

   In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of the late Philip J. Brecht may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.  Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. 

Fantin's Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.

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