Vern Neustaeter

After a very recent diagnosis, Vern’s battle was truly short-lived, though extremely hard-fought, and he is now at peace with his Lord. Vern Neustaeter was born April 9, 1965 in Swift Current, SK, to John & Susan Neustaeter. He grew up on the family farm in Chortitz, SK, with his two brothers, Art and Wes. Vern was a well-rounded young man, excelling in academics and athletics throughout high school and university. He graduated from the Swift Current Comprehensive High School in 1983, and furthered his education at the University of Saskatchewan and Briercrest Bible School. He enjoyed school, but his other passion was sports — be it football, fastball, table tennis, or hockey. He received his Chartered Accountant designation in 1991.

While working towards his CA designation, Vern married his best friend and love of his life, Jill, in 1988. Together for 29 years, they worked hand-in-hand to make their goals and dreams a reality, living a truly blessed life. Their greatest blessings are their children — Christina, born in 1991, and Alicia, in 1994. Vern rose to the challenge of raising two girls like a champion. He was a sports fanatic and was soon teaching his girlies to love sports, and coaching many of their teams. Vern would do anything for his girls, and was just as happy to be playing dolls, Barbie’s, or letting them do his makeup. As they grew up, he found himself involved with school and skating club boards, helping with skating carnivals, and cheering them on at dance and piano recitals, or skating tests. Both girls followed in their father’s footsteps, excelling in school. He was so proud, watching them cross the stage as they received their Bachelor of Commerce degrees. Both girls brought home wonderful young men their dad approved of. Christina married Brian Fleury in 2014, giving Vern his first son. Alicia married Alex Laird in 2017, completing Vern’s dream hockey line. Vern played hockey with his sons-in-law every chance they had, he was proud of their accomplishments and the men they have become. Although Peanut has yet to arrive, becoming a grandpa was already his newest joy, and we know he will always have his arms wrapped tightly around his first grandchild.

Vern valued faith, family, and work, and in this, his life was fulfilled and enriched. He thrived as a professional, working 26 years with MNP, and was a member of Trailview Alliance Church, serving in many capacities. Vern treasured travelling with Jill, the opportunities they had to travel with the MNP family, special trips with his girls, many family vacations, and going to the lake to enjoy family time at the cabin — either alone or with a houseful of friends. Vern lived his life to the fullest with his wife, family, and friends, and knew he was truly blessed by God. 

Vern is lovingly remembered by his wife, Jill; his daughters, Christina (Brian) Fleury and Alicia (Alex) Laird; his mother, Susan Neustaeter; his brothers, Art (Linda) Neustaeter and Wes (Tab) Neustaeter; his mother-in-law, Connie Dampsey; his brother-in-law, Tim (Anne) Dampsey; and by his nephew and nieces, Jon, Becky, and Hailey. Vern was predeceased by his father, John Neustaeter; and by his father-in-law, Doug Dampsey.

A celebration of Vern’s life was held on October 6, 2017 at 2:00 pm from Trailview Alliance Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Mike Smart officiating. “How Great is Our God” was sung by the congregation under the leadership of Keith Kitchen, with Liz Ramage serving as pianist. Special music was brought by Gerald Braaten, who sang “How Great Thou Art” and the Hunter Brothers, who sang “Love Lives On.” Tributes were given by Ken Gossen and Russ Dyck, the eulogy was read by Keith Kitchen. The Private Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service from Memory Gardens Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with Dylan Wall, Devon Wall, Colin McNeil, Jordan McNeil, Carson Dyck, Rylan Gulka, and Zack Gulka serving as Pallbearers. The Honorary Pallbearers were Vern’s MNP Swift Current Partners and Old Timers Hockey League Buddies, and Vern’s Honorary Brothers, Russ Dyck, Ken Gossen, Rory Gulka, Monty McNeil, Kent Parlee, Dave Bussiere, Kelvin Wall, Tim Ramage, Tim Dampsey.

 Service Information