Obituary of Eckhard Regier

REGIER, Eckhard - January 4, 1942 - February 7, 2015 With great sadness, the family of Eckhard Regier announces his peaceful passing at the GNGH after suffering a stroke at home. His big heart, kind patience, level headed mind and giving spirit enabled him to be the rock of his family, despite his own health issues. Eckhard was the 4th (of 5) sons born to Hans and Dora Regier. He was born in Adlig-Liebenau, West Prussia and enjoyed a spirited childhood until the fallout of WWII. His family joined others to leave Germany for a future in far off Uruguay, S.A. where they helped settle the colony of Gartental. The trip and his new country was high adventure for 9 year old Eckhard but soon became a bitter experience as the boys were needed to help on the farm and schooling was secondary. At age 16 he moved to Montevideo to find work. In 1968 he immigrated to Canada to join many of his peers already here. A rocky start in another new land, new language, more hard work but always hope and endurance. He upgraded his schooling and easily passed the high school equivalency tests. He went on to get his electrician license and worked in the electrical field until his retirement. In 1971 he married Ingrid (Neuhof). They built the family home on Line Six, raised two fine children. He was an electrician by trade, helper by nature, a friend to many and a welcome member at any mate (tea) gathering. Eckhard was predeceased by his parents; brother, Hartmut, (2008), brother, Hans Joachim (2009), brother, Gert (2011), sister-in-law, Margaret Neuhof (1986) and mother-in-law Julianna Neuhof (2015). He is survived by his beloved family: wife Ingrid of 43 years, daughter Sonja (Darren), son Karl (Edith), brother Siegfried in Uruguay and the absolute treasures of his life - his grandchildren, Olivia, Emma, Nora and Evander who will miss him beyond understanding. We release him with a heavy heart and will miss him forever. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015 from 6 - 9pm at the Niagara United Mennonite Church, 1775 Niagara Stone Rd.. The Funeral Service will be Wednesday at 10:30am with cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Pleasant Manor. The family is also accepting donations to establish a scholarship fund in his name for a first year electrical apprentice student through the Niagara Community Foundation.