Obituary
It is with Heavy hearts, that we the family of Orville Glen Recknell announce his peaceful passing on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at the age of 73 years.
Glen was born Orville “Glen” Recknell to Orville and Mabel Recknell of Makinak MB in January of 1948.
He joined his big brother Irwin and was followed by siblings Sharon, Grant and Karen. Life on a small rural farm in the 50’s wasn’t always easy and Glen was no stranger to hard work at a very young age. It was a trait he would carry throughout his life. Glen left school at the tender age of 15 and struck out into the workforce.
In July of 1965, Glen married his sweetheart, Dawn Livingston in their little home town of Makinak. They moved to Victoria, BC where Glen began his welding career. It was there they welcomed daughter Tammy. The young family then moved to Alberta where the welding continued but the dream of coming home to the farm was always the end goal. While in Alberta, Glen and Dawn added chosen son, Shane and the family was complete. With more hard work and saving, Glen’s desire to “own dirt” was realized and they purchased a family farm.
As with all Glen did, it was done with great pride and loads of backbreaking work. But fun was always in the mix. Glen’s talents were many; a self-taught musician, a farmer, a pilot, an incredible wood worker, a great friend and an amazing family man. These are just to name a few!
One of Glen’s favorite sayings was, “If you are going to do something, do it right!” This went for work and play and may explain SOME of the predicaments Glen seemed to get into throughout his life. Another of his favorite sayings, was “Lord hates a coward!” – this may explain the REST of the predicaments he got into. Oh, but the stories he had to tell…..and the great enthusiasm in which he told them. Some became downright legendary. Laughter was very important to him and no matter how dire the situation, he could always find some humour in it. Glen had a magnetism about him; people were drawn to his welcoming smile and mischievous twinkle in his eyes. To know him was to love him.
Although the years were full of hard work they were always woven with fun, laughter and music. Glen enjoyed many trips, cruises, dances, parties, cards, curling and lots of guitar playing and singing with various friends and family. He was very active in the small town of Ochre, whether it was serving on the volunteer fire department, or lending his talents to a fundraising event, Community was very important to him. Family was also important to Glen. Shane married wife, Leah and over time, they had 3 children, Hillarie, Troy and Wyatt Recknell. Tammy brought them another grandson, Layne with partner Wayne Thompson. He loved times spent with his grandchildren and they have many fond memories of their Papa.
After many successful years of farming, retirement whispered their name. They sold their beloved farm, retaining their home and yard site. They had already experienced many trips to warmer climates during our cold Manitoba winters. This reinforced Glen’s aversion to the cold and resulted in the purchase of their second home in Yuma, Arizona in 2004. They then became snowbirds, migrating south annually to spend many years enjoying their southern friends, welcoming friends and family down to stay, and enjoying many great hours jamming. Like the geese they returned each spring to spend time with those near and dear to their hearts.
In July of 2015, Glen and Dawn had just celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary when at the end of the month, their lives changed forever. Glen sustained a spinal cord injury in a Seadoo accident. He was told he would never walk again but with his work ethic and his family by his side, he proved them wrong. But willpower, determination and love could only get him so far. After months of rehab, Glen returned home and made the decision to move to Dauphin and sell the family yard site. Glen and Dawn were still able to spend 3 more winters in Yuma when COVID hit. Even with Dawn’s untiring care, and the support of family and friends, Glen’s health slowly declined and his pain intensified but his smile always remained. Glen made the brave choice to die with dignity, fully supported by his family.
Glen passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday October 13th, 2021, surrounded by his loving family while listening to a favorite song. Glen leaves to mourn his lifelong partner and wife of 56 years, Dawn Recknell (nee Livingston), daughter Tammy Recknell (Marty), grandson Layne Thompson, son Shane Recknell (Leah), granddaughter Hillarie (Arlen) Recknell and grandsons Troy and Wyatt Recknell, and three great grandchildren (Ryder, Harlie and Nash). Siblings Irwin (Barbie) Recknell, Grant (Barb) Recknell and Karen (Bernie) Schafers. Brother-in-law and sister-in-laws, Larry and Myrna Livingston, Doreen Livingston and numerous much loved nieces, nephews and extended family.
Glen now joins his parents Orville and Mabel Recknell, Parents-in-law Lorne “Pat” and Margaret Livingston, sister Sharon McMillan, brother-in-law James (Jim) Livingston, nephews Christopher McMillan, Derrick McMillan, and special cousin Gladys Sarens.
The families’ heartfelt thanks goes out to all his wonderful home care workers, Dr. Scott and Dr. Ethans, and lastly the MAID team and Rev. Joe Ball for their compassion and care aiding Glen in his journey from this life.
In keeping with Glen’s wishes cremation will take place with a Celebration of Life to be will be held on Saturda, October 30th at 11:00 am from the Sneath-Strilchuk Family Care Centre in Dauphin, MB.
In keeping with the current public health orders guests must provide proof of vaccination to attend the service.
The service will be livestreamed, click on the link below at service time.
Flowers are gratefully declined, donation in memory of Glen may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Orville “Glen” Recknell, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Orville Glen Recknell January 14 1948 October 13 2021 (age 73)..
sneath strilchuk funeral services
Death notice for the town of: Dauphin, Province: Manitoba