Leo Bachmier

Leo Bachmier of Medicine Hat passed peacefully Sept. 27 at the Good Samaritan Care Home with his family at his side. Leo was born April 20, 1935, in Fox Valley, Sask. He was the proud son of Joe and Regina Bachmier, homesteaders from the Fox Valley area who raised 12 children to adulthood (two other children passed in their first weeks). As farming pioneers in Western Canada, Joe and Regina built a legacy through endless hours of backbreaking toil enduring the harsh conditions of southwest Saskatchewan during the Dirty Thirties. After the Great Depression came a successful farming operation that Joe and Regina's grandchildren and great grandchildren carry on to this day.

From his parents' legacy, Leo learned that nothing came free or easy in this life and his education was built helping his parents and 11 brothers and sisters on the family farm. Leo eventually moved to Medicine Hat. And on June 8, 1957, he married Irene Helmer. Three sons came soon after Hart, Lyle and Joseph. Later came a fourth son, Randy and granddaughters Kassy and Cheyenne.

Leo and Irene loved to host guests over the years. While Mom cooked delicious meals, Leo made sure everyone had a libation or two. Leo loved being a Knight for Knights of Columbus and was an active member for many years. He was known for his generosity to Medicine Hat charities especially the Salvation Army and the Medicine Hat Root Cellar food bank. Leo worked at the glass factory, Medicine Hat Hospital and owned an acreage near Holsom Road. Upon retirement, Leo spent endless hours gardening and landscaping at his and Irene's home in South Ridge. The garden was filled with fresh vegetables for Leo and Irene to enjoy and share with family -- neighbours also shared in the bounty.

Leo (and his siblings) were taught early by their parents that going to Sunday Mass was expected. Leo carried those values to his family and Leo, Irene and the four boys attended Mass wearing their Sunday best. If the sons stayed up late Saturday, too bad. Missing Sunday Mass was not an option. Leo and Irene were well-known to both the St. Mary's Parish and Holy Family Parish communities. His faith in his Saviour, Jesus Christ, helped him through his later years as his health declined.

Leo was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Irene Bachmier, in 2023; by their son, Lyle Bachmier, in 2005; by his parents, Joe and Regina Bachmier and in-laws, Herman and Lydia Helmer.

Funeral services will be held October 7 at 2PM at the Holy Family Parish in Medicine Hat.

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