Obituary for Lambert Pius Risling
We only wish we could have said goodbye.
With profound sadness and heavy hearts Kelly and Leslie Risling and Gail and Bob Graham announce the sudden passing of their father and father-in-law.
Lambert was born and raised in Wilkie, Saskatchewan, the fifth of ten children of Jacob Risling and Elizabeth (nee Miller). His adolescent years were primarily spent working long, laborious hours on the family farm. A favourite reprieve from the difficult work was when he was given time off to “put on the gloves” and box in community and district matches; he was also known to go “bare fisted” at any time with anyone. Being quick-tempered, freakishly strong and possessing mitt-like hands he had a reputation as someone not to be messed with. Any other free time in his youth involved playing pool, dancing and flirting with girls - all activities he enjoyed until the time of his passing.
When he was only 19 years old Lambert married the love of his life, 17-year-old Rose Wangler, on November 28, 1950 (and they were married exactly one month shy of 66 years at the time of her passing in 2016). In 1956, along with their 5-year-old daughter and newly born son, the family moved to Medicine Hat where Lambert found employment at I-XL industries at the Redcliff brick plant. He began as a loader operator mixing the requisite clays needed for different types of bricks - during which time he was also president of the worker’s union - and eventually advanced to salaried positions as plant foreman and finally superintendent. He was a valued employee with the company - seldom missing a day of work - for 40 years until his retirement in 1996.
Lambert’s number one priority was always his family, to whom he afforded unwavering support, loyalty and dedication, especially to his wife. He was exceedingly proud (but not boastful) of his four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He could often be intimidating, and his mere presence elicited respect. He was hardnosed, but mellowed with age; demanding, but fair; steadfast in his beliefs, but mannerly of others’ opinions; principled, but tolerant of those less moral; stubborn, but not obstinate. He was god-fearing, honest and humble, and his handshake was his word. He was generous to those in need, to his church, and with his time. He relished a good debate especially one politically based. He was fastidiously neat, clean and tidy with his house, yard, clothes, and car. He was sarcastic and a good-natured teaser. He was a loyal Blue Jays fan, appreciated Brut aftershave, and was friendly to a daily shot of rye whiskey.
Most of all, he was a man of upright, noble character, and his life was distinguished by persistent moral virtue. And when he recognized he had done something wrong he did what was necessary to get back on track. He stood strong, he stepped up, he spoke out, he stayed humble, and he served God.
Lambert was predeceased by his parents; wife, Rose; brothers, Eddie, Elvin, and Ronald; sisters, Mary and Molly; and great grandson, James Graham. He is survived by brothers, Joe Risling (Adeline), Jack Risling, Roy Risling (Dianne), and sister, Katherine Coats. He will also be missed and lovingly remembered by grandchildren, Kelsie Godu (Corey), Bobby Graham (Erica) and their children, Grace and Freddy, Brock Graham (Jody) and his children, Elaina and Silvana, and Braden Graham (Vivian) and their children, Braden Jr. and Elizabeth.
Abiding by Lambert’s wishes, no formal funeral service will transpire. His cremains will be placed in an urn alongside his wife in a columbarium in Hillside Cemetery in Medicine Hat. Rest in peace Dad/Gramps. Heaven is a better place with you in it, and probably a little cleaner. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Lambert Risling.
With profound sadness and heavy hearts Kelly and Leslie Risling and Gail and Bob Graham announce the sudden passing of their father and father-in-law.
Lambert was born and raised in Wilkie, Saskatchewan, the fifth of ten children of Jacob Risling and Elizabeth (nee Miller). His adolescent years were primarily spent working long, laborious hours on the family farm. A favourite reprieve from the difficult work was when he was given time off to “put on the gloves” and box in community and district matches; he was also known to go “bare fisted” at any time with anyone. Being quick-tempered, freakishly strong and possessing mitt-like hands he had a reputation as someone not to be messed with. Any other free time in his youth involved playing pool, dancing and flirting with girls - all activities he enjoyed until the time of his passing.
When he was only 19 years old Lambert married the love of his life, 17-year-old Rose Wangler, on November 28, 1950 (and they were married exactly one month shy of 66 years at the time of her passing in 2016). In 1956, along with their 5-year-old daughter and newly born son, the family moved to Medicine Hat where Lambert found employment at I-XL industries at the Redcliff brick plant. He began as a loader operator mixing the requisite clays needed for different types of bricks - during which time he was also president of the worker’s union - and eventually advanced to salaried positions as plant foreman and finally superintendent. He was a valued employee with the company - seldom missing a day of work - for 40 years until his retirement in 1996.
Lambert’s number one priority was always his family, to whom he afforded unwavering support, loyalty and dedication, especially to his wife. He was exceedingly proud (but not boastful) of his four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He could often be intimidating, and his mere presence elicited respect. He was hardnosed, but mellowed with age; demanding, but fair; steadfast in his beliefs, but mannerly of others’ opinions; principled, but tolerant of those less moral; stubborn, but not obstinate. He was god-fearing, honest and humble, and his handshake was his word. He was generous to those in need, to his church, and with his time. He relished a good debate especially one politically based. He was fastidiously neat, clean and tidy with his house, yard, clothes, and car. He was sarcastic and a good-natured teaser. He was a loyal Blue Jays fan, appreciated Brut aftershave, and was friendly to a daily shot of rye whiskey.
Most of all, he was a man of upright, noble character, and his life was distinguished by persistent moral virtue. And when he recognized he had done something wrong he did what was necessary to get back on track. He stood strong, he stepped up, he spoke out, he stayed humble, and he served God.
Lambert was predeceased by his parents; wife, Rose; brothers, Eddie, Elvin, and Ronald; sisters, Mary and Molly; and great grandson, James Graham. He is survived by brothers, Joe Risling (Adeline), Jack Risling, Roy Risling (Dianne), and sister, Katherine Coats. He will also be missed and lovingly remembered by grandchildren, Kelsie Godu (Corey), Bobby Graham (Erica) and their children, Grace and Freddy, Brock Graham (Jody) and his children, Elaina and Silvana, and Braden Graham (Vivian) and their children, Braden Jr. and Elizabeth.
Abiding by Lambert’s wishes, no formal funeral service will transpire. His cremains will be placed in an urn alongside his wife in a columbarium in Hillside Cemetery in Medicine Hat. Rest in peace Dad/Gramps. Heaven is a better place with you in it, and probably a little cleaner. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Lambert Risling.