Renee Lynn Bechtold (née: Smith)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Renee Lynn Bechtold July 12, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. Renee was born in Moose Jaw July 27, 1951. She attended Westmount, Riverview Collegiate and Peacock High School.
Renee grew up across the alley from James (Mike) Bechtold and they were married on May 20, 1972. She spent most of her time as a mother and homemaker, raising two sons, Mike and Tim. The family enjoyed camping, and later purchased a cabin at Buffalo Pound Lake. In her children’s early years she ensured they attended bowling, cubs/scouts, swimming lessons, and little league. She could be found in the back yard wearing the full little league catching gear from time to time, teaching her boys how to pitch. She also spent time cheering on her husband’s fastball and hockey teams and enjoyed the social aspect of those groups.
She was often the first to volunteer to drive for school field trips and offered many kid’s rides home during the cold of winter, to the point some of our school mates also called her mom. As the years progressed, hockey, football and other school activities were added to the list. Renee was always there to cheer on her boys.
As her children grew, Renee took on some work, being a seasonal product sampler for Shoppers Drug Mart, providing vacation relief for family friends in the newspaper business, and settling in to a full time shipper receiver role at Canadian Tire which she enjoyed until an injury sidelined her.
She happily took on the role of Grandma when the time came, cherishing the time spent with family on birthdays and holidays, or at the lake. As a grandma she continued her role as #1 fan and could be found at various hockey rinks, soccer pitches, baseball diamonds, lacrosse fields, football fields, and high school gyms, not only in Moose Jaw, but across the province, cheering on her grandchildren, including attending the majority of her grandson’s baseball games in 2021. She also spent a lot of that time being a taxi driver for the afterschool sports or ensuring one child got to an alternate venue when they had to travel in opposite directions.
Renee enjoyed her time at the cabin. When there, the grass would be watered non-stop, the bird feeders would be filled, and all of her candles and lanterns lit. When the grass was green and the birds were feeding she enjoyed her time sitting on the deck taking it all in. Many fires, late night bar-b-qued hot dogs, plates of nachos, and old time movies were enjoyed.
Renee was predeceased by her parents Doris (2002) and Allan (2015); grandparents George and Barbara Smith and William and Helen Busby; niece Louise (1972) and brother-in-law Terry (2018). She is survived by her husband of 50 years James (Mike), sons: Mike (Tanya), Tim (Daniele), grandchildren Bailey, Austin, Alex (Robyn), Kaleb (Angelle), Avery, Kyler (Emma) and Reed (Shania); her brother Gerry (Dorothy), “older” twin sister Rae, younger sister Barb (Tony); all aunts, uncles and cousins of the Smith and Bechtold families as well as many nieces nephews and friends.
Renee had a long battle with cancer, spending time in 5 different hospitals, and fought until the very end. She never let it slow her down. Instead she put on her favorite hat and continued her coffee stops, shopping sprees and visiting friends and family.
Thanks to Vern, Woody, Louise, Judy O, Vi, Char, and many others, thank you for being a friend. Special thanks to staff at Allan Blair Cancer Clinic, Providence Place, Home Care and Pioneers Lodge for your care and compassion.
A Celebration of Renee’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 27th, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. in the Harvey Room at Moose Jaw Funeral Home.
Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Calvin Gammel, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
mike. Sorry for your loss
Very sorry for your loss. I went to high school with Renee, when every we ran into each other, she alway was so glad to see you! a warm greeting and a smile . The world lost a gem ! Many all your fond memories warm your heart at this very sad time. She is smile down at us today and alway.
Most heartfelt condolences to ALL RENEE’S FAMILY. She was a Gem. We have lots of wonderful memories of her at coffee and the occasional supper with her & Mike. She definitely will be missed. RIP RENEE
We’re so very sorry to hear that Renee has lost her battle. She fought hard and was a real trooper. Our sympathy and prayers are with you all.
My deepest condolences to you and family.
Condolences to all Renee’s family and friends …. She was one of a kind for sure. My last visit was only last week and she was anxious to show me pics of all her grandchildren on her phone …..very proud mom and Gramma indeed. You will be missed Renee …. Give our Moms kisses and squishes from us all ❤️ Gods speed
Mike, Tim and Mike, I’m so very sorry to hear of Renee’s passing. We sure had some great times sitting at baseball diamonds and hockey rinks together. She was your number one fan and I know you’ll all miss her like crazy.
Mike,
So sorry to hear about your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mike and Family at this difficult time. Please know you are in our prayers. With deepest sympathy Howard and Linda (Tournat) Fisher. Vernon, BC
Mike and family,
Sorry for your loss. We have many good memories from over the years.
Larry & Adeline
Mike, Tim and Mike and families. We are so sorry to hear of Renee’s passing. The memories of all the great times you had together will help you get through this time of sorrow. There are a lot of wonderful memories of our ball team’s get togethers. May God bless you and family at this sad time.
Mike and extended family, we would like to express our condolences on your loss. In time may you find comfort in your many memories. We are thinking of you!
Mike and family, we are very sorry to hear of your loss. Our condolences to you and your families during this difficult time.
Deepest condolences to Mike and family.May memories help bring you comfort at this time.
Mike and family, sincerely sorry for your loss.
Bless your family with strength and peace.
Sincere condolences to Mike and family… and the Smith family as well May your precious memories be your bridge and give you some comfort during this very difficult time! Take care… and… God bless each and every one during this difficult time.
To Mike and Family. I was so sad to hear of Renee’s passing. I knew her and her family for years. My boys were the same age as Mike and Tim. We were both ‘hockey Moms’! We connected over the years for coffee ☕️ and a chat, and would ‘catch up’ when I say her at the Co-op when I worked there, or just shopping. She was a kind, caring soul, was glad to have known her. My ❤️ goes out to you all, at this time.
Sincerely, Patty Belbin
Mike and family, So sorry for your loss. May wonderful memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Mike and family. So sorry to hear that Renee has lost her battle to cancer. She was a trooper.
Mike and Family.. Our deepest condolences to all of you. May you find comfort in your many memories of your dear wife, mother and grandmother. Sincerely Cliff and Doris Dunlop
Mike, Tim, Mike and family: My heartfelt condolences on your loss. May you find comfort and solace in your memories, family and friends. The grief and pain you feel today will ease in time, so stay strong together. Best wishes to all.
Mike, Tim, and Mike, so sorry for your loss, our condolences to you and your families! Bonnie and Ed
Mike, Mike and Tim, I have such special memories of Renee from many years ago. We had a lot of fun and many adventures. So sorry to hear of her passing. Take comfort in knowing how much she cared and loved you all.
Mike and Mike. We are so sorry for your loss.
Condolences to the whole family .She was a beautiful lady that will be missed by everyone . We will really miss her on the Restarant .
Mike and family. I am very sorry to hear of your loss.
So very, very sorry to hear about Renee’s passing. Our thoughts are with all your family. RIP Renee.
Mike, Tim and family. We are so sorry for the loss of your Mom. Deepest condolences to all of you.
Sincerely,
Joe, Abbey and Alice Calvert