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Former Delburne mayor Ray Reckseidler honoured

Village of Delburne, Dreeshen, MacIntyre pay tributes
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A former Village of Delburne mayor was not re-elected in the recent municipal election but he still continues to serve his community — something he’s done for more than three decades.

The Village of Delburne held a special meeting to highlight Ray Reckseidler’s contributions earlier this month.

Reckseidler served as the mayor starting in 1980 to 1992 when he first began his political journey. He was also the village’s mayor from 1995 to 2001 and finally from 2004 to 2017. He also served as a councillor for another 15 years totalling to 31 years of community service.

“I’m honoured and humbled,” said Reckseidler. “Not many of those who do good deeds get recognized and I’m privileged to be recognized.”

Today, the 78-year-old is still serving his community as the president of the Anthony Henday Historical Society, which operates a museum in Delburne, and director of Community Futures East Parkland for Delburne and Elnora area. He also gives his time to the Delburne Minor Hockey Association coaching the Delburne Outlaws Senior A team.

During his tenure in public office, Reckseidler supported infrastructure development on the east side of the village to boost residential and commercial growth.

“And today we have a subdivision and golf course there,” he said.

He also supported the purchase of a liquor store during his tenure and converted it to a senior’s drop-in centre. He was also part of council, which supported construction of a fire hall in Delburne.

MP Earl Dreeshen, Innisfail-Sylvan Lake MLA, Don MacIntyre, Red Deer County Mayor Jim Wood were among the approximately 75 people in attendance at the event where Reckseidler was honoured. Dreeshen pointed out Reckseidler’s honesty and commitment to the community and highlighted how he’s been a friend and mentor to him.

Reckseidler was once a teacher at an Innisfail school before he entered politics and taught both Dreeshen and Wood. He was promoted to vice principal in Innisfail and later, a principal at a school in Delburne.

Dreeshen also made a statement in the House of Commons recently to highlight Reckseidler’s public contributions to Central Alberta.

On the streets of the Village of Delburne, Reckseidler is often known as the father of triplets, a DJ, and an amateur villain who plays in one-act shows. But overtime he has managed to reach beyond Delburne.

He served as president for the Social Credit Party of Alberta from 1978 to 1980 and running as a candidate in 1975. He also ran as a candidate for the former Alberta Representative Party in 1986 and the provincial Liberal Party in 1997. His provincial positions also include becoming the president of the FCSSAA from 1988 to 1990.

Through most of his life’s journey, from a teacher to a local politician, his wife Sheila has stuck by his side.

Sheila said she is proud of her husband’s achievements.

“It was rewarding and heartwarming that the Village of Delburne and all the others gave him such recognition,” she said.



mamta.lulla@reddeeradvocate.com

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