Shaunavon pays tribute to Rick and Bernadette Schneider

Posted on April 7, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

Shaunavon Standard

A special celebration was held in Shaunavon last month to recognize and honour two long-serving community and business leaders, Rick and Bernadette Schneider, who retired in February.

A come-and-go tea was held at Christ the King Church Hall to acknowledge their contributions to the community, particularly through their involvement with Binkley’s Funeral Service, which spanned five decades.

In fact, Rick’s career at Binkley’s began with a one-month stint in the summer of 1975 to see if it was a profession he might be interested in pursuing. That initial stint turned into a 50-year career. At the time, Binkley’s was operated by Rick’s uncle and aunt, Russ and Joan Markell.

After working for a year at a Funeral Home in Calgary, Rick returned to Shaunavon and began working full time at Binkley’s on October 1, 1976.

He entered into Articles of Clerkship to apprentice with Russ and received his certificate of qualification from the Saskatchewan Embalmer’s Association on September 30, 1978.

In July 1979, Rick entered into a share purchase agreement with Russ and Joan, and over the years, he continued to buy shares in the company.

When Russ retired in 1985, Rick purchased the remaining shares.

Bernadette, Rick’s wife, has been a huge influence and supporter for almost three decades, working alongside Rick as a funeral celebrant. She gained her funeral director’s license in 2002 and served as the community’s coroner for six years.

Over the past half-century, Rick has developed a well-deserved reputation for caring for the people he serves. His compassion for families facing difficult circumstances is well-known, as is his attention to detail and commitment to meeting the needs of the families he serves.

Although it could never be fully repaid, the Schneiders’ commitment to area families and the community was reciprocated during the come-and-go tea, as people lined up to offer tributes to the couple for their work in and around Shaunavon.

During a brief formal program led by Binkley’s staff member Mark Anderson, the Schneiders were recognized by several groups and organizations, including local churches, the Shaunavon Chamber of Commerce (where Rick served as a past president), and the Town of Shaunavon (where Rick served as an alderman).

The crowd on hand for the occasion filled the hall.

“It was  certainly humbling and a real honour,” Rick said of the retirement celebration. “It was nice to think that we’ve had a positive impact on our community.”

Rick’s community involvement extends far beyond his work at Binkley’s.

He has been a member of the Shawnee (Jaycee) Club, Shaunavon Pro Rodeo Association, Shaunavon Chamber of Commerce, Darkhorse Theatre, and has served three terms on Shaunavon Town Council. He has also been a member of the Shaunavon Hospital Board, Shaunavon Recreation Board, and Rock Creek Golf and Country Club. Additionally, Rick has served two terms on the Saskatchewan Funeral Service Association and has been involved with various funeral associations and council committees. Rick is also the long-time bugler for Legion Remembrance Day events and has travelled across the Southwest at various ceremonies. Bernadette also served as Legion Padre.

It could be argued that Rick’s history as a local business owner is almost unmatched in the community, with only a handful of business people in Shaunavon coming close to his years of service. Rick credits others for his success and longevity, including his staff, who have played an integral role in the success of Binkley’s over the years.

The Schneider’s retirement marks a new chapter for Binkley’s, which will continue to operate under the ownership of Dan and Nancy Martens, long-time area business leaders who have operated the Swift Current Funeral Home.

Sheena Thorpe, a licensed embalmer and funeral director, has been tasked with operating Binkley’s in Shaunavon along with Theresa Griffiths.

The Martens have retained all current staff, including Mark Anderson, Cheryl Nicolson, and Christine Widera, and have added a new employee Billie Talyn Groom.

Rick heaped praise on his staff for their contributions to the business over the past 49 years that he has been involved.

“I couldn’t have done this without the strong support of our staff over the years, the current staff in particular,” he stated.

He also expressed his enthusiasm for the Martens’ ownership “It’s great that they will be carrying on Binkley’s now, and that it’s still going to be here to support the community,” he said.

In retirement, Rick and Bernadette are looking forward to spending more time with family and pursuing hobbies and interests they had to put on hold while running the business.