Vernon James Racz

Vernon James, ‘Vern’ Racz,  age 74 passed away Saturday, Oct 19th, 2019.  He is survived by loving wife Charlene Racz (nee Simpson), daughters Cheryl Walker (husband Darren, children Katharyn, Emily, Amanda), Julie Schuette (husband Matt, children Elizabeth, Violet), son Warren Racz (wife Stephanie Langley, children Victoria, Felicity), sisters Mary Hoyt, Irene MacNeil (Robert), brothers Geza (Gertrude), John and many nieces and nephews. Vern was born in Broadview Sept. 23, 1945.  He lived on the family farm near Kipling, SK and attended Little Mountain school, then the Kipling school up to grade 12.  He was a Queen Scout, played baseball and hockey and helped out on the family farm. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture (Animal Science) in 1968 then married Charlene that same year. Vern began working for the provincial gov't (Department of Municipal Affairs) in Regina in 1968 then went on to take his Masters in Animal Science (U of S) in 1969 and graduated in 1971.  He again worked for the provincial gov't in Yorkton as a livestock specialist until 1980. Vern served on the stewardship committees of several churches in Yorkton and Saskatoon. He was a boyscout troop leader and helped with 4-H. He was head of the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists for a year then  moved to Saskatoon to become the Provincial Swine Specialist. Vern took over managing the U of S Feed Testing lab in 1984, then created the Feed Resource Centre, developing and marketing feed and feed stuffs.  Through this position, he had the opportunity to travel and work as a consultant in many different countries.  Vern retired from the U of S in 2011 and continued work as a forensic agrologist. In 2018, Vern received the Sask Ag Hall of Fame award from the Sask. Institute of Agrologists as well as the Prime of Life Achievement award from the University Club. He began his true passion of farming in the mid 1990’s near Foam Lake, SK with his wife.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching the Blades and visiting family. Funeral Services will take place on Friday,  October 25, 2019 at 1:30 pm at McClure United Church. In lieu of flowers those so wishing may make a donation to a charity of their choice in memory of Vern.