Batters, Dave
It is with great sadness that the family of Dave Batters announces his passing on June 29, 2009 at the age of 39, following a courageous battle with depression and anxiety. Dave was a beloved husband, son and brother and will be sadly missed by the many family members and friends who were fortunate to have been a part of Dave’s life. Dave is survived by his wife Denise of Regina; parents Al and Shirley Batters of Estevan; brother Jeff Batters of Regina; aunt Bonnie Bridge and uncle Richard Mathis of Winnipeg; parents-in-law Steve and Jane Lesiuk; and sisters-in-law Dana Lesiuk (Jonathan), Yvonne Sirdar (John) and Annmarie Lesiuk, all of Regina. Dave’s life touched many people. He was born and raised in Estevan and graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a B.A. in Political Studies. He became active in the Progressive Conservative Party provincially and federally as a youth, and it was through politics that he met his loving wife Denise. Dave was an active member of the community and loved hockey and football. Prior to entering politics as the Conservative Party candidate in Palliser in the 2004 federal election, he worked in the health care field as a pharmaceutical representative. He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Palliser in 2004 and re-elected in 2006. During his four years representing the people of Palliser, he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people in his constituency and ensure that their voices were heard in Ottawa. As an M.P., Dave worked hard to secure infrastructure investment for communities in Palliser, including federal support for the new Moose Jaw Multiplex. He was a passionate advocate for tougher measures to reduce crime and protect those at-risk. In 2008, Dave introduced a private member's bill in the House of Commons, “Michelle’s Law”, calling for tougher Criminal Code rules relating to the release of persons charged with serious violent crimes. Last fall, Dave courageously made public his battle with depression and anxiety when he chose not to run for re-election. He entered treatment and his family and friends hoped he would overcome his illness. Tragically, this was not to be. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held at the Regina Funeral Home, Hwy #1 East, Regina, SK on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Regina Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 2702 – 12th Avenue, Regina, SK S4T 1J2. Family and friends are invited to sign the online book of condolences at www.regina-memorial.ca. Arrangements entrusted to Regina Funeral Home (306) 789-8850.