Friends and family gathered inside the Holy Child Parish Saturday afternoon to say goodbye to Tanner Kaufmann.
The 37-year-old was killed by an alleged drunk driver Sept. 4. He leaves behind his wife Alyscia of nine years and their two young boys, aged five and seven-years-old.
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His obituary read Kaufmann was a respected mechanic with Redhead Equipment. As part of the funeral service, a large truck, similar to what he often worked with, honked its horn and followed the motorcades.
One of Tanner Kaufmann’s best friends, David Limacher has been a spokesperson on behalf of the family.
He said many people at Saturday’s funeral service were still in disbelief.
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“Today was really tough,” Limacher said.
Limacher described Kaufmann’s death as tragic and sudden. He said some of the people who attended Saturday’s service found closure. According to Limacher, more than 1,000 people attended his funeral.
Limacher said Kaufmann was known as a role model amongst his peers. He was a great cook, an avid outdoors man, and a loving father.
He also went on to described Kaufmann as a “stand up guy” that will forever be an example, both in life and death.
“I think everything happens for a reason good or bad and I think Tanner, a part of his legacy will be this, the dangers of impaired driving,” Limacher explained.
Anti-drunk-driving cards were handed out at the funeral, with taxi numbers and other information on them, in hopes to keep other families from feeling the heartache.
Limacher said transportation options needs to expand. He said the Uber debate in the province should be re-examined.
READ MORE: Uber looks to expand ride-sharing app to Saskatchewan
Limacher said he has received multiple messages from politicians and the public who would like to speak with him. He said the general consensus is that the drinking and driving culture in Saskatchewan needs to end.
“It’s very simple to not be behind the wheel. It’s time as a society that we woke up and said ‘We’re not going to accept this anymore, we’re going to be different. We’re going to be better.'” Limacher explained.
He would like to see the government change the laws and the punishment on impaired driving. He also wants transportation services addressed in Saskatchewan.
“I also think the private sector needs to address this issue as well, like not letting Uber into our city. We need to allow transportation to be capitalistic and allow them to expand on transportation,” he said.
Limacher went on to say that when you have been drinking, transportation options home are limited.
“For after the bar or from a bar, out in the north end, or the south end of the city, transportation is not very good right now,” Limacher added.
Limacher said Kaufmann’s immediate family has been very strong and his young boys are learning to be just as strong and impressive as dad was.
“Tanner was the ultimate family man. Tanner was a very kind friend… first and foremost a great parent,” he said.
READ MORE: Family and friends mourning loss of Regina man killed by alleged drunk driver
Friends have set up a trust fund for five-year-old Kolt and seven-year-old Parks. Limacher is hoping the money will help Kaufmann’s sons attend University. He said higher education is something he knows Tanner would have loved to see.
Premier comments on impaired driving
On Saturday morning, Premier Brad Wall posted a public statement regarding drinking and driving in Saskatchewan on Facebook.
The lengthy post acknowledged that drinking and driving was a “serious problem” in the province. Wall also mentioned that the problem has existed for some time and that the issue needs to stop.
“Too many of us are still drinking and driving and it is taking the lives of our neighbours and friends, fathers, mothers and our kids,” Wall wrote on Facebook.
“Tonight, a mom will again try to explain to her kids why dad is not there. An entire family.. an entire family will be missed by grandparents, friends and community,” he added.
“It is devastating the lives of others who are left behind.”
Wall also wrote that he is requesting the ministers to have additional measures ready for urgent consideration next month when the legislature reconvenes.
“This is Saskatchewan. We are going to get this right – not perfect perhaps – but we are going to save lives and make our streets and highways safer,” Wall said.
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