Richard Reimer
Obituary
Richard Reimer was born in Steinbach, Manitoba November 24, 1948 to Harvey and Violet Reimer of Ridgewood, MB. Dad passed away peacefully May 19, 2018 surrounded by his family at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB, after a four-year courageous battle with cancer, with unwavering faith.
Dad is survived by his loving wife Alice of almost 49 years, four daughters: Kim Giesbrecht and husband Geordie, their children Karli, Jessica Wall (Mike), Abby; Annette Petkau and her husband Frank, their children Andrew Reimer (Shantel), Luke Petkau (Hannah), Rebecca; Jacqui Plett and her husband Terry, their children Taylor, Mason; Gerrilyn Fehr and her husband Jason their children Jamason, Hunter, Talon, Vander; and 6 great grandsons; Kaden, Preston, Bronson, Knox, Tobias, Weston. He is also survived by two brothers and four sisters.
He was predeceased by his son Harlyn, his parents Harvey and Violet Reimer, his sister Julie Reimer and many other relatives to numerous to mention.
Dad was raised on a farm in the Ridgewood area in Manitoba. We enjoyed hearing stories of his many wonderful memories of growing up, the mischief him and his sisters got into and the pet calf he had.
Dad met mom in 1965 at a friend’s house. They spent four years dating and married at the Ridgewood Church on July 5, 1969. They lived in the Blumenhoff area until 2002, then moved to Steinbach. They were blessed with 1 son and 3 daughters. Their highlight as a family was camping in summer, a family road trip to BC, playing guitar and singing with the kids, watching Harlyn play hockey and later watching his grandsons play. Dad had a strong work ethic and taught us to work hard and enjoy doing it together as a family on the yard. He enjoyed playing cards with friends. He loved old cars. He loved woodworking and making precious gifts for his family.
Dad gave his life to Christ at a young age and was committed to continually growing in his relationship with Jesus. He has always volunteered in the church in some way, including; camp, youth leader, Sunday School, praise and worship, song leader, usher and Bible Studies.
Faith in God and family was by far the most important things to Dad. When his son passed away at the age of 20, when they had really grown in friendship, it was the hardest time of his life and left a permanent hole in his heart. We find great comfort in knowing they have now been reunited in heaven. The only thing Dad mentioned about possibly passing is that he looked forward to fishing by the river with Harlyn and his dad.
Dad loved music, singing and playing guitar. He started the gospel group Endurance of Love with his brother-in-law Delbert, with which they enjoyed ministering to many people for 10 years.
Dad spent most of his career in the manufacturing industry as a plant supervisor, his last 20 years working was at Monarch Industrial Coatings. In these years he made some lasting friendship, one being like a brother to him, Merlin Halipchuk, they worked together for 38 years.
The funeral service will be held Friday, May 25, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Springs Church, 179 Chapel Drive, Steinbach, MB, with a public viewing at 12:00 p.m. The interment will take place after the service at the Heritage Cemetery.
The family would like thank Dr Krahn, Dr Toews and the Cancer Care team in Steinbach for their incredible care as well as the nursing staff that cared for Dad throughout his various stays at the Bethesda Hospital. Also, a special thanks to the friends and family who have supported our family with prayers, visits and food.
