Sydney “Syd” Reimer

Obituary

Syd Reimer took one final flight, on the wings of an eagle, and went home in the early hours of a cold and bright morning in Winnipeg, Manitoba on January 25, 2026 at the impressive age of 92 years old.

Syd was born on April 14, 1933, in Steinbach, Manitoba. Two grandmothers were present at his birth, while his dad, knowing his mother was in good hands, attended the Good Friday service in church, and his siblings played outside. Syd was the fourth of five children born to Elizabeth and Peter J B (Kehler) Reimer.

Syd was raised in a loving family known for their laughter, warmth and infamous story-telling. These memories remained an anchor for Syd, and were a source of comfort and pride in where he came from. Things changed dramatically for him and his siblings after his mother’s death when he was 12 years old. Syd struggled to find his way without her anchoring love.

In 1951, encouraged by friends on the way home from a youth event at church, Syd made a life-changing decision to walk in Christianity. This welcomed a new chapter for Syd, filled with supportive friends and greater peace in his late teen years. Recently, while in hospital, he told Helen that he still felt God’s peace in that decision.

He found a deep and true love when he met his wife Helen. Together they created a beautiful family and a legacy that continues through their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They loved each other deeply until the very end.

Syd’s work and volunteer life were a source of great pride for him, and his giving heart was always present in these spaces. His career path included managing the local lumber yard and working as a financial planner. One of his proudest accomplishments was volunteering for Mennonite Disaster Service where he served for 30 years.

Flying was undoubtedly one of the great loves of his life. He was a private pilot for 45 years, logging over 2000 hours of flying. He estimated that that distance would have taken him around the world 12 times. He loved flying locally, giving many people plane rides and made trips across Canada, the USA and Central America.

Even in death, Syd’s generosity to his loved ones shone through. A man who simply wanted to love and take care of his people. He gave us the luxury of time together to say good-bye. As difficult as those weeks in the hospital were for him, he greeted his family and friends with a sweet smile and sparkling eyes, and expressed many times over how deeply thankful he was to see us.

There is no doubt that Syd was met by many loved ones as he flew to the great beyond on that crisp January morning. He was predeceased by his mother Elizabeth Kehler, father Peter J B Reimer and step-mother Marie Reimer. He outlived all of his siblings, Al, Nita, Louise and Charlotte, as well as his daughter Marj and his grandson Tom.

He is survived by his wife – his Liebe Helen, his children, Daryl Reimer, Jim and Janine Heinrichs (Jen and Eusebio, Kate, Sara and Anthony, Billy and Megan), Dan Reimer (Sam and Jess, Ziggy and Mike), Kim and Cal Kroeker (Mike and Adrielle, Erin and Gareth, Megan and Iain), Peter Reimer (Alex, Nik and Ashlyn, Nally and Joe) and James and Christine Reimer (Kaleb, Maiya), as well as 14 great-grandchildren.

Your good work here is done. May you fly with the eagles until we meet again.

A celebration of life will be held February 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fort Garry Mennonite Fellowship Church, 150 Bayridge Avenue, Winnipeg, Mb.