Ralph D, Reimer

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RALPH D. REIMER
April 4, 1923 - February 4, 2016

Ralph Dueck Reimer was born to Dietrich and Katherina Reimer on April 4, 1923 in Steinbach, Manitoba. Dad lived in the Linden area during his early years, and developed an aptitude for farming (among many other things) from an early age. He subsequently went to work for his future father-in-law, Abe F. Penner, on his farm, where he met his future wife Mildred.

After dad and mom were married, they established the Landmark General Store together. In the years that followed, they sold this business, and dad devoted his efforts to growing his own farm while at the same time spending winters at the Penner family’s sawmill business in northern Manitoba. Dad remembered the winters in the bush camp with great fondness, and it was clear that those were some of dad's favourite years in his life.

Dad worked tirelessly at many other business initiatives while he continued to build up his farm, both to support his family and for his own personal fulfilment. He quickly gained a reputation for high quality workmanship and the ability to build "something out of nothing", often improving on the design of commercially manufactured parts and implements. His proficiencies did not go unnoticed, and he negotiated and successfully completed many construction contracts at commercial feed-mills across Manitoba. Over the years he also worked at Johnny's Workshop and he built and operated a greenhouse business. In addition to these many endeavors, dad was very involved in both community and church initiatives, serving on many committees and boards throughout his life.

Dad traveled with mom to many destinations within Canada, and also to Europe and Israel. In earlier years he took mom and his young family on annual camping trips to Clear Lake or Falcon Lake, often driving back to work on the farm during the day and back to the campsite by evening. In 1990, they upgraded their tent to a cottage on Caddy Lake. Dad and mom spent many memorable summers there together with their family. In later years, dad and mom spent several winter weeks in Florida, and he loved having his family visit him there.

Dad loved nature, and marvelled at the beauty of God's creation. He especially loved birds, and spent many hours feeding and watching the many varieties that would come to his feeders. He treated nature with a sense of reverence that comes with the knowledge that nature is truly God's wondrous creation.

Dad's life was built upon two immovable pillars – God and family. Family was always the highest priority for dad, and he would ensure that he was always available to help anyone in the family at any time of need, big or small. Dad's devotion to God and his unwavering commitment to follow the example of Jesus was evident in virtually everything he did. His life was a clear manifestation of his unshakable faith, instilling in family and friends his deeply held values of integrity, honesty, compassion, forgiveness, concern for others and, most of all, loving unconditionally.

Dad was predeceased by his wife Mildred and daughter Rhonda. He is survived by his daughters Teresa (Harry) and Marcia (Wayne), son Kerry (Theresa), son-in-law Patrick and several grandchildren.

The funeral service was held on February 8, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., at the Prairie Rose EMC, in Landmark, MB. Viewing took place at the church prior to the service. Interment took place at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MCC, 134 Plaza Drive; Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9, or ALS Society of Manitoba, 2A, 1717 Dublin Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0H2.

Arrangements by
BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Feb 08, 2016