OSCAR ALVIN REINSCH

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OSCAR ALVIN REINSCH 1918 - 2007 On April 28, 2007, Oscar passed away at Health Sciences Centre at the age of 89. He will forever remain in the memory of his family; daughter Cheryl Manness (Clayton), sons, Alvin (Julia) and Richard (Simone); grandchildren, Scott (Marci), Jason (April), Christine (Daryl), Alan, Jeffrey, Danny, and Emma; and, seven great-grandchildren, Nathan, Kendall, Alison, Benjamin, Ella, Noah and Abby. He was predeceased by his wife Eva (2005) and his daughter Eve-lynne (1965). Oscar was born on February 24, 1918 in Jansen, SK, first child of Alvin and Olga (Kohanik) Reinsch. He lived his early life there with brothers, Karl and Bert, and later moved with family to Kandahor, nearby, where brother Gerald was born. The family eventually settled at Brunkild, in 1937, two years after Oscar, then 17, had been dispatched to search out prospects in grain farming in Manitoba. The family had not been engaged in farming before that time. He lived with his older cousin Bob Reinsch (and good times were had!), learned the art of farming, and was joined by the rest of the family. Oscar enjoyed sports, was an avid competitor, loved to socialize, loved to farm, and loved to work hard. He actively farmed into his 80's. A stroke in 2000 took him away from Brunkild, his favourite place, and ultimately resulted in his residing at Lions Place on Portage Avenue. He married Eva LeClair in 1943, and together they built a successful grain farm. He had the ability to focus on the activities that were important to him whether that was farming or playing sports at an earlier age, or later visiting Eva (who was residing at a different care institution) on an almost daily basis with his scooter. In fact, after his stroke, if he was unable to make that four block trip, the staff at Misericordia Place, where Eva was living, would inquire of the family as to his whereabouts as he was so predictable in either fair or foul weather. He gave community time where he felt he could contribute, whether that was a school trustee, Manitoba Pool local director, or teaching youth the art of curling, the game he loved the most. It should be remembered that Oscar was an outstanding athlete in his early years with a physical presence, and the drive he exhibited in sports simply shifted to farming. He enjoyed his period of study in the Masonic Lodge at Sperling, achieving full status as a mason. No summary of Oscar's life would be complete without giving commentary to his unique ways. He was a character in every good sense of the word. Regrettably our rural communities are losing and have lost so many of these outstanding personalities. His presence brought joy and intrigue to many people. He was the butt' of local humour for decades happy to play his part. To deal with Oscar once, was to know him for a lifetime. No one who ever met him ever forgot him. He enjoyed all his years, but certainly his youth and the late 60's and early 70's when the new upstart Versatile Tractor Company field tested many of its new products at his farm. He was right in the middle of the action, he and Eva fully providing support to the engineers and technicians. Oscar never sought status, great wealth or material possessions. Vacations were rare. He received more satisfaction making his yard and machinery ready for the next farm season. If a new part was ever required, he would stockpile so as to never run out. He enjoyed driving around the country side, talking to farmers about the latest farm strategies and viewing crops. Being with people particularly his friends in Brunkild, his friends at various farm meetings, and his friends in the curling rinks in Winnipeg, or with his brother Karl talking farming, or with anyone else talking about sports, politics - these times with others, provided him the best life had to offer. Oscar has earned his rest. His unyielding determination and incredible willpower that guided all of his activities over the years, was with him to the last hour. At Oscar's request, a private family graveside service was held May 2, at Thomson In the Park' Cemetery. His family sincerely wishes to thank Dr. Brian Sharkey for years of personal service, and counseling that he provided, and to the medical and support staff at Lion's Place that provided such outstanding care over the years. Oscar could be demanding at times. If you wish, donations in Oscar's memory may be made to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation, 200-6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 05, 2007