REYNOLD BRIAN GRENIER

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REYNOLD BRIAN GRENIER Reynold Brian Grenier, 37, beloved husband of Maureen Fitzsimons, and devoted and loving father of Connor and Kelly, died peacefully at home in Winnipeg on Sunday, July 15, 2007 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Reynold is also survived by his parents, Etienne and Doreen, his brother Mike (Kathy), his sisters, Lynn (Danny) and Debbie (Darin), his sisters-in-law, Eileen (Terry) and Heather (Chuck), and his nephews and nieces, Andrew, Brendan, Jordan, Kathleen, Lauren, Maddie, Allie and Kade, as well as his grandmother Alice VanDeynze. Reynold was born in 1970 and raised in Somerset, Manitoba. He and his siblings would often spend their childhood summers in northern Manitoba where their father worked as a construction contractor. It was there that Reynold learned to fish an activity he and his father continued to enjoy in later years. The family also enjoyed camping and downhill skiing together. Reynold graduated from Westmount High School in Swan Lake in 1988 and attended the University of Manitoba from 1988 to 1991. He was active in student politics and made many friends during his time in residence at St. John's College. In 1991, Reynold joined Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and won many accolades as an integral part of the Farm Income Programs Directorate in Winnipeg. Reg, as he was often known to his co-workers and friends, was an important force in the lives of his peers mentoring his staff, shaping agricultural policy and advising department leaders. Reg gave tirelessly to the public service and loved his work and his country. Reynold had a passion for adventure, activity and exploring the world. His interests included downhill skiing, skydiving, playing hockey and travel. Reynold was also a Big Brother for many years. A self-taught student of politics, history, and human nature, Reynold always enjoyed discussing topics in these fields, and could be counted on for his witty commentary and insightful opinions on the issue at hand. His love of travel and history took him across Canada, the United States and overseas where he enjoyed touring great landmarks of human achievement from the Coliseum in Rome to the battlefields in Belgium to the walls of Quebec City. Family and friends played a central role in Reynold's life. Whether taking Connor to hockey and Kelly to dance competitions, or visiting his sisters in Toronto or his parents in Somerset, he cherished the time he spent with his family. He enjoyed spending time with his friends, often in far-flung locations Los Angeles and Las Vegas with his cousin Gilbert, and Washington, DC and Falcon Lake with his brothers in arms. Reynold will be remembered not only for his many accomplishments, but above all for his friendship, sense of humour, keen intelligence and adventurous spirit. The family would like to thank Dr. J. Silvaggio, Dr. D. Eisenstat, the staff at Health Sciences Centre and Manitoba CancerCare, and the palliative nurses for the compassion, kindness and dedication they provided. Above all the family would like to express their gratitude to the countless friends and family members who provided love and support during Reynold's illness. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 20 at Knox United Church, 400 Edmonton Street. A wake will be held later that evening at 6:00 p.m. at the Irish Club, 654 Erin Street. In lieu of flowers, donations in Reynold's name may be made to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. Arrangements entrusted to: KLASSEN FUNERAL HOME 1897 Henderson Hwy. 338-0331 www.klassenfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2007