REGINALD GORDON COUTTS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

REGINALD GORDON COUTTS April 22, 1926 - August 10, 2009 It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Reg, on Monday, August 10, 2009 at the Health Sciences Centre Rehabilitation Centre. Predeceased by our Mom Betty on May 5, 2005, he is survived by daughter Penny, grandsons Beau, Cody, Calyn and Jory Goodchild; son Timothy (Marina), grandson Riley and Marina's daughters, Kim and Michelle (her son Rylan); son Patrick; daughter Barb (Greg) Sailor, grandson Colt and only granddaughter Cameo; daughter Cindy (Steve) and son John. Also left to mourn his loss is sister Lorna Lobson, cousin and life long best friend, Gordon Gid Coutts and many other friends. Dad was raised in the Norwood area, along with siblings Donald (deceased) and Lorna (Abbotsford, BC). He was the eldest child of the late Reginald Sr. and Jessie Coutts. He started work for Manitoba Telephone System in 1948 as a groundman, progressing to cable splicer, retiring in 1983 after 24 years as an Outside Plant Engineer. He enjoyed 26 years of retirement. Regardless of the weather, blizzard conditions or not, Dad always started his day at the downtown YMCA. He was a member of the 1,000 mile running club but in later years just had a swim, steam and the best part, coffee with his friends. From there he was off for breakfast as soon as the doors opened at the Seine River Café on Provencher, Lori and her staff were wonderful to him. He was a proud member of the Telephone Pioneers, bowling with them throughout the winter and spent many hours on charitable work at the old Norwood Exchange on Traverse Ave. He started wood carving in the 1980s and has left us with some wonderful pieces. Dad was a huge Blue Bomber and Toronto Blue Jay's fan and never missed a game. He sold the family home on Cunnington Avenue when Mom passed away but remained in St. Vital on Niakwa Rd. His real home however, was his cabin in Grand Marais, he loved it and was there as often as he could be. A veteran of the Second World War, he enlisted in the navy at the age of seventeen, serving on such ships as the Chippawa, Griffan, Cornwallis, Stadacona, Scotian, Peregrine, and the Puncher. He appreciated the assistance Veterans Affairs gave him the last few years. He was a fighter and we often joked that he had nine lives; unfortunately this last battle weakened him so much that he said he was ready to go . Sincere thanks to those who helped Dad throughout, Dr. Oliver Bereznay, staff at the Pacemaker Clinic at St. Boniface Hospital, staff of 135 Niakwa Rd. and 6th floor doctors and nurses at the HSC Rehab Centre. In keeping with Dad's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service. However, please join us by dropping in for a celebration of his life, on Saturday, August 15, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Emerald Room, at the Travelodge, 20 Alpine Ave. (Fermor Ave. and St. Annes Rd). Flowers are gratefully declined, in lieu of, kindly donate to a charity of your choice. REST IN PEACE DAD

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2009