- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
ELMER E. REIMER
Date of Passing: Dec 22, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryELMER (AL) E. REIMER Passed away peacefully at home, on December 22, 2015. He was 88. Al was predeceased by his wife Joan; son Mark; sisters, Louise Olson and Nita Hogue; and parents, Elizabeth and PJB Reimer. He is survived and dearly missed by his daughter Cynthia Eeson; son Curt; brother Syd; sister Charlotte Wiens; and grandchildren, Jennifer Eeson, Lindsay Eeson, Mallory Eeson, Jamie Reimer and Megan Reimer. Al was born in Prairie Rose, Manitoba, in the attic of the one room school where his father taught. It was an auspicious start to a long and distinguished academic career. Al earned his BA Hons from United College (University of Winnipeg) and MA and PhD from Yale University, which he attended as a Woodrow Wilson scholar. In 1960, he joined the faculty at United College, where he taught until his retirement in 1990. An avid lover of the Arts, especially Opera, Al was a founding board member of the Manitoba Opera Association. He was also a regular movie reviewer on the CBC radio program The Passing Show and an editor and contributor to the Mennonite Mirror. A gifted writer, his literary achievements include the novel My Harp Is Turned To Mourning (1986) and When War Came To Kleindarp and other Kleindarp Stories (2008). He was also an accomplished speaker and singer, and for many years lent his rich baritone voice to the First Mennonite Church Choir and The Men Of Melody Choir of Mesa, Arizona. He was passionate about sports. A loyal Jets fan and avid golfer, he could recall years of statistics when the need arose. Al was an enthusiastic traveller and made numerous trips to Europe and Russia, especially Ukraine where he led groups of Russian Mennonites exploring their ancestral roots. After retiring, Al and Joan split their time between Wanasing Beach, Winnipeg and Mesa, Arizona, surrounded by family and their many friends. Al lived his life well, filling it with loving relationships, good books, fine wine, great music and meaningful conversations. Until the very end, Al supported the sublime with uncurbed enthusiasm. He was never bored and had no regrets. Interment will take place on Saturday, April 30 at 3:00 p.m. at Rosenort Evangelical Mennonite Church Cemetery, two miles south of Rosenort. Memorial service and faspa to follow at 3.30 p.m. at Rosenort Heritage Centre. Donations may be directed to Mennonite Heritage Centre Archives at https://donate.mennonitechurch.ca /project/archives
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 23, 2016
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
-
My condolences to the family. He was a very good man; a most kind and supportive professor. He taught me creative writing, and both indulged and challenged me to become a better writer. I have fond memories. - Posted by: Mia Sally Correia (Former student ) on: Apr 23, 2016
-
My condolences to Al's family and friends. He was my creative writing teacher at the U of W, just as his first novel was coming out, and one of the reasons I make a living as a writer today. He told me I had the ability. He was a good teacher and a kind man. I've thought of him with great affection and gratitude over the years. - Posted by: Cathryn Atkinson (Former student) on: Apr 23, 2016