Walter R. Reimer

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WALTER R. REIMER
August 31, 1919 - December 26, 2015

Dad passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 26, 2015 at the age of 96 years. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife Margaret, children: Iris and Cliff Dirks and Sylvia and Vic Peters, Ken and Nelly Reimer, Beverly Reimer; grandchildren: Robin Dirks and Erick Pay, Kian and Keira; Wren and Renata Dirks, Sophia and Axel, daughter-in-law Melissa (Jay) Dirks; Janna (Peters) and Brendan Penner, Brody and Allegra; Marisa (Peters) and Rory Wiebe, Courtney and Kayla; Cherie (Peters) and Galen Peters, Hayley, Carson, Rylan; Sandi (Peters) and Jared Toews, Cameron, Brooke, Kash; Kristy (Reimer) and Nathan Bakker, Sam, Jack, Peter; Theresa (Reimer) and Fred Folkerts, Emily, Caleb, Micah; Jessica (Reimer) and Dan Folkerts, Aliyah, Gavin, Claire; Michael and Melanie Reimer, Avery and Elise; one brother Clarence and Madeline Reimer, one brother-in-law and five sisters-in-law,. He was predeceased by: his parents Jacob A. and Margaret Reimer, brother Ronald, sister Marie and grandson Jay.

He had a strong faith in his Lord and Saviour and lived a godly life of integrity, great humility and following God in love and obedience to Him, gladly serving God and his fellow man. He enjoyed a full life.

He was born in the small community of Giroux, MB, on August 31, 1919 and moved with his family to Saskatoon, SK, at the age of 6 years. In the early 30’s the family moved back to Manitoba and settled in Steinbach. In 1941 as a Conscientious Objector he spent time inn Clear Lake, MB and Armstrong, ON.

He found the love of his life and married Margaret Reimer on July 26, 1945. After many birthday and anniversary celebrations, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary quietly with a family picnic this past summer. They spent the first 55 years of their married lives in the home that Dad built at 198 Home Street after which they moved to Fernwood Place, their current residence.

Dad loved exploring his world. We heard stories of his train trip to Vancouver, cycling to Kenora for a Sunday outing, cycling out to some river swimming hole in the surrounding communities. After their marriage, they together found their way to many points along back roads from the Everglades to Pikes Peak, Washington DC to Vancouver, PEI to Thompson, MB, and many places in between. After Bev moved to Banff, we believe they travelled there over 70 times taking a different route each time. They always had a story to tell “have you been to…” you name it and the stories would begin. As a young family we also were privileged to enjoy many family vacations and looked forward to what the summer would bring.

Dad loved gardening and so began his first job. He had a market garden and in the spring and fall days he tilled gardens. His career with chickens began early as well and led him to his career with the Steinbach Hatchery which spanned 50 years, growing from deliveries to sales and to part owner and general manager. He loved his job, the people he worked with and the customers he served. So often we have heard stories from people who shared their experiences with Dad. He loved to help people reach their potential in all areas of life. Mentoring wasn’t a word used back then, but that’s what he did with many people. He also spent a term as President of the Canadian Hatchery Association and a term on the Steinbach Credit Union Board. Those experiences were very important to him and he developed many friendships all across Canada during those years.

Dad loved his church. It was important for him and his family to be committed to Christ and to put feet to that faith and participate in the workings of the church. Dad together with Mom were charter members of Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church and worked tirelessly in service to God. He loved teaching Sunday school and was also Sunday School Superintendent for a number of years. In the early years he sang in a quartet that ministered to surrounding communities. He served as deacon, elder and board member for many years. He also really enjoyed his years on the Evangelical Free Church Prairie District Board travelling to Calgary for quarterly meetings and then also to many annual conferences.

Dad has been a great example to us as a family. He taught us to give of ourselves, to love our spouses and children unconditionally, to be people of integrity, and always be faithful to our God. He has left us very big shoes to fill, but at the same time he always said that it is God who enables us to fill those shoes in whatever way He wants them to be filled.

We wish to thank the Bethesda Hospital doctors and staff and the Home Care Staff for their wonderful compassion and care for Dad.

We love you Dad and we will really miss you.

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

As published in The Carillon on Dec 30, 2015