REGINALD CHARLES HALEY

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REGINALD CHARLES HALEY It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son and brother Reginald on November 27, 1999 at the age of 28 years. Reg was predeceased by his father Reginald Sr. on December 9, 1993. Reg will forever be lovingly remembered by his "best friend" and mother Joan; brother Rick (Lisa) and children, Ellerey, Jess and Anna; brother Randy (Andrea) and son Rowan. Reg also leaves to cherish his memory, aunt and uncle, Dianna and Ed Mowdy and daughters, Tracy and Tricia (Dave) and son Tyler as well as goddaughter Jenny Pohl. Reg was born January 12, 1971 and grew up in Elmwood and North Kildonan. he graduated from River East Collegiate in 1988. He had a deep affection for motor vehicles of all shapes, sizes and years and began his "ultimate job" at Lone Star Motors shortly after high school. While at Lone Star, Reg attended Red River Community College receiving his auto mechanics licence in the spring of 1994. Reg became a Mercedes specialist and made numerous trips to the U.S. to further his expertise. He was a respected and dedicated employee who loved his work and took great pride in his abilities. Reg was very handy and extremely skilled at diagnosing problems of a mechanical nature. Be it a toaster or a lawnmower, he was adept at all types of repairs. He freely offered his skills to family and friends. As was his nature, Reg never expected anything in return. Reg or "Guy" as he was affectionately named by Rowan, was a big kid at heart and developed a special bond with all his nieces, nephews, and the many children at Twin Lakes. He loved them all as if they were his very own. From birth, Reg was a fixture at the family cabin. He cherished the people there and valued the strong relationships he shared with his extensive "beach family". Reg was a very active child and participated in many sports either at school, the community centre, or just with friends. He began playing soccer at age four and especially liked playing hockey when coached by his father. An avid hockey fan, Reg had a textbook knowledge of both the players and the history of the game. In fact, Reg had recently acquired a second television so that he could watch two games simultaneously. Other loves included his passion for food and cooking, his keen interest in history and knowledge, and his fondness for James Bond movies. Reg routinely wore out copies of his extensive Bond library through sheer overuse. Reg was always the life of the party. His easy-going, carefree demeanor allowed him to quickly win people over. He was a natural entertainer with an infectious smile and sharp sense of humour. Friends could always count on Reg for a laugh and he maintained his level of humour throughout his illness. More recently, Reg became quite reflective on life and developed many attitudes and beliefs typical of a mature and wise individual. After the loss of our dad and though being the youngest family member, Reg took on the responsibilities and roles of a father figure. Reg left a strong impact on all the lives he touched. His sense of loyalty and generosity were his most endearing qualities. He was a truly genuine person, unique in character. He developed an approach to life that always left a smile on the face of those around him. Reg was very compassionate, revealing empathy for those who were sick, both young and old. Diagnosed with Gardners Syndrome in July of 1995, Reg spent a large part of his remaining time in the hospital. His continued strength and courage were an inspiration to all that were privy to the extent of his ailments. This summer past was one of Regs healthiest in several years. His physician declared that Reg was a "walking miracle". The family would like to thank all staff at St. Boniface Hospital who extended a compassionate hand. At Regs request cremation has taken place. If friends so desire, donations in Regs memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Reg has left us to rest eternally with his father Reginald Joseph Junior and grandfather Reginald Joseph Haley. As we struggle with the tragic loss of such a young and gifted person, we can only hope and pray that there was a greater purpose to Regs pain and suffering and the void which has now filled all of our lives. Regs legacy is but a simple message. Devote your life to family and friends and always cherish the preciousness of life.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 30, 1999