JOSEPH JOHN REICHART

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JOSEPH JOHN REICHART Peacefully in his sleep, Joe passed away on June 30, 2000 at the Pine Falls Health Complex. Survived by his loving wife Shirley of 47 years; two sons, Byron (Janis) Paul and David of Winnipeg, Bill (Nola) Kelsey and Leah of Prince George, BC; daughter Jody (Cy) Anders and Jolene Larson of Lac du Bonnet. Also survived by his only brother Bill (Betty) of Pinehurst, NC; stepmother Anita; Uncle Tony; Aunt Katie of Winnipeg, Aunt Rosie of Teulon; cousins, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth (1964) and Joe (1974). Born in Winnipeg in 1931 he grew up in West Kildonan, where he competed in many sports, along with coaching in a number of Vince Leahs community programs. Joe excelled as a hockey player. After three seasons with the Winnipeg Black Hawks Jr. team, his hockey career brought him to Pine Falls in 1951. He started his electrical apprentice with the Pine Falls Paper Company in 1952 working until retirement June 30, 1990, but it was truly hockey that brought him to Pine Falls to play with the Paper Kings, winning the Western Canada Hockey Championship in 1956-57. Big Joe captained the team for many years and could still recall numerous details of games that he played. After Intermediate hockey, he played a number of years with the Pine Falls Old Timers. Later he coached, refereed and served on the executive of that team. His passion for sport was not limited to hockey, in the summer months it was baseball and especially golf. Some of his accomplishments were winning the club championship in three separate decades, Hockey-Golf Champion in 1959, competitor and rural champion in many Free Press Inter-club competitions. Joe served on the executive of the Pine Falls Golf Club in all capacities and was recently honoured as a lifetime member. It was his involvement in these sports, which contributed to countless friendships and good memories. Reminiscing with and about old teammates and opponents gave him hours of joy in later years. The family would like to thank Dr. Niemand, Dr. Mare and the nursing staff of Pine Falls Health Complex for the excellent care and compassion. In accordance with Joes wishes, cremation has taken place and no service will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy a memorial donation may be made to a charity of your choice. "Ve git too soon oldt and too late schmart."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 05, 2000