1952 – 2017
Reuben Lowell Reimer was born to Henry and Ida Schartner Reimer in Matsqui, BC on July, 9, 1952. He passed away in a tragic accident near his home in Armstrong, five days before his 65th birthday.
When Reuben was six, his parents moved their family to Carbon, Alberta, returning to Abbotsford after a few years. In 1962, Reuben moved with his family to Armstrong, BC where he completed his education in Armstrong.
Reuben gave his heart to the Lord and was baptized at the age of fourteen. On December 14, 1981, he rededicated his life to the Lord. His love of his Savior radiated through his life and inspired those who loved him.
When Reuben was thirteen, a sweet eleven-year-old Pennsylvania girl moved to the area. Each were their other’s first love. Reuben married Janet Rohrer on March 18, 1972. They began their married life in Enderby. Shelley, Joel, Benjamin, and Amanda were born over the next 11 years.
In the early years, dad supported his family with long distance trucking between BC and Alberta. In 1979, he moved his family to Yankee Flats to farm pigs with his brother Byron. Here's where their working partnership of the original Reimer Bros started. They purchased their first truck, employing their brother, Roger, as a driver. In 1983, he moved his family to their current home on Schubert Road in Armstrong. These were busy years for dad and mom working hard together on their farm raising farrow-to-finish pigs, veal calves and strawberries. During this time, he was employed at United Feeds mixing feed. This is where dad and uncle Byron continued Reimer Bros Trucking hauling feed. Eventually this partnership evolved into dad and his sons.
Dad and mom did everything together, whether developing their yard, trucking, fishing, or hosting gala events. Their homemade ice cream and barbecue chicken were a special treat enjoyed by many. Life was enriched by their travels, especially when they spent winters in Yuma where they made many new friendships and he loved volunteering at the Mexican orphanage.
Dad was a man with many dreams and ideas and always a plan for action. His incredible enthusiasm and strict work ethic contributed to the success of his trucking businesses, Early Bird Transfer and Reimer Bros. Trucking. He expected excellence from himself and his employees and wasn’t satisfied until the last truck was serviced and washed. A generous spirit, a knack for building another person up, and a listening ear turned employees into friends. He had a soft spot for people in trouble and could be counted on to encourage, comfort, and support.
Family was of utmost importance to him. Bible reading and prayer time with mom were very special, often sharing his inspirations with those he met throughout the day. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. His grandchildren have many memories of quading, lake days, sleeping outside on the patio, and driving his horse Gilmour.
A dear husband, dad, and grandpa, he leaves behind to miss his love, care, and passionate spirit; his beloved wife, Janet; his children, Shelley and Mark Bartel (Timothy and Carlene, Taylor, Chloe, Sophia), Joel and Karen Reimer (Miranda, Henry, Elizabeth, Samuel, Maria, Lucy Lou), Ben and Penny Reimer (Hanna, Neil, Graham, Naomi), Amanda and Wald Toews (Isabella, Sebastian), all of Armstrong.
Also grieving the loss of their brother, brother-in-law, and uncle are Berna and Jerry Lawson, Iris and Fred Isaac, Mat and Karen Reimer, Pat and Jerry Isaac, Byron and Holly Reimer, Eugene and Julia Rohrer, Carol and Richard Ropp, all of Armstrong, Dale and Sherri Rohrer, Faye and Bill Reynolds, of Pennsylvania, and many nieces and nephews.
He truly will be missed by all.
He is predeceased by his father, mother, parents in law, brother Roger, and niece Tammy.
The Funeral Service was held from the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Gardom Lake Road, Enderby on Sunday morning, July 9, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. with Ministers Craig Thiessen, Mark Unruh and Robert Klassen officiating.
Interment followed in Armstrong Spallumcheen Cemetery with a luncheon back in the Church, allowing time for the overflowing crowd of family and friends to share memories.
Pallbearers were family, Joel, Ben, Mark, Wald, Mat and Bryon.
Funeral arrangements were in the care of Bowers Funeral Home, Salmon Arm.
Online condolences may be sent to Reuben’s family through his obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com