Reg died peacefully at home in Selkirk Place, Victoria, on September 11, 2016 at the age of 94. He was born on March 21, 1922 in Grand Falls, NL. Predeceased by his beloved wife Frances, his sister Audrey Morris and brother Bob, Reg is deeply mourned by his five children-Christine (Fred), Kathy (Gordon), Margaret (Lee), Peter (Jane), and David; four grandchildren- Tina Halle, Fred and Kimmie Acquah, Dexter Dawkins, and Maddie Blake; four great grandchildren – Justin Grant-Halle, and Khalil, Aaliyah and Caden McIntyre; one great-great grandchild – Phoenix Grant-Halle; sister-in law Norma Regular; cousins Bishop Eddy Marsh (Emmy) and Gerri Janes; and many, many nieces and nephews.

Following graduation from high school in Grand Falls, Reg worked for a couple of years as an accountant at the print shop just down the street from home. He enlisted in the Newfoundland Regiment (heavy artillery) on August 21, 1942, and headed off to England for training. He spent his wartime years in France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. After the war, Reg began working at Anglo-Newfoundland, the pulp and paper mill in Grand Falls. In 1946, he met Frances, the love of his life. Reg liked to tell that he “picked her out” at a Church dance. They married in 1949.

Reg and Frances shared a deep and abiding faith and a love of family, friends and country. This bolstered them in their journey through life together. In 1964, they moved with five children in tow to Quebec City when Anglo-Newfoundland was purchased by Price Company. In 1970, the family moved to the Montreal area, where Reg and Frances hoped to retire. But it was not to be and, in 1979, Reg’s final work transfer to Toronto found them living in Burlington. On his retirement from Abitibi in 1987, Reg and Frances moved to Victoria where two of their children lived. Within a few years, four out of their five children were residing in Victoria where they had many joyful family times together.

In 2010, Reg and Frances moved into Victoria’s Selkirk Place. When Frances died in 2012, a little of Reg’s light went out, but he managed to maintain his positive outlook on life, as well as his sense of humour, even as his health declined.

While Reg’s work may have moved him away from Newfoundland in 1964, he never truly left it behind. Every couple of years, Reg would pack up whoever was living at home and drive to the island he loved so well. After retiring to Victoria, Reg and Frances drove their RV from coast to coast, visiting family along the way and spending as much time as they could in Newfoundland. When he could no longer drive, they flew. Their last trip to Newfoundland was in 2005, but to the end of his life, Reg would say “I’d like to go to Newfoundland again.”

Reg was a devoted husband, father and friend. He was patient, kind, generous, sensitive and sweet. As his children grew, he assumed the roles of bath supervisor, family chauffeur, hockey coach, trip chaperone and driver, fishing instructor, Scout leader, loan officer, counsellor, to mention a few. He, along with Frances, delighted in the company of grand-children and was involved as much as he could be in their lives, showering them with love, acceptance and affection. Reg loved family gatherings whenever, wherever and however they took place with whichever family members could be rounded up. He had a great sense of humour and a quick wit. He was a true family man who loved life. We, who knew and loved him, will miss him profoundly.

To the staff at Selkirk Place and Dr. Erfanifar, Reg’s family sincerely thank you for the care and affection you provided to him. Through you, Reg was able to maintain his dignity and quality of life.

In lieu of flowers, Reg’s family asks that you please make a donation to your charity of choice.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, September 23, 2016 at the Church of Our Lord, 626 Blanshard Street, Victoria, followed by a tea in the Church Hall.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

 

 

 

 

 

  • Carol Bossenberry & Ralph Wallis

    To the Blake Family
    What a sad day for you all. Our deepest sympathy.
    Carol & Ralph

  • Roland Dawkins

    It was a privilege to know Reg and to enjoy his hospitality and friendly wit.
    His memory will be cherished by all that knew him.
    My thoughts are with him and all his loved ones.

    Roland

  • Chris Taylor

    To all of Reg’s children…..Peace to you knowing your dad had a long fulfilled life on this earth. Your obituary said it all. I was privileged to be a close neighbour of Reg and Frances here at The Oaks, a loving generous couple. Rest in peace Reg. Blessings to all.
    Chris Taylor

  • Pat Steene

    My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Take care. Pat Steene

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