David Philip Reimer

Teacher, Idealist, Gentleman
October 19, 1921 – August 14, 2010

With great sadness the family of David Reimer announce his passing on August 14th, 2010. Dave was predeceased last month by Faith, the love of his life and wife for 64 years. He is proudly remembered by his loving children and their spouses, Derek Reimer (Maxine Charlesworth), Catherine Panter (Randy) and Christine Reimer (Bruce Heayn); his siblings, Neil Reimer (Jean) of North Saanich, Louise D’Altroy (Fred) of Carlsbad, California and Edgar Reimer (Colleen) of North Vancouver. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, George Reimer, many other family members, former colleagues and friends. Dad will be especially missed by his six grandchildren, Allison, Andrew, Joe, David, Caitlin and Emily and their partners and by his two great-grandchildren, Olivia and Max.

Dave was born in the Ukraine in the unstable aftermath of the Bolshevik Revolution, a time when many Mennonites and other German-speaking minorities were victimized and driven from their homes. Dave’s father narrowly avoided execution; other relatives were not so fortunate. The family was determined to leave the Soviet Union and arrived in Saskatchewan in 1925 after a difficult journey. Despite an economic depression and drought the family was resolute to succeed in their new country; in 1936 they relocated to the Fraser Valley near Chilliwack.

Dave was a very bright young man who became the first person in his family to obtain a university education. After a stint as a farm worker, Dave attended UBC where he met and soon married fellow honours history student, Faith Woodward. Their marriage was a magnificent partnership of minds, full of happiness and shared purpose.

In 1946, Dave embarked on an impressive teaching career that took him to Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan and Victoria. The last 21 years of his career were spent at Oak Bay High School where he was head of the social studies department. His love of the classroom led him to decline several offers of senior administrative jobs in the school system. An outstanding and inspirational teacher, his powerful ability to awaken the minds of his students is remembered to this day.

Dave was an idealist who believed that the application of historical knowledge to the principles of social justice could improve the world. He developed moderate left wing views along with a faith in transnational cooperation and global institutions. He was an active member of the CCF and later the NDP. He was a delegate to the founding convention of the NDP in 1961 and ran unsuccessfully in the 1963 provincial election when it was unfashionable to be a New Democrat in Victoria. He was active for many years in the World Federalists, a global citizens’ movement fostering stronger democratic institutions in aid of world peace.

A fair-minded, gentle and loving person, Dave was held dear to the hearts of his family and greatly respected by all whose paths crossed his. His vibrant, inquiring mind and thoroughly decent character are a proud legacy that his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will cherish. When health challenges arose in his final years Dave met them with clear-eyed courage and gracious acceptance. He never lost the joy or the comfort taken from being in the presence of his family which was his source of strength, solace and delight. He was a gentleman to the end. The family’s sincere appreciation goes to Sandringham Care Centre where Dave contentedly spent the final four years of his life and where he received loving care from a staff that clearly admired him.

A Celebration of Dave’s life will be held at MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets on Friday, September 3, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. A reception will follow in McCall’s Family Centre. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Dave’s memory to the Red Cross or Care Canada would be appreciated. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.

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