1954 – 2019
Obituary for
Rich Reidel
Reidel, Richard
1954-2019
It is with sadness that we announce the death of my little brother, Rich (aka Rick). He passed away peacefully on the evening of Sunday, August 18th at Grand River Hospital. The Lymphoma that had been in remission for five years had returned with a vengeance. Though he tried to stay with us his body just couldn’t fight it any longer.
He is survived by his sister Deb, brother-in-law Gerry, his nieces Fawn Ertel and Spring Hanert and her husband Doran, and great-uncle to Kai and Cedar Hanert. Predeceased by his parents, Pat and Mike Reidel.
Rich was a free spirit kind of guy and chose a life of adventure and travel. He had many passions – hot air ballooning, skiing, hang gliding, scuba diving, parachuting, running, biking, watching Indy car racing, football, baseball, collecting toy trains, view master reels, matchbox cars and other various items that made him smile. He enjoyed reading and was a master of interesting trivia. All this made for fun and unusual conversations with him. He was a proud member of the Canadian Legion. He enjoyed meeting up with friends for regular lunch outings, Rangers hockey games, going to St. Jacobs Farmer’s Market and checking the local farm stands to find fresh produce and chili sauce.
Time spent with family and friends was the most important thing to him. He always had time to sit and chat with you. Rich was a kind and gentle man but we all saw a bit of smart and sassy in him. One of his nic names was “The Griz”. In the years of his big, hairy beard and wild hair he sure looked the part. But we all knew under that tough looking guy, there was a sweet little pussycat.
Family and friends will gather on Sunday, August 25, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St., Kitchener, ON N2B 2A5, 519-749-8467. Memorial Service will take place in the chapel of the funeral home, on Monday, August 26, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with reception to follow. Private cremation and burial on Tuesday.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Grand River Hospital Foundation – Cancer Centre or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated (cards available at the funeral home).
Visit ww.henrywalser.com for Rich’s memorial.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Rich Reidel..
Décès pour la Ville:Kitchener, Province: Ontario