Reid William Bettke
September 23,1987 – March 23, 2020
Reid William Bettke’s arrival in life almost began in his father’s truck on the way to the hospital in Kitchener, Ontario, on September 23, 1987. Even before he was born, he loved surprises and wanted to provide one that day for his parents.
Growing up, he spent most of his time playing outside with his schoolmates, many who remained his life-long friends. He had a big heart, loved to laugh, and had a wicked sense of humour. Always willing to listen, he would offer advice, and support those who were in his circle. Reid’s friendships were made of steel and most of his friends were together their whole lives, supporting each other through the best and worst of times.
An avid animal advocate, Reid loved his dogs, and paid tribute to them with “Rio”, “Chance” and “Kimber” tattooed on his chest. They are all together now running pain-free.
Reid’s journey took a dramatic turn in 2013 when he was shot outside a nightclub. He lost his faith in humanity and never fully recovered, mentally or physically. Suffering with the injury, he tried everything to ease his physical and mental anguish, and turned his energy to fitness and weightlifting. This became a passion that turned into an obsession. Eventually, Reid could bear no more and left to find his peace on March 23, 2020.
During his life, Reid loved his family fiercely and was a loving father, son, brother, cousin, nephew, uncle, and friend. He was also a peace officer, fitness mentor, and MMA fighter. He fought hard not to let his mental health issues define him, or who he was to us, so it is not his final act that will leave its mark, but the way he touched all of our lives — the good that he did, the amazing man we knew, and the friend we could count on.
His legacy will live on in his beautiful sons, Dominic, Jackson, and Maverick Bettke; his parents, Heather (Bruce) Bettke-Stocks and Brad (Shayne) Bettke; brother, Kiel (Ashley) Bettke; niece and nephew Olivia and Kaleb Bettke; Gramma, Barb R. Bettke; Aunts, Sandi Forman, Louanne (Dave)Shropshire, and Alex (J.P) Debolt; Aunti Barb (Dave) Somerfeld; Special Auntie, Lynne Chwyl; best friends, Lila and Murray Holtner, and numerous cousins and friends.
Reid is pre-deceased by his maternal grandparents, Marylou and Slim Debolt, and paternal grandfather Grant Bettke. A memorial service will be held after the danger of the Covid-19 pandemic has passed. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
“Love you more – no returns!“
~ Reid William Bettke ~
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Reid William Bettke September 23 1987 March 23 2020..
Park Place Funeral Home Chapel & Crematorium Ltd
Death notice for the town of: Sherwood Park, Province: Alberta