Obituary of Verne Reynolds

Verne Harvard Reynolds passed away in the Lloydminster Hospital, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan on Monday, July 24, 2006 at the age of 66 years. Verne is survived by his loving wife, Ruth; daughters: Merry and Tom Baribeau, of Lloydminster and Gail and Garry Flint of Ardrossan, Alberta; grandchildren, Amanda and Michael; one brother, George Reynolds of Evansburg, Alberta and sister, Anne Bjornstad also of Evansburg, Alberta; plus numerous other relatives. A memorial service was conducted from the Grace United Church, Lloydminster, Alberta on Tuesday, August 1, 2006 at 2:00 P.M. The eulogy was given by Gail Flint. Interment followed in the Lloydminster City Cemetery. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster administered the funeral arrangements. Eulogy Vern Harvard Reynolds ~ My Dad How do I put into words what it means to lose my father, the man whose opinion mattered always? There hasn’t been a single decision I have made in my life that did not consider “What will Dad think?” That was an element of my life that is still weighing heavily today. How will I remember him? As my hero. I was lucky as a child he shielded me from worry. He wanted me to trust in him that everything would be alright. I have lived my life with the knowledge that no mattered what happened, no matter how bad, he would be there to make it all work out. He bore that weight my whole life until now. I feel that weight right now. My father was a mentor. He challenged people on their choices constantly. He constantly pushed you to do better or at least do it his way. He was an eternal critic; sometimes it was helpful, sometimes not so much, but always because he wanted a job well done. He was a successful business man. He worked hard his whole life until his success caught up with him. The last few years he had time to sit a while and not worry. He had integrity. He was not a “yes” man. Those who knew him, his friends and family, experienced his directness. He didn’t keep his opinions to himself. He would tell you exactly what he thought in the most direct way. If you could take his advice and learn from it you understood he meant well. If you took offense, you missed the point. He was a friend. When he was younger he was surrounded by friends. He loved to fish and hunt mainly for the social aspect. There were many New Years get-together. When I remember him then he was happy, it was a time when he was rich with friends. Many of those friendships faded, but a number stood the test of time. He will be missed by all. He was practical. My father had no wants. His rewards were experienced not purchased. He was not sentimental; he wanted us to remember him the same way, in our experiences with him not in his possessions. He was a family man. My mother shared with Dad all of life’s experiences. They built our family and kept us close. My Dad wanted Mom to never worry about the future. He made sure she was strong. His two daughters he still saw as his little girls. He was very protective. He was very proud that we could stand on our own two feet. His sons-in-law gave him peace of mind knowing there was someone there to care for us as he would. The grandchildren, he was the best when he was with his grandchildren. He laughed with them and felt their pain. I am so thankful they got to know him. I am grateful we all had this much time with Dad, we will miss him. Our Card of Thanks The family would like to thank Reverend Norm Laird for his kindness and time that you gave to the family and friends. A special thanks to the ladies who prepared and served the lovely lunch after the service and Glenn McCaw and the staff at McCaw Funeral Service for your kindness and understanding. The love and support from family and friends, the telephone calls, the flowers, food and cards were greatly appreciated. You have made a difficult time much easier to bear. Friends who so wish may make memorial donations to Ronald McDonald’s House or Charity of their choice. An Old Irish Blessing May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand..