Member for

5 years 7 months
Submitted by justine on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 10:27:AM

Peacefully at home with his family by his side at the age of 55, four years after a diagnosis of multiple myeloma.

Reece will be forever missed by his wife of almost 21 years, Jennifer (nee Brousseau) and their children, Thomas and Karen. He was beloved by his parents, Robert and Mary, and his younger brother Glen (Tasmina). He is also survived by his in-laws Wilfred Brousseau (Judy Langley), Paul Brousseau (Lisanne), Christine Brousseau and Stephanie Brousseau (Mark Harris), as well as several nieces and a nephew.

Born in Winnipeg, Reece moved to Ottawa with his family when he was five years old. He grew up in Orleans, where he developed a passion for cycling, cross-country skiing and motocross bikes. Reece ‘The Rocket’ was a fierce competitor who achieved great athletic success, but he was also humble and loved to share his passion for sports and his healthy lifestyle with everyone around him. He turned that passion into a career as brand manager for Madshus cross-country skis and K2 bikes, which gave him the opportunity to travel all over the world racing, working and making friends. Jen teased him often because, no matter what airport they were at, he would know someone. He enjoyed supporting Madshus athletes at World Cup events and the Olympics in Salt Lake City and Vancouver, bringing his love of the technical aspects of ski performance to help people in their athletic careers. The last few years he was a board member of Ski Heritage East and worked hard to bring the multi-use winter trail to people in the east end of Ottawa.

He passed his love of it all down to his children and was so very proud of his family. He would tell anyone who would listen how lucky he was to have such a great family, and that he felt like he won the lottery with them. 

Reece was happiest with a fancy tool in his hand, something to fix, and a dog hanging out with him in his workshop.  He will be missed by his project partners Mike Bertrand, Rich Greenham and Bryan Roberts, who spent countless hours figuring out how to make things work or go faster. He will also be missed at motocross tracks; that magical place he loved to be and where everyone helps everyone.  This past season was possible only because of the support received from the Kolmans, the Kirbys, the McKies, the Guadagnos, and the Racines, as well as from his brother Glen "the Pocket Rocket" who travelled with him to the races. 

He spoke often with gratitude for the support over the last few years and it provided him with a tremendous amount of comfort knowing his family would be well looked after. 

Reece received exceptional care at the Ottawa Hospital, and the family would like to thank Dr. Hyra Sapru and Christine Veal from the myeloma team, Dr. Daniel Vincent and the palliative care team and everyone at Medical Daycare, for their care and compassion for him and his family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Ski Heritage East through GoFundMe would be welcomed in Reece’s memory. Or consider donating something more precious - blood to support patients like Reece, so they too can get more time with their loved ones.

Friends and Family are invited to visit the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, ON on Friday, October 28, 2022 from 9 until the time of a Service at 10AM, with a reception to follow. For those that may not be able to attend Reece's Service in person, the service will be livestreamed - you may register for the livestreaming at the link above or by clicking here.

 

 

Digital Guestbook

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 11:03:AM

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Sarah Peters

Reece was a magical person. He was kind and supportive and new how to live well!! He made so many of my years as a Madshus skier magical by bringing me on board for his projects and dreams and sharing the joy of snow! I will remember him as my crazy ski rep and wonderful friend. My thoughts are with Jen, Thomas and Karen whose loss is so much more than mine.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 12:38:PM

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Lisa Gomes

Jen, I am so sorry to hear this very sad news. I am thinking of you and your family. My deepest condolences to all of you.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 12:44:PM

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The Esnards

To the Rendall family, we are sharing in your sadness and cannot express enough our sorrow for you loss. We are sorry to hear of Reece’s passing.

To the Reynolds faint

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 12:44:PM

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Elaine Chatigny

My heartfelt condolences to my friend Jenn, her beautiful children, and Reece's family. Reece showed his love of cycling when he generously agreed to take a look at a second hand racing bike I bought on line. He gave it some serious TLC and a set of new tires he had kicking around his workshop. Jenn proceeded to give me her cycling shoes. Such complicity. I will cherish the bike, the shoes, but especially the memory.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 01:20:PM

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Brian Trafford

I’ll forever be appreciative of Reece. He helped me get the job that I now have out west. It’s been an amazing life change and I can’t thank him enough.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 01:28:PM

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gary monette

allways a happy guy .. sorry i couldnt fix that beat up white van of yours .. just sayin .. love ya guys

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 02:00:PM

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Robyn McLeod

Jennifer, I am so so sorry to hear of your loss. I never had the pleasure of meeting Reece, but I know how much you loved and admired him. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. **HUGS**

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 02:57:PM

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Michelle and Daryn

We are so very sorry to hear of Reece's passing. We pray that you find some comfort in the support of friends and family as you grieve his loss. All our love and support. xo

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 03:03:PM

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Vicki Wiseman

Jen - my deepest, heartfelt condolences for your loss. I know this has been a long and arduous journey but Reece’s strength, passion and endurance lives on in you and your family. Thinking of you all ❤️

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 03:49:PM

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Dale MacMillan

Jennifer - my deepest sympathies to you and your family. You are in my thoughts.

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