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 Thu, 10/27/2022 - 02:24:PM

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Natasha Kuran

Jen and family - I am so very sorry for the hurt and pain of so many years of illness and worry, followed by Reece's passing. I hope the memories of his time with you and the knowledge that he continues to live on through all of you helps during this hard time. Natasha

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/27/2022 - 03:18:PM

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Michelle Owen

Jen- thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. My deepest sympathy.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/27/2022 - 03:51:PM

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Nathalie Pharand

Mes sincères sympathies Jenn. My heart is with you in your time of sorrow.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/27/2022 - 04:14:PM

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Kim Elmslie

Dear Jenn, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I know you will take comfort and strength from each other during this time and will forever keep close the special memories and love you share. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/27/2022 - 05:57:PM

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Marie Chia

Jen - I am so so sorry to hear about your loss. Sending you and your family my deepest condolences. My hope is that happy memories, family, and friends can bring you support and comfort. Sending big virtual hugs.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/27/2022 - 06:19:PM

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The Green Family

Jen, we may not have had a chance to know Reece long, but in the short time we knew him it was always clear how committed he was to you, Thomas and Karen. His spirit was infectious in everything he did. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies to you and the family.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/27/2022 - 07:59:PM

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Marina Salvadori

Jen, though I only met you in person for three weeks before working from home, I knew all about Reece, Karen and Thomas. Your marriage shone like a bright light. Few have the joy of such a wonderful marriage. It is a gift to each other, your children, and all of us who strive to be good partners. To have had this special and rarest of treasures makes it all the more painful. The memories and influence of this special man are forever.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/27/2022 - 08:11:PM

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peter Jim vancouver BC

I met REECE DURING THE 2010 OLYMPICS THROUGH DALE PTYCIA AND HE HAD THE TEAM VISIT US IN VANCOUVER AT THAT TIME. A great person with good karma. My condolence to Jennifer and the children Thomas, Karen and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Reece will be missed but never forgotten. . Reece is smiling down from heaven and is so proud Jennifer, his children and their accomplishments. May he rest in Peace! Peter Jim

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/27/2022 - 08:29:PM

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Robert Bertrand

In September of this year 2022, I realized that I had known Reece for 40 years...where does the time go? He was the type of friend that I've only had a handful of my entire life. We've had some great times and some great laughs over those many years. Even though I lived away from Ottawa for a long time, everytime I came back we could pick back up right from where we had left off from my previous visit. He was a selfless person who would lend a hand to anyone that would ask it of him. Even though he ran on "Reece Time" you could always count on the fact that he'd be there for you, eventually. I know that he has touched a lot of people in his life and has left an impression with every one of them. He will be remembered for his sense of humour and kind acts. I will celebrate his life whenever a thought of Reece crosses my mind about the good times he had together. I read this once and it has never range more true for me than about Reece. "The candle that burns twice as bright lives half as long." RIP my dear friend...

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/27/2022 - 08:47:PM

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Cathy Rudick

Jen, my deepest sympathies to you and your children. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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