Member for

5 years
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 - 03:52:PM

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Reetha Parthiban

Hello Jenifer, my sincere condolences to you and your family, wishing you all the best as you try to navigate this gap.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 04:33:PM

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Guillaume Michaud-Ethier

My condolences to Reece’s family. Reece supported me as a young athlete and kept on supporting me when I had to quit the competitive side of skiing due to an illness. Reece. I will be forever grateful and I am deeply sadened to hear of his passing. I know he was proud of his children and I know they will keep on making him proud!

Au revoir Reece, on se revoit sur les pistes de ski un jour!

Amitiés

Guillaume

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 04:34:PM

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Scott Watterton

Jen, I am so very sorry for your loss and I am thinking of you and your family. Have strength.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 04:57:PM

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Holly MacKay

Jen and family - I send you my heartfelt condolences and love. So not fair!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 05:04:PM

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Cathy Allison

Jenn - We are so very sorry for your loss. There really are no words. Alistair and I are thinking of all of you.
Cathy

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 05:36:PM

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Carolyn Bourque

Jen, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences and know that I am thinking of you and your family in this difficult time.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 05:39:PM

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Maria Nera

Jen, my condolences. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 06:03:PM

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Elsie McIntosh and Fred Speer

Our deepest condolences on the loss of Reece. It’s tragic at such a young age and with a young family. Our hearts go out to you. I am sure you have many fond memories of Reece. Cherish them forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Elsie and Fred.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 06:16:PM

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Prubjoth Sidhu

Dear Jen, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending my sincere condolences to you and your family.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 06:29:PM

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Jim Bates

I am deeply saddened by Reece's passing. I was on the receiving end of Reece's enthusiasm for nordic skiing and his passion for Madshus nordic products for years. I valued his expertise and friendship; 40 years in the ski industry; Reece was one of my favourite people. I new him as a passionate, supportive family man; he spoke of his children, Thomas, Karen and soulmate Jen often. Reece has left a legacy in sport and community. Jen, thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.

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