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.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Reece. My thoughts are with you and your family.