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 - 07:23:PM

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Ian Gadbois

Reece was a "Founding Father" of Ski Heritage East. His energy, vision and great ideas helped the Trail become what it is today, Eastern Ottawa's playground. Reece was so proud of his wife and his kids, he rarely spoke of his own accomplishments. He will be sorely missed by me and the whole Ski Heritage East Board.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 07:29:PM

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John Spika

A truly amazing person who always had time for me & Devon, and tips on how to go faster! He was a gift to his family, and they were so lucky to have him in their lives, as we all were. My deepest thoughts to you all on our loss.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 07:48:PM

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Stephanie Richardson

So very sorry to hear this sad news. I have such wonderful memories of all our neighbourhood kids playing together and of Chateau street get-togethers. You could see the joy his family brought him. Thinking of you all during these difficult times. My deepest condolences.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 07:52:PM

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Steven Legare

Our deepest condolences to the Rendal family from the Legare’s .
The man was an exceptional mx mechanic and would always lend a hand or offer up a part to keep you going .
??

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 08:16:PM

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Sarah Thorne

Jen,
My heart goes out to you and your family as you mourn the loss of your beloved Reece and celebrate his very rich and full life and all the memories you shared with him.
My love and thoughts are with you, my friend.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 08:27:PM

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Marty McSweeney

Reece had a positive impact on the Ottawa BMX racing community. As a volunteer, racer, and parent, Reece always showed up with a calm, confident and friendly demeanor. The amount of time and energy he poured into our community, and the impact his presence had was incredible, especially considering that BMX appeared to be at least 4th on the list of his favorite sports. I always felt things would get done and things would go well when Reece was around. And they did.
I don’t know how he did everything he did, but I’m willing to bet he lived life to the fullest and left this world with few, if any regrets.
I will remember Reece as a role model to follow in being aware that life is short - ride more, ski more, do more of what we love with those we love.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 09:24:PM

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Gen Cemovic

Even though our meetings were mostly at motocross events, they were always a pleasure and it was always a great conversation. We are still at a loss for words and are deeply saddened to hear of Reece’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you Jen, the kids and your families. We wish you all strength through this difficult time and know that are thoughts are with you all.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 09:53:PM

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Robert Faltus

I had a lot of great skis with Reece. He will surely be missed.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 10:27:PM

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Harpreet Kochhar

Jen - I am very sorry to hear about your loss - sincere condolences. You were and have been a pillar of strength for Reece and kids - stay strong. This was an arduous journey with hope guiding you and the family - may God bring peace to the departed soul and provide the family with courage to bear the loss.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/26/2022 - 06:51:AM

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Jason Cheney

Deepest condolences to the whole Rendall family. Reece was always a competitor, always in great shape and there to help when you needed him. So many great memories. RIP Reece.

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