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 Wed, 10/26/2022 - 07:13:AM

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Rick Morson

Reece
My good friend you will be missed. I still remember you racing the 50 k at Nationals in Canmore and proving that when you were on your Madshu’s they really were the fastest ski.
Your passion for life your love for Jen, your family and your many friends was so profound.
May you have found peace my friend
Rick

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/26/2022 - 08:06:AM

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Thomas Krul

So sad to hear of Rob's passing!! We used to motocross together, calling him "Reece" (I loved that it had the dual combination of reminding us of one of the best chocolate bars in history, as well as sounding a bit like "race"). While it is a nice thing to keep in contact on Facebook, his much-too-early passing reminds us to spend more time with our friends and I wish I could have hung out with him just one more time. He was a smart, fun, wonderful person and he will be missed.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/26/2022 - 08:12:AM

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John Heymans

Jen, Thomas, and Karen...Please accept our deepest condolences. Reece's passing has left a void in our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this painful time. May you find strength in the knowledge that Reece is now free from the pain and is finally at rest. May God Bless you all.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/26/2022 - 08:18:AM

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Tricia Albert

Jen, so deeply sorry for the loss of your husband. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. I am here for you if you need anything.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/26/2022 - 09:08:AM

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Michael (FCMike) Carnelli

My Friend Reece and Family, I wish I had known time was Running Out, I would have liked to tell You what Your Friendship meant to Me, But because our time together (basically when You and Thomas would race in the States) was not as often as I liked and I never got the chance to let You know Your a Great Friend Reece❤️

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/26/2022 - 09:15:AM

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Althea House

Hi Jen. I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you, Karen and Thomas.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/26/2022 - 09:20:AM

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Marita Killen

Jen,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Holding you and your family in my heart. Sending love ~ Marita

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/26/2022 - 01:22:PM

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Julie Castleman

Sincerest and heartfelt condolences to you and family, Jen. You will be in my thoughts in the days ahead.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/26/2022 - 01:44:PM

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Burke Family

Thomas and Family. We are saddened to hear of the passing of your Dad. Embrace your memories that you and your family have made. Gone too soon. Condolences from Barry, Elaine, Zach & Alex.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/26/2022 - 01:47:PM

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Natalie St-Pierre

Jen my deepest and heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I never had the pleasure of meeting your husband, but I remember you always spoke of him fondly. Thinking of you and your family.

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