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Cornelius Reimer Obituary

REIMER, Cornelius Jakob (Neil) Born October 26, 1918 Died November 30, 2010 We are sad to announce the passing of Cornelius Jakob (Neil) Reimer on November 30, 2010. He is deeply missed by Jean, his wife of 68 years. Predeceased in 2007 by his son, Raymond Reimer (Cookie). He leaves his daughter Bonnie Gerow (Ed), and sons Doug Reimer (Alice) and Lynn Reimer, 8 grandchildren: Dallas Embry (Darren), Wayne Reimer (Julie), Leanne Macnair (Bob), Doug Gerow, Kent Gerow, Andrea Kane, Leah Reimer and Duncan Reimer, and 13 great-children as well as step-greatchildren and nieces and nephews. He leaves his sister, Louise D'Altroy (Fred) of California, brother, Edgar Reimer (Colleen), North Vancouver, brother-in-law, George Reimer, Chilliwack, and sisters-in-law, Winnie Gardner and Edith Gardner of Sidney. Neil was the last child born in the village of Wiesenfeld (Ukraine), which was completely destroyed in 1919 during the Russian revolution. On his first birthday, he slept under the stars. His Mennonite family was able to come to Canada in 1925. The family farmed near Humboldt, Saskatchewan until they moved to the Greendale (Chilliwack) in the Fraser Valley in the mid-30s. Many relatives still reside there. In 1939, Neil came to work on a farm in North Saanich. He met and married Jean Gardner in 1942. By 1945, he and Jean were able to buy part of that farm and they called it Boughneath. They raised their 4 children there. Neil was a master farmer and he loved his land. He was secretary of the board of directors for Island Farms for 16 years. He was president of the Ayrshire Breeders of Vancouver Island and also of BC. After selling his purebred Ayrshire herd he became a technician of the Saanich AI Club. Boughneath Farm still grows hay and beef cattle. The farm is loved by many people for the warm welcome they receive there. Neil was also well known beyond the farming community. He was a charter member (#8) of Saanich Peninsula Credit Union and served as secretary of Session of St Paul's United Church, Sidney. He was a loved and respected elder of the community of Saanich and was consulted for his wisdom and expertise for many years. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, December 11 at 1PM at St Elizabeth's Catholic Church, 10030-3rd Street, Sidney. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Saanich Historical Artifacts Foundation, 7321 Lochside Drive, Saanichton, BC V8M 1W4 and the Saanich Pioneers' Society, 7910 Polo Park Crescent, Saanichton, BC V8M 2J4. 611917
Published by The Times Colonist from Dec. 4 to Dec. 5, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

December 17, 2010

You were my Dad longer than my own father.....42 years. I will never forget you as you were the finest man I have ever known. The Heavens have another star and we have another Angel to watch over us. Cookie

Nancy Johnson

December 8, 2010

Neil was a gentleman, and a farmer. He and Jean were childhood friends of our parents, and some of their children are friends of ours. There cannot be two, more genuine people anywhere.

Imagine Neil's credit union number being #8! He was a pioneer of so many worthwhile things, and will be missed.

Cheryl Jones

December 6, 2010

Mr. Reimer was a well loved and respected member of this community. Many of us remember the kindness he shared with us. Many a day was spent haying on the fields with this wonderfully wise and strong man and to be treated to a snack or lunch from Mrs. Reimer. I cherish those memories. To be a small part of a solid, committed, loving family even, for just a day, will remain in my heart always. My condolences go out to all the family and friends, who like me will miss Mr. Reimer but will hold him in my heart forever. Cheryl Jones.

John Morton

December 6, 2010

Jean, Bonnie, Leanne, et al:
I grieve for your loss, but celebrate the life of a very fine person. Among Island Farms, the commitment to fine Ayrshires, and the United Church, our families had much in common. In particular, Neil, my uncle Stan Owens, and my dad (Don Morton) were hard working farmers who were gentlemen in the best sense throughout their lives.
John Morton.

December 5, 2010

Dear family,
I am saddened to hear of Neils passing, especially at this time of year.
I have many memories of my late step father, Archie Stevenson, also late a former member of the Ayshire Breeders Association, compairing herds, Both were involved in the BC Federation of Agriculture.
I also knew him as a " BUll in a Bowler Hat" at Milner at the Bull Farm, and at Cowichan.
I send my deep sympapathy to all of you.
Somehow, I can see him and Archie, walking the fields together and checking on the cows.
patty-anne Lea
Langford

December 4, 2010

Dear Jean, Bonnie and families;
We are saddened to hear of your loss. Neil was a wonderful man and a good friend. Always had a kind word to say about everyone. Even though Neil was quiet, his presence spoke volumes. I am sure that you will all miss him very much but that you will find comfort and peace in having had such a Husband, Father and Grandfather in your lives. I also am sorry to hear that Ray has passed away. We were not aware of that and would like to pass on our condolences to Cookie and the rest of the family.
Margaret and Paul Anderson
(nee Taylor)

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