Mitch REEDER

REEDER, Mitch: Mitch Reeder passed away peacefully at Haven Hill Retirement home on Oct 12 2021 at age 93. He spent a Thanksgiving weekend sharing laughs and stories with his grandkids, great granddaughter and big granddog at his daughter's home. Mitch was a true gentleman and man of few words. His well known positive outlook got him through life's dire trials and tribulations. His family was blessed to receive nothing less than unconditional love and encouraging support. There is a lifetime of joyful memories he shared with his daughter Michelle & son in law Dave Mclelland, Granddaughter Jessica Fuller, (husband Matt) Grandson Bill Mclelland, Great Granddaughter Eva Roxie Fuller, youngest sister Doris Walker ( husband Harvey) and sister in law Marge Needles. Mitch was predeceased by his wife Roxie (nee Needles) in 2005 son Allan 2010 young daughter Sandra 1977 brother Herb Reeder, sisters Rose Lemarchand and Marguerite Gault. At age 12 age Mitch and family came from Birtle, Manitoba to Penticton the city he loved. In his early years fishing hunting and the outdoors filled his passion. During the1970's Mitch refereed minor hockey and the BC Junior Hockey League he was well respected for his fairness and strength as there were many altercations in those years. As his interest in Trap shooting grew he excelled winning numerous awards and going on to win the BC. Championships. Mitch started work as an apprentice plumber for Morgans Plumbing installing and hoisting the heavy cast iron tubs into the Wartime houses. He worked on the newly built Penticton Hospital in the early 50's when it replaced Haven Hill Hospital. He changed careers to become a crane operator for Kenyon & Co the mobile crane worked on building many bridges and structures throughout BC & Alberta. Closer to home Mitch ran the dragline on the new River Channel put in to replace the Oxbows. Another project nearby was placing the many piles at the current Ramada Motor Inn known as the Pilgrim House. Mitch operated the crane that sat atop the Delta Hotel. Because his job brought him great satisfaction he was happy to pass the torch when the Union offered him early retirement allowing the younger operators an opportunity to gain experience. At 58 he enjoyed his time fishing noon hour skating trapshooting and traveling with Roxie and Sandra. He succeeded in having more days of retirement than days he was employed. Well done! The frequent visits with his close friend of 80 years, Al Chapman, they never ran short of things to talk about as was the case with his old work buddy, Don Tasker, lots of laughs were a given. He knew the names and history of all the city's old timers their children and family connections still remembering the details to his final day. Mitch had interesting stories of Penticton's past he never repeated them only when you asked him to remind you of the details. We as a family want to thank all the people that supported him though his wonderful life. A special thanks to Dr Killian and Colleen in his words "he's the best Doctor I've ever had". And the greatest gift for us was the staff at Haven Hill ..... those very Special People that are caring and compassionate to everyone. He told us many times that he could not be in a better place. In lieu of flowers please donate to Discovery House 250-490-3076 prrs@shaw.ca