Andrew Wilson Reusing
Andrew Wilson Reusing
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30 Entries
Philip, Jeffrey, Gordon & Victoria Reusing
September 23, 2007
WHY WE LOVED OUR DAD: ANDREW WILSON REUSING
Part 4
Now, Dad had very special relationships with cats although for a long time he professed to dislike them. We got our first cat Trudeau when the fellow with the same name became PM in 1968. This was Jeff’s cat. As time went by other cats came and went and we kids grew up and left home. The cats stayed. Trudeau, both the PM and the cat stuck around, some might say far too long. But when the PM Trudeau retired about 1984, he wasn’t getting nearly as good treatment as Trudeau the cat, who by that time was Dad’s cat. Trudeau was fed yogurt daily by Dad through a syringe to keep him happy and healthy.
After Trudeau the cat left for cat heaven, there were Tiggy1 & Tiggy2, both of whom liked to stand up on a kitchen chair and lean over with there front paws and have a chat with Dad or Mum. That was pretty weird - I think they understood each other.
And of course now there is Touri, who is diabetic and getting insulin shots 2 X’s a day. Apparently you became diabetic from getting too many French fries tossed to you over 10 or more years. Dad liked French fries. So did Touri, until he had them cut out of his diet!
Generally speaking the deal with Dad and the cats was that he would feed them whatever and they would sleep on his tummy whenever it suited them.
Philip, Jeffrey, Gordon & Victoria Reusing
September 17, 2007
WHY WE LOVED OUR DAD: ANDREW WILSON REUSING
Part 3
Dad loved food. It might be a 10 course Chinese banquet or just a simple meal, but you would be sure to hear Dad say “delicious!” with many praises for the cook. Dad coined the “fruit attack”, consisting of a spread of delicious fruit each morning. We all loved to participate in Dad’s fruit attacks and he would feign annoyance when a grandchild stole his last piece of banana.
Dad loved family. Dad and mom lived close to mom’s parents when they got married and when mom’s dad passed away in the early 60’s, Nana Bluebell lived with our family the rest of her life. When Dad’s mom, Helena was nearing the end of her life, she also lived with us for a while. Family parties and reunions with the Kage clan and Reusing clan were always enjoyed by Dad, as were regular birthday and holiday celebrations with Aunt Gordona and Uncle Leonard. Visiting, sharing a meal and just hanging out together as family were special to him. Dad was determined to make it for a family trip to Cuba three years ago for a family reunion.
In recent years, Dad did not lose any opportunity to say “I love you”.
Dad was amazingly popular. The tellers at the bank and the local store clerks all know Dad and would fall over themselves to get a chance to serve Dad. The nurses in the hospital just loved to have Dad as their patient in the hospital. He had a beautiful smile, warm personality and a genuine interest in other people, making it a pleasure to be around him. He always made an effort to learn people’s names and remember them, even when he was very ill.
He was enormously proud to be both Canadian and a Quebecer. He was born on a road trip while his mother was traveling in Holland, but lived all of his youth and adult life here. He put up the Canadian flag outside our house and kept it up with a Quebec flag when it was not popular to do this.
Philip, Jeffrey, Gordon & Victoria Reusing
September 16, 2007
WHY WE LOVED OUR DAD: ANDREW WILSON REUSING
Part 2
Dad had many endearing titles over the years:
Once Dad did a pirouette on the beach in Arundel and broke his ankle while toasting Phil and Cori-Lee’s engagement. It was explained to us kids that he was trying to toss a wine glass into the lake! With a broken ankle and cast and crutches, Dad became our beloved Big Foot for a while.
He was also known as Big Daddy for many years and played along with much enthusiasm in the magical world of the Ooda Boodas created by Gordon and his best friend Doug next door. Dad was a very fun man to be with.
Dad and Mom loved the Chinese side of the family and took on the Chinese names for grandfather, “YeYe” and grandmother “NaiNai” For the past 11 years Dad was the treasured “YeYe” of Joseph, Anna, Wilson and James and all the Chinese relatives.
He was a terrific grandfather and loved to read the kids bedtime stories – Are You My Mother was a perennial favorite. Many grandchildren learned their first steps with their YeYe circling them around and around the house in Dorval, hands held high and laughing.
Dad was a wise man. He always provided good advice, whether it was about fixing or building something, buying a car, or making a major career choice.
Philip, Jeffrey, Gordon & Victoria Reusing
September 15, 2007
WHY WE LOVED OUR DAD: ANDREW WILSON REUSING
Part 1
Dad took care of us in good times and bad even or rather especially after we grew up.
Dad was a kind and gentle man who would go out of his way to help family friends and neighbors.
Dad was a good teacher for over 30 years and his students admired and respected him.
Dad built the Panabode cedar log cottage in Arundel with a little help from Phil and Jeff in 1965 which the children and grandchildren hold dear in their hearts and which we have all enjoyed. Weekend trips to the cottage with Mum and Dad were special times, highlighted with stops for French fries along the way and many water skiing and boating adventures.
Dad loved to putter around and do projects. While he was still working he would often leave a project on the go for years while he started a new one. When he retired he finally had time to attack those many projects with vigor but methodical care.
In the 1970’s, one of the things he made and put up was a magnificent Star of David over our garage for Christmas. But he left it hanging there for months each year. Eventually and probably to the consternation of the neighbors he just left it hanging there permanently, but he was onto other projects by then. Now, of course, everyone seems to leave Christmas lights on all year.
Dad was ahead of his time in business – he bottled (well actually bagged like the milk bags) pure spring water in the 70’s when nobody cared about the water they were drinking. He could have made a fortune if it was today. Instead, we used the bags as water bombs, dropping them from the deck onto the driveway.
Dad liked to buy new “old” cars from a trusted mechanic. He didn’t believe in buying new cars - One of his favorite words in the 80’s was “lemon”. He often told of us of taking apart model-Ts in his teens. And he continued to tinker on his cars right to the end.
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Xueli Tang
September 10, 2007
Dear family and friends,
I share this pain of the great loss of the most
wonderful Dad in the world. I married Gordon in China
and immigrated to Canada 17 years ago and was
immediately warlmly welcome by Mom and Dad and
showered with hugs and kisses (which I had to adjust
to and latered on loved it :). For the next 17 years
of my life, they have treated me just like their
daughter. I enjoyed every single summer vacation,
Christmas time, and other visits to them in Dorval and
Arundel and from them in Toronto and Waterloo. When I
met Gordon, I knew God had done a great thing for me,
only to find out that He had much more love in store
for me from this great family. Antie Gordie, uncle
Leonard, all the rest of family and relatives too. I
have been so blessed beyond any imaginition and none
of it I earned. But that is love, unconditional,
God-like.
I had many tears over Dad's passing. Every second of
my memory with him has been nothing but pleasant. So this is hard on my children Joseph and Wilson and Grace. Grace learnded to say YeYe(grandfather in Chinese) during
the last week of the visit with YeYe before his passing. When I prayed with Yeye in Dorval holding his hand and after I went back to Waterloo and prayed for him last
week just 2 days before his passing when I cried, the hymn "Knowing you" came to my heart. I sang the hymn with my boys and we had a big cry together.
The verse really touched me and saddened and comforted
me at the same time was:
Oh to know the power of Your risen life,
And to know You in Your sufferings;
To become like You in Your death, my Lord,
So with You to live and never die.
But how much I had hoped for a recovery! How hard it
is to let him go! He is so sorely missed!
In the meantime it brings me so much comfort to know
that Yeye knows Jesus and is
with the Lord. We share the hope that we will see him again one
day.
Love,Xueli
Dorothy Wilson
September 6, 2007
To Jeff & Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Dorothy, Marsha, Maureen & Jackie
Momo Yoshida
September 5, 2007
First and foremost, my deepest sympathies to Auny Kathy and close family in Dorval who were with Uncle Willie at the time of his passing. I, myself wasn't able to spend a whole lot of time getting to know Uncle Willie but in the time that i spent with him, i enjoyed every minute of it. Taking that train trip across Canada with Nana (Diane) when I was 11yrs. old was so much fun. Meeting family over there and spending time with them. Also when Uncle Willie and Aunt Kathy made a visit to Vancouver recently (I believe it was within the past couple years), it was good to see them and just relax and catch up on a few things. I will miss Uncle Willie and his heartwarming and charming personality dearly but will always remember him in my heart. Although he is no longer with us, I know that he is our Angel, looking out for us everyday from the skies.
Always in my heart,
Your Grand-niece, Momo
Gordona Phillips
September 5, 2007
Dear family,
I share this great sorrow of losing my dearest very best brother-in-law, who is more like a brother to me. I will always remember his kindness and gentleness and all he has done for
me and Leonard over all these years. He is my best fiend. I miss him and my prayers are with you all.
Love,Gordie and Leonard
Mariko, Wirt and children
September 5, 2007
Dear Aunt Kathy, Phillip, Jeffery, Gordon and Tory,
Our family and I would like to send you all our heartfelt thoughts and love at this time of deepest sorrow. Mariko fondly remembers when she was 14, the summer visit in Arundel when Uncle Willie took her on the lake "waterskiing" for the very first and only time in her life! More recently, both Momo and Kana as well as their younger brothers were so fortunate to spend some lovely visits to remember him.
As brief and sporadic our visits had been over the years with Uncle Willie, he showed by example and with ease, how to be lighthearted, cheerful, caring and content. But to be so, one could only imagine, there had to be quite a solid foundation of faith and strength.
May his amazing gift, the spirit of gentleness and loyalty burn steadily in our hearts. We shall picture Uncle in our minds, peacefully looking down from the heavens, blessing you all, forever proud of his family, and of the honourable and beautiful life he must have endeavoured and enjoyed with you and yours.
Thank you Uncle Willie, most of all for being there as a brother to my mother. Our thoughts are also with our dear Uncle Lawrence, Aunt Helene and Mama(Nana).
Sharon Smith
September 4, 2007
Dear Vicky & Reusing Family,
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere condolences to all of the family. I met Andrew aka Mr. Reusing and Mrs. Reusing many years ago while they were visiting his daughter Vicky in Vancouver.
He was full of life, love, sarcasm and jokes. He was great to be around. Vicky spoke the world of her family and was always keeping us up to speed on her family and how they were doing back home. Losing someone you love is never easy. Our hearts go out to his family and to Vicky at this time and the days ahead. Vicky- I'm here for you if you need me...xoxoxo
Jennifer L. Ferguson
September 4, 2007
A true gentleman and a fine educator. As a former student of Mr. Reusing (Riverdale High School, Class of 1989) I was delighted to see him again last November and thank him for teaching me. Not only did Mr. Reusing teach me skills that will last a lifetime, he went about it in such a quiet, kind way that it was a pleasure to learn from him.
Julian Reusing
September 4, 2007
I will always love and miss my cherished uncle. He was so kind to me always and we got along perfectly. The least anyone could say about him is that he was such a kind and gentile man.
My Love forever,
Julian
Kenji, Carleigh and Raieli Kage
September 4, 2007
Dear Aunt Kathy & Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss, and we share in your sadness. It’s a definite void for anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting Uncle Willie.
Even though our geographical distance has kept us from spending time together, we have very fond memories from your last visit to Vancouver. Uncle Willie was full of life with his rosy cheeks, twinkling eyes and his jovial manner. Carleigh instantly loved him and was so happy to include a new aunt and uncle in our daily thoughts and bedtime prayers,
At bedtime our daughter asked if we could pray for Uncle Willie again. We said, “yes off course,” and told her it was her turn. We held hands and she bowed her head, and her exact words were, “Dear Jesus…Please bless Uncle Willie for his sleep time”.
We know he is not sleeping. He is dancing with the angels.
With much Love,
Ooda Booda/Doug Miller
September 4, 2007
I am so sorry to hear that, Gordon my Ooda Booda friend. Big Daddy will always have a special place in my heart for how he always treated me like one of the family. What a warm, wonderful, patient and fun man your dad was, Gordon. My thoughts are with you and all of your family.
Christine Matte
September 4, 2007
Dear Kathy, Our thought and prayers are with you at this very sad and hard time in your life. We love you like family.
Thank you Wilson for your kind and gentle ways, and for being our friend. Love always Christine and Ross RIP Wilson
Alisa Kage
September 3, 2007
Dear Aunt Kathy and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
As I read some entries, memories were flooding my mind of visits to Arundel. When I was around age 10, early 1970's, he took us on a motor boat ride on the lake and even gave me the honor to sit on the driver's seat. A wave caused us to lose balance and I lost my grip on the wheel, and when I tried to correct it, we spun around like a top on water! I never forget how quickly he came to help, took the wheel and got us back on course. I felt safe and cared for, and felt so greatful for an uncle who's right there to correct a situation!
When my daughter and I went to visit Dorval in 2003, I was greatful to see my uncle in recovery from the treatments, and how I sensed so much love that surrounded them around the time of their 50th anniversary.
The last time I saw uncle in October last year, shortly after his nephew Chirstopher's funeral, he and Aunt Kathy welcomed all of us nieces, nephews etc, to invade their home to greet our wonderful uncle. He was all smiles, his legs swinging and bouncing in his comfort chair.
In spite of the challenges over these few years, evidently his bright and positive spirit, unshakable trust and loyalty, and huge love to and from his family kept him going.
Even if I cannot be there physically, I'm with all of you in spirit. Courage and comfort to Aunt Kathy, Phil, Jeff, Gordon, Tory, grandkids, Uncle Laurence and my mom.
Much love,
Alisa and Kaiko
Penny Kenneally
September 3, 2007
I was deeply saddened and shocked when I heard the news that my Uncle Willie had finally lost his courageous battle against cancer.
A few of my early years were spent living with my Uncle Willie and Aunt Kathy and I have very fond memories of my time with them. Willie was a loving father to me and he is one of the kindest, most considerate people I have ever known. He was always thinking of others and was always there for me when I needed help, guidance and love.
He will always be in my heart and deeply missed.
Carol Hahmann
September 3, 2007
Dear Kathy, and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of grieving for your Fathers passing.
I remember Wilson for his gentle, loving and patient character. Never complaining, always grateful, and courage that amazed me over this last 5 years! I believe this was because Wilson loved the Lord and His faith was O, so strong!
Wilson was always ready to be a helping hand with things in our house that needed attending too, always leaving for a short time to go to Home Depot or Canadian Tire to get just the thing to fix it all up. Thanks Wilson!
I will also always remember his generousity to, with special dinners and gifts for special occasions. I feel very blessed to have known Wilson. He was a teacher in many more ways than he knew.
The Angels are still singing at Wilsons arrival in Heaven!
We will never forget.
Wish I could be there, Iam missing you all and sending hugs.
Carol Hahmann Victoria, BC.
Wilson loved Victoria!
Monica Simler
September 3, 2007
Kathy and the Reusing family:
Wilson's gentleness, kindness and caring are a lasting memory for me. He was the most gracious host and a guest who was always fun to be with.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all,
Monica
Beverley Simpson
September 2, 2007
Kathy & Family
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family, our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Alma & Harold Dawe (Your neighbours in Swails Corner) & daughter Beverley
Nancy McLean
September 2, 2007
To the Reusing family,
My heart is with you as you are grieving the loss of your husband, father,grandfather,brother,friend.
I did not know Wilson as well as I would have liked, but these are some things I will remember about him
That winning smile where his whole face and eyes lit up
Safety first- how he made Tory watch me while I swam the lake at Arundel...getting nervous when I swam out of sight
How he didn't make a fuss when we broke down not one but two family cars within a few days of each other
The silly voices he would put on talking to his cat Turrie (sp?)or when he'd drive by a Timmy's or LaFleur's
A Federalist through and through...don't get him started...!
Always drawing his name at Christmas. Easy, just find him that quintessential plaid flannel shirt
The courage he lived with through the past five years
His love and devotion to his wife and family which he was not afraid to show
How he managed to sing happy anniversary to Kathy a few days before he died
How much his daughter will always love him.
With all my love and deepest condolences,
Nancy
September 2, 2007
To the Reusing family,
My heart is with you as you are grieving the loss of your father,grandfather,husband,friend.
I did not know Wilson as well as I would have liked but remember some wonderful qualities he had.
A winning smile where his whole face lit up
Safety first- how he made Tory watch me while I swam the lake at Arundel...getting nervous when I swam out of sight
How he didn't make a fuss when we broke down not one but two family cars within a few days of each other
His love and devotion to his wife and family
Terry Phillips
September 2, 2007
To Aunt Kathy, Philip, Jeffrey, Gordon, and Victoria.
Our Uncle Wilson is a very nice person.
It is always comfortable to be in his company.
A genuine warmth emanates.
A chuckle, a laugh enlightens the surroundings.
He cares for and loves Aunt Kathy.
His children are wonderful, so a good parent too.
He is kind and giving, accepting and appreciative.
These memories give rise to the present tense.
Mary, Michael, and I will have these forever.
He touched our lives for the better.
Our prayers are with you, and we wish you peace and comfort.
Mary and Terry Phillips.
Lynn & Cec Welch
September 2, 2007
We remember Will as a real gentle man - caring, sharing and compassionate. He could fix just about anything and we will miss him puttering in the garage. He was a staunch Canadian and always flew his flag proudly. Our deepest sympathy to all the family. God Bless, Lynn and Cec Welch
BBGL Quon
September 1, 2007
Our deepest sympathies to the Reusing family, thinking of you!
Sincerely,
The Quon Gang
Eileen Kage
September 1, 2007
All my life, I have known Uncle Willy as a kind, gentle person who was always looking after people around him. As a child during the biannual visits of the Kage family from Tokyo to Montreal, I remember bedtime stories he gave me and my sisters although we hardly understood any English. I also remember Uncle Willy showing us little frogs jumping all over the grassy grounds at Magog circa 1972. I will never forget these and other great memories of Uncle Willy.
Bryan / Jim Potter/ Cooke
September 1, 2007
We send our deepest sympathies to the Reusing Family, & sincerely wish we could have met & known Andrew, as we have heard very wonderful notations regarding his character. Sincerely,
Bryan Potter & Jim Cooke (Vancouver, B.C.).
Tatsuo Kage
September 1, 2007
Dear Cathy and all:
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Even though I am unable to be with you, I have a lot of fond memories associated with him, in Magog, Arundel and even Vancouver.
Victoria Reusing
September 1, 2007
My father was a great Dad to me and my three brothers Philip, Jeffrey, & Gordon. He was a very special grandfather to seven grandkids, who loved to hear him read “Are You My Mother” over & over, as well as the love they all received from him shown in different ways.
He was a great teacher which I have heard from many students I have met over the year that dad taught when I visited him at the schools.
He also was a very caring and devoted husband & best friend to my mother for 54 + years that they were together. “A love which is an example for us all”
I will miss all the times we had tinkering on cars, repairs on the house or at the cottage, or the many talks we would have about family and life in general and the many action movies we loved to watch together...I will cherish the memories I had with him over the years and especially the last few weeks we had together.
I miss & love Dad
Tory
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