CHRISTOPHER REIMER

REIMER, Christopher John Joseph
January 19, 1986 - February 21, 2012
Chris passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep at his home on the morning of Tuesday, February 21, 2012 of a possible heart condition.
He was a talented, adventurous and curious musician and composer whose talent was buttressed by generosity, compassion, empathy, gentleness and modesty. Chris was unwaveringly dedicated to his family and friends. An old soul with an acerbic wit and a twinkle in his eye, his talents also included drawing, writing, photography and entertaining his friends with such antics as his innovative and accurate Bill Cosby impression. Born and raised in Calgary, Chris was close to immediate and extended family. He showed an early interest in music and performance. His career began as a member of the Yalenka Ukrainian dance company at the age of three and Youth Dance Unlimited at the age of ten. Chris started playing guitar at the age of eight and drums at the age of twelve; he played in concert and jazz bands in junior high and high school, and also began working musically with other like-minded friends in junior high. This early 'jamming' led to the formation of a number of bands. Chris' love of music was all- encompassing and his musical ear was a genetic gift from his father and from uncles on both sides of his mother's family, as well as something that he honed himself. His creative outlets included designing and building effects pedals, recording and producing other groups and creating his own music. In addition to guitar and drums, he also played cello, bass and piano. He was a member of the bands Veritas, Beneath These Idle Tides, Azeda Booth, Women and Gold. He also played with the San Francisco band The Dodos. Chris developed a body of compositions of ambient music; friends hope to produce and release this music in the coming months.
Touring and performing took him across Canada, the United States, and many countries in Europe playing in venues including the Prima Vera Festival, SXSW Festival, Sled Island Festival, the CMJ Music Marathon and, in November 2011, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, in which he appeared with Neko Case and The Dodos. Chris' defining personal characteristic was his gentle and giving nature which is most strikingly evidenced by his choice to care for his grandmother Anne Cherwoniak's physical and emotional health during the two years leading up to her death from ALS. He would lift her spirits, move and feed her, and was present at her last moments. In the past year and a half, Chris received much love and support from his girlfriend Rena Kozak. They were musically and emotionally connected and made a great team.
Chris will be lovingly missed by his parents Tim and Joanne Reimer, his sister Nikki Reimer and his brother-in-law Jonathon Wilcke, his girlfriend Rena Kozak, grandmother Vera Frey, numerable extended family members and friends.
Chris was predeceased by his grandparents Joseph and Anne Cherwoniak.
The celebration of Christopher's life will be held at Knox United Church (506 - 4th Street S.W.) on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com . The family is planning to set up either a music scholarship or bursary in his name; details will be announced on the memorial blog: christopherjohnjosephreimer.com once it is ready. In lieu of flowers, donations for this fund may be made directly to Tim Reimer.
In living memory of Chris Reimer, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by