Glenda Reiser

After all the time that has passed I have never forgotten your words of support and kindness. You are forever in my heart and thoughts. You taught me more than a life time of experience ever could. When I am struggling with something I still look to you for guidance, my angel in the stars. I hope you know how much you changed my life and continue to...

I was talking to my daughter the other day about running, and Glenda came immediately to mind as she would continually lap me when we were at school at Gen Naveraux in France. My daughter reminded me of Glenda, smart and all legs. I have a pic of the grade 6 class, with Glenda in front, I was wondering if you would be interested in that.

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To the Reiser family, please accept my belated deepest condolences on your loss.
I trained with Glenda, and she was an inspiration in so many ways to everyone who knew her.

There isn't a day that has passed that I haven't thought of Dr. Reiser. She helped me move forward when I felt I was sinking, she taught me it was ok to cry and that I was worthy of all the good things the world had to offer. I feel truly blessed for all of the wonderful gifts she has given me. She was a kind, warm and compassionate woman with a great gift of helping others rebuild what was once broken.
I cherish the time I was able to spend with you and will be forever blessed for knowing you. Thank you for always being there.
My many thoughts and prayers are with you all.

I cannot believe that we are approaching 1 yr. since the loss of our wonderful Glenda. Not a day goes by that I don't think of this incredible woman. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Dear Reiser family, I wrote an entry last year this time. My thoughts and prayers will be with you this week as you mark the year anniversary of Glenda's passing.

To the Reiser family,

Please accept my belated condolences. I just heard of Glenda's death through Bev Tasker, formerly of Vincent Massey. I remember well when Glenda joined our class. Many of us had been together since we were in kindergarten and grade one. Those of us in A-Stream were a close class in a close school and Glenda soon proved she was the class of the school. I cheered her on in her long white socks at the Olympics, pointing her out with pride to my new-found friends in Newfoundland where I had moved in 1970. Reading the comments from so many classmates, I hope you have a sense of the enduring impression she made, with her goals and determination, on many of us who had not met her like before or certainly have not met her like since.

I was saddened to learn (very belatedly) of Glenda's death--I was explaining to my 9 year old son (after a recent running triumph of his) who Glenda was, and how I had gone running with her (and others) a few times in the mid-70's round Mooney's Bay and Vincent Massey Park. It was a great thrill for me then as a young runner to know that this unassuming and courteous woman I had trained with had been a world record holder. I went home and told my parents immediately; thirty-odd years I tell my son about her, and hope her story will inspire him too.

I just came across this and I am saddened to hear of Glenda's passing. I offer my sincere condolences to her family.

I went to school with Glenda in Metz France when our fathers were in the RCAF. I have fond recollections of our playing four square and tether ball together in the playground at General Naverau school. Glenda always pushed herself to excel, even in grade 5.

My deepest sympathy to the Reiser family. At my office today, the subject of the 1972 Olympics and the Israeli team tragedy came up in conversation. I related how I'd received a post card from Glenda, mailed from the games village on the day before the tragedy began. It was only when I did an internet search of her name that I found she had passed away. She was so gracious in thanking me for acting as her rabbit for several interval training sessions in May of 1972 while I was on a RCMP course in Ottawa. As a coach in Nova Scotia and distance runner of limited talent I was honored when Glenda's coach, Harry Kerrison, asked me to assist in her interval workouts. Being a male 9 years older I was nearly able to match her prowess. Those few workouts and Glenda's kindness in remembering me with a post card from the games will always rank at the top of my fondest sports memories. Again, my sincere condolences.

I was saddened to hear of Glenda's passing. Glenda was in my homeroom class at Vincent Massey.

To the Reiser family, I am so sorry for your loss.

Glenda and I were in class together at Vincent Massey Public School. She was one of the first to memorize "The Pied Piper of Hamlin!" astounding us all with her cheerful disciplined attitude that she applied to all areas of life. She would be the first to raise her hand in Geography and Social Studies class, eagerly and with the right answer. I was always amazed that a fellow classmate could be so accomplished in so many ways.

She was inspirational. A salute to a childhood friend.

I was thinking about Dr. Reiser today and was shocked and saddend to hear of her passing. I was blessed to have known her for only a short few years. She came into my life at a time when I needed her strength, wisdom, compassion and love the most. She taught me more than I could have ever imagined and I have been truely blessed to have been given the chance to have worked with her. My deepest sympathies to your family, Dr. Reiser, I know what she brought to my life I can only imagine what she brought to your lives. For all the hearts she touched and joy she brought to so many people, I am truly a better person for having spent time with her. I will miss her smile, her kind words and her true compassion. My heart goes out to you, her family. You should be so very proud of your daughter. I will remember the last time we spoke, I will remember her so many beanies and all the tears and the many laughs we shared.

My deepest condolences to the Reiser family. I was a student at Ottawa University in Pre-U when Glenda and I first met. I was impressed by her as a student who was able to excel even while training as an olympic athlete, and competing in the Munich games.
My fondest memory of Glenda is as a shy teenager, dancing with her at our class party. I am not sure why after all these years I decided to look her up on the internet, curiosity? I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn this terrible news. It's so so sad.

My mother, Margaret Patterson, and I were so sad to hear of Glenda's recent passing. We enjoyed Glenda staying in our home whenever she attended the KFC Track & Field invitational events in Saskatoon, Sk many years ago. I too ran the same distances as Glenda, but never did reach the heights of success she did, though I watched with pleasure her running career.

My late father, Gordon Patterson, and my mother enjoyed visiting with Glenda's parents during their visits to the Ottawa area. They discovered with surprise that my father and Glenda's father had served in the Air Force at the same time. It truly can be a small world sometimes.

Our hearts and prayers go out to Glenda's parents, family, friends and patients. It was great to hear she met her long term goal of being a medical doctor. Truly when Glenda put her mind to something, nothing seemed to stop her in reaching her goals.

It was a privilege for us to get to know her so long ago. May fond memories of happier times carry those who loved her through this season of loss.

Mr. & Mrs. Reiser,
I was so shocked to hear of Glenda's passing. I have such fond memories of Glenda & I travelling Europe together. Like her running, she was so dedicated to her studies. It didn't matter what country we were in, we rarely got her to leave her room & her books. I can still see her long, shapely legs covered to the knees with her socks. She was such a tough competitor -- a wonderful human being & I am so sorry I lost touch with her over the years.
Hugs to you both.

Diane Jones Konihowski
Fellow Olympian

Mr. & Mrs. Reiser and family,

My heartfelt sympathies on such a profound loss. Glena imparted so much wisdom and insight to her patients; she shared her spirit with us lovingly and I know that we shall continue to share this with others. In this way, she will be with us always. At the same time, I cannot help mourn her loss deeply.
Brenda

Mr & Mrs Reiser, Susan & Greg:

I am so sadden to learn of Glenda's passing. Although I have not been in touch with your family for many years, I remembered with much joy the times I spent at your home in Ottawa. I still have the photos that Ron took from one of our visits there. Glenda was a warm, kind and wonderful person who left a special mark on my heart. She came by these values honestly...from her loving parents and family. My deepest sympathy at the loss of your beautiful daughter. Her memory and love will live on through all of you. My God bring you peace during this most difficult of times.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Membership of BC Athletics I express our saddness and condolences to Glenda's family and friends. We will like many others remember her achievements, the excitement of her races and pride she brought to our sport. Thank you very much Glenda.

My deepest sympathies to Glenda's family. I knew Glenda as a student in Hillcrest High School. I was a Gr.10 student in a Gr. 11 Geography class, trying to get ahead in school. Needless to say I didn't know any of the other students. When we required partners Glenda willingly became mine. She took me under her wing and made Gr. 11 geography a pleasure. I have never forgotten that kindness even though our lives only briefly crossed. Prayers go out to you all.

I, too, was shocked to hear of Glenda's passing. My brother, Eric, who still lives in ottawa. informed me via e-mail, and I am sorry not to have had a chance to catch up with her in the past 30 years! (Apparently, with her speed, not too many could keep up with Glenda!) Anyway, I well remember her from our years together at Hillcrest, and can still picture that magical smile, that determination and good sense of humour to go along with her natural curiosity and academic prowess. I always thought it marvelous that she was able to pursue such a lofty goal as going to the Olympics and was proud to have known her. She will be missed!

Needless to say, I was as shocked and surprised as anyone when I read of the passing of Glenda Reiser in the paper. While I did not know Glenda personally, I knew of her accomplishments and followed her career with interest. But more than that, I, too, used to go for long runs by the canal around the time that Glenda was training for the Olympics and beyond. I would see her occasionally, and can still see her in my mind's eye even now, this lean and strong and serious young woman pounding down the bicycle path with effortless ease in the fading light of a late fall day. It is a memory, an impression of a person, that has stayed with me all of these many years. Well done, Glenda. Enjoy the universe

I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Glenda's passing. As a teammate and competitor of Glenda's at the '72 Olympics and '74 Commonwealth Games, I was humbled by Glenda's amazing ability to run with such force and determination and to shut out distractions, particularly through the difficult days in Munich. I am sure she carried that strength of purpose through to other facets of her life. Traveling through Europe together with the Canadian team in the summer of 74 I began to know Glenda better and we became closer as friends not competitors. My heart goes out to Glenda's family. May you cherish the memories of happier times.

Thelma Wright
72, 76 Olympian

To the Reiser famiy, I thank Glenda for the lessons learned and what she taught me and Satir and about her love for life. I admired her inspiration and a heart for the hurting world...she is truly at peace now. Thanks Glenda!

My deepest sympathies go out to Glenda's family. From grade 6 at Riverdale Public to Vincent Massey and then through grade 13 at Hillcrest High, I shared most classes with Glenda. I remember a girl who always set high standards for herself (in academics & athletics) and invariable exceeded them. We all knew that Glenda would go on to make her mark in the world. I was so sorry to hear of your loss - she will be missed.

I was a classmate of Glenda's at Vincent Massey, and still remember her well. She was the first person I met who set goals and then did whatever it took to get there. It was no surprise to me that she was so successful in running and as a doctor.

I am sure you have many warm and loving memories of Glenda. I hope they help through this difficult time.

Bev (Tasker)Drummond

Sue and Family
I was shocked to get an e-mail notifying me of Glenda's passing. I am in Africa, and have been out of touch so I just picked up the news. Glenda was in my class from grade six to medical school, in every single year. In all those years, I never remember her as being anything but optimistic, caring, and just a wonderful person. I am sorry I did not make it to the funeral, but know my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Glenda has left a lasting impression on me, a fellow runner. I always enjoyed watching her run. My condolances go out to her friends and family. It is truly a sad time to lose her at such a young age.

To the Reiser family, I would like to pass on my sincere condolences, on hearing of Glendas' passing.

Glenda Reiser was a trendsetter for Canadian women’s middle distance running. Her accomplishments have been an inspiration to the long line of Canadian women middle distance runners that followed her. In addition, her training routines established an example of the work ethic our country’s female runners are capable of and encouraged coaches to push those boundaries. Coaches of Olympians of the seventies and eighties such as Lynn Williams, Brit Townsend, Debbie Bowker and Leah Pells realized what was possible because of the example set by Glenda Reiser.

Gerry Swan
Valley Royals Track and Field Club

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Reiser, Susan and Greg, I was shocked when I received notice this morning of Glenda's passing. The notice was sent to me by my sister Jennifer Bingham (Petrie) who keeps in touch with members of St. Timothy's Church. I remember Glenda very well. Glenda was in many of my classes at Hillcrest and we both were on the high school track team in Grade 10 and went to the Ontario championships together. Needless to say, Glenda always outran me and I am sure also topped me academically. I remember her as a mature, dedicated individual and bright spark. Following high school I caught up with Glenda occaisionly when visiting Ottawa and attending St. Timothy's with my family. From time to time, I would also hear some news of Glenda when my mother Peg Petrie would speak fondly of you Ruth, and give news of your family. My heart is with your family at this time, knowing only too well the deep pain of losing a family member so early in their life course. I will light a candle for Glenda when I get home and keep Glenda and your family in my thoughts and prayers over this difficult weekend and weeks to come. Sincerely,

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Glenda Reiser. I knew her through her younger days in track and field - truly a gifted athlete.

Ian Anderson
Director of the 1972 Canadian Olympic Trials

This is a very sad day. We had met Glenda many times through the Satir Learning Centre of Ottawa. She was a kind & caring person. Once exposed to her winning smile & bubbling enthusiasm you could never forget her. Our prayers & deepest sympathy go out to all of Glenda's family at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Jack & Diane Romanow

Dr. Reiser was truly one of the most remarkable people I knew.

She was a great listener and never stood in judgment.

The world is truly a lesser place without her.

I miss her already.

My deepest sympathies to the Reiser family ...Glenda and I trained together in the Satir systemic therapy model and she was a great support and inspiration to me. It was a privilege to know her. Be at peace, beautiful Glenda.

My deepest sympathies to the Reiser family on this very sad occasion. I was a patient of Glenda's and she helped me through very distressing times with such care and compassion. She will always hold a special place in my heart. She will truly missed by many.

We were deeply saddened to learn of Glenda’s passing and will miss her friendly encounters at our condominium building. Our sincere sympathy to Glenda’s family. John MacMillan/Molly Carvalho, Chateau Royale Condominium.

My sympathies to the family, Glenda and I went to Hillcrest and Vincent Massey at the same time and I remember her as a kind and friendly classmate...

Mr & Mrs Reiser, Susan and Greg,

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Glenda's passing. Even though I haven't seen Glenda in years, I sure remember her enthusiasm, her determination, her laughter and her smile!
May God bless you with an abundance of love and togetherness through this time of sorrow.

Glenda Reiser was an athlete of the heart. Her compassion, sense of decency and humanity are brighter – and far more important – than her numerous athletic and medical accomplishments.

She has moved on to bigger adventures, and despite our deep sense of loss, we must send her as much love and acceptance as we can muster, to support her in her new life.

My sincere sympathy and support to her family and friends is extended at this difficult time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. May you find strength in love, memories, friends and family.

My deepest sympathies to the Reiser family.
Glenda was my support and helped me through the most difficult time in my life. She is my inspiration, and I know that I was truly blessed to have her come into my life.
No matter how bad things were going, I would look forward to our sessions. There she would sit, surrounded by her beanies, with a warm welcoming smile and words of encouragement. She was a beautiful woman, with a beautiful spirit and she was incredibly dedicated to her patients.
Glenda had a profound impact on my life and I will never forget her!

Rest peacefully Glenda, your spirit lives on in all of us.

I am so sorry to hear about Glenda's passing. I lived down the street from your family, in Alta Vista. I feel honored to have known Glenda and Sue. My thoughts are with you all at this time. Sincerely, Donna Schwartz(Twin sister of Donelda)

I was both shocked and saddened to learn of Glenda's passing and at such a young age. I got to know Glenda quite well when we took the Excellence Series. I know she will be a big miss to you, her family - I wish you peace.

I attended Hillcrest HS the same time Glenda did and I was a distance runner too. I recall training with the Ottawa Harriers and Glenda running up to me and commenting, "you have a real smooth running stride". Coming from Glenda that was an great compliment.
My deepest sympathy to all of Glenda's family.

Mr and Mrs Reiser, Greg, Susan and Family.
Our sincerest condolences on your loss of Glenda. We did not have the pleasure of knowing her, but by reading all the wonderful words in the other entries, it is obvious she was a truly wonderful and highly respected woman, who was loved immensely.
God Bless you and keep you in his care.
Please know that friends are praying for you.
Bill, Sheree and Ryan Hanysh

i send my sincere condolences

We are saddened to hear the news of Glenda passing. Although we have grown apart in the years our thoughts have always been with Glenda and the family.
Our children have many fond memories of dinners and get togethers with you all; in particular Christmas time.
With love Penny and Ralph Amrmstrong, Lee, Patty, Elizabeth and John

Glenda was not in my class or even my grade at Hillcrest High School, but I remember her well. I saw her one day running in the street just after we had this huge snow fall. Someone told me she was training for the Olympics. I thought, wow, what an amazing person.

Glenda went on to acheive many accomplishments that she and her family can be proud of.

My deepest sympathy to all of Glenda's family.

To the Reiser Family,

We were neighbours in Elmvale Acres and Glenda was always an inspiration to my wife and I in our running. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your sad loss.
Lorne and Janet (Muir) Landreville

We are saddened to hear of Glenda's passing. She was a loved colleague, friend and neighbour. She will be missed by her colleagues and friends and the many patients to whose health she was committed.

I'd like to express my sympathies to Glenda's family on their loss. Glenda was a special person, a bright light really; always learning, always growing, always open to new ideas, and always a supportive and caring friend. It was a pleasure knowing her and she will be missed.

My deepest sympathies to the Reiser family on this very sad occasion. Glenda was a vibrant person and I will always have very fond memories of her. She accomplished much in her life, and people always spoke of her with great respect and admiration.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Please accept my sincere condolences at the loss of your beloved Glenda.

I have fond memories of her brilliant mind, pleasant personality and strong work ethic.

May she rest in peace.

Mr. and Mrs. Reiser, Greg and Susan,

We were so shocked and very sad to hear about Glenda. I have many memories of growing up next door and how good she was to us kids. I remember particularly how kind she was to allow me to interview her for a Grade 8 project after competing in the Olympics.

She had a sparkle to her and when I spoke with her she always made me feel like she was so glad to be talking to me, like it was exactly where she wanted to be.

Our deepest sympathy to all of you and your families. Glenda will really be missed.