Peacefully at home with his family by his side at the age of 55, four years after a diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
Reece will be forever missed by his wife of almost 21 years, Jennifer (nee Brousseau) and their children, Thomas and Karen. He was beloved by his parents, Robert and Mary, and his younger brother Glen (Tasmina). He is also survived by his in-laws Wilfred Brousseau (Judy Langley), Paul Brousseau (Lisanne), Christine Brousseau and Stephanie Brousseau (Mark Harris), as well as several nieces and a nephew.
Born in Winnipeg, Reece moved to Ottawa with his family when he was five years old. He grew up in Orleans, where he developed a passion for cycling, cross-country skiing and motocross bikes. Reece ‘The Rocket’ was a fierce competitor who achieved great athletic success, but he was also humble and loved to share his passion for sports and his healthy lifestyle with everyone around him. He turned that passion into a career as brand manager for Madshus cross-country skis and K2 bikes, which gave him the opportunity to travel all over the world racing, working and making friends. Jen teased him often because, no matter what airport they were at, he would know someone. He enjoyed supporting Madshus athletes at World Cup events and the Olympics in Salt Lake City and Vancouver, bringing his love of the technical aspects of ski performance to help people in their athletic careers. The last few years he was a board member of Ski Heritage East and worked hard to bring the multi-use winter trail to people in the east end of Ottawa.
He passed his love of it all down to his children and was so very proud of his family. He would tell anyone who would listen how lucky he was to have such a great family, and that he felt like he won the lottery with them.
Reece was happiest with a fancy tool in his hand, something to fix, and a dog hanging out with him in his workshop. He will be missed by his project partners Mike Bertrand, Rich Greenham and Bryan Roberts, who spent countless hours figuring out how to make things work or go faster. He will also be missed at motocross tracks; that magical place he loved to be and where everyone helps everyone. This past season was possible only because of the support received from the Kolmans, the Kirbys, the McKies, the Guadagnos, and the Racines, as well as from his brother Glen "the Pocket Rocket" who travelled with him to the races.
He spoke often with gratitude for the support over the last few years and it provided him with a tremendous amount of comfort knowing his family would be well looked after.
Reece received exceptional care at the Ottawa Hospital, and the family would like to thank Dr. Hyra Sapru and Christine Veal from the myeloma team, Dr. Daniel Vincent and the palliative care team and everyone at Medical Daycare, for their care and compassion for him and his family.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Ski Heritage East through GoFundMe would be welcomed in Reece’s memory. Or consider donating something more precious - blood to support patients like Reece, so they too can get more time with their loved ones.
Friends and Family are invited to visit the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, ON on Friday, October 28, 2022 from 9 until the time of a Service at 10AM, with a reception to follow. For those that may not be able to attend Reece's Service in person, the service will be livestreamed - you may register for the livestreaming at the link above or by clicking here.
Digital Guestbook
Don Killens
Bonnie Hostrawser
Dear Jen, Karen, Thomas and family, when working with Jen I would hear about great family trips to Florida and hear Jen call home to see, for example, who was carving the pumpkins that year. You have such a connected family that loves and laughs together. My thoughts and best wishes are with you.
Rosiane Simeon
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Jenn. I hope his legacy will continue to inspire the whole family. I'll keep you in my prayers.
Clément Chabot
Hello Jennifer,
I'm so sorry for your loss. We offer our most heartfelt condolence to you, Thomas and Karen and the whole family. I did not know your husband personally but through your interesting and funny stories of him, I felt I knew him a bit and admired the unique life that he built around his family, passions and generosity to his community. I have an image of him from a few years ago at the Gatineau Loppet where he and a few youngsters were joking and laughing loud under the Madshus booth tent. When I ski the wonderful Ski Heritage East trail, I often remember you telling me about the time Reece and Thomas had built a lot of the trail signage structures as one of many other things that Reece did to give the Orléans cross-country skiers such a precious gift. Our thoughts are with you at you family.
Clément and Francine
Desiree Lamoureux
On behalf of the staff at Cairine Wilson, we are so sorry for your loss and your family is in our thoughts.
Kent Swim
Reece was an amazing man and the best man at my wedding. He always had a way of bringing out the best in me especially when it came to physical fitness. i think of the times we went cross country skiing and cycling and even though he was much quicker he never left me behind. He always had a way of connecting with people and making them feel special. I recall a time we were driving in his Beetle with two high school friends. He decided to be silly and pulled the car over telling the two girls that something was wrong with the car and that we may be out of gas. We were in the middle of no where in cumberland. He opened the front hood and told the girls after turning on a lighter that we were indeed out of gas. The two girls started to panic and then I saw Reece look at them both, with that smile he has, and explain that the engine of the car was actually in the back and that the front of the car only had the trunk. Reece was an amazing friend and I knew no matter what happened he would always be there for me. I am so lucky to have had him in my life.
Marilyn Sakakibara
We are good friends of Reece’s parents
Mary and Bob Rendall. We are very sorry for their loss . We hope to view the funeral on Friday morning online if given a link.
Nicole (Sangemino) Nixon
Dear Jenn,
I am so sorry to hear of Reece’s passing. My condolences to you all. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. May his soul Rest In Peace. ?
Maureen Hartigan
Jennifer, I am so sorry for your loss. I am holding you and your family in my thoughts and wish all of you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Katarina Stephenson
My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Jen. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Deepest condolence Jennifer. Your landscape has changed after this storm. You have been an inspiration to me, and your family has always been your focus. Stay strong!