Obituary of Lester Carl Reist
January 20, 1934 - June 18, 2021
Lester Reist passed away peacefully at his home, Chartwell Clair Hills Retirement Community on Friday, June 18th, age 87.
Beloved husband to Marjorie Pearl Reist (née Byers), deceased in 2011.
Father to Brent Reist (Michele Dredge) and Lori Reist (Colin Young). Grandfather to Kasia Young and Alicia Young.
Lester is predeceased by his parents Elgin and Hilda (née Rosenberger) Reist. He leaves behind his brother Irvin Reist (Marilyn) and his two sisters, Armintha Belbeck (Elroy, deceased) and Joanne Kipfer (Reynold).
Lester led a unique life with music always at the forefront. Whether it was in his career as a Music Consultant with the Waterloo Region District School Board or directing choirs at various churches – notably Lincoln Heights Evangelical Missionary in Waterloo, Vineland Missionary and the Chapel Singers – music was central to him. In retirement he was a founding member of the Upward Way Quartet. We remember him teaching voice or piano lessons or just playing piano and singing at home. Our house was always full of instruments and a deep baritone voice, and sometimes a surprising falsetto soprano!
Lester epitomized 1 Peter 3:4 “It should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight”. He was a living example of strength of character through his gentleness, patience, discipline, and positive thought. His positive mental attitude was reflected in daily written notes “May all go very well today.”
Member of Bethany Evangelical Missionary Church, Kitchener.
Special thanks to our Aunt Joanne who was always willing to lend a helping hand in the past few years, and to the staff at Clair Hills whose genuine care often went above and beyond their duties. Their assistance with weekly video chats bridged the distance and brought us together in ways we will always cherish.
A private family internment will take place at Williamsburg Cemetery, Kitchener.
Condolences for the family and donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or Canadian Bible Society can be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.