Obituary of Herbert "Herb" E. Reist

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October 14, 1931 – October 11, 2021 (89 years)

Herb passed away peacefully in his 90^th year. Son of Earl and Gertrude (nee Buschlin - both predeceased). Brother to Ronald, Clifford, and Earla (all predeceased). Devoted husband of 63 years to Donna. Father to Rick (Roberta) Reist and Bonnie (Mike) Gosse. Grandpa to Chris (Terralee), Mandy (Lynn), Cory (Julie), Tina (Joe), Melissa (Peter), Jesse (Cristina), Randee (Richard), and Karlee. Great-grandpa to Dustin, Daphne, Kitana, Travis, Damon, Kayden, Richard, Connor, Landon, Lia, Bella, Raiden, Lyanna, and Autym.

Herb married Donna Jean Cooper in 1957 and welcomed his son, Rick, in 1959 and his daughter, Bonnie, in 1962. He began his career working for over 20 years at Ontario Office Outfitters. From there, he worked the remainder of his career as a driver with the CNIB. He was a steadfast volunteer, giving over 50 years of his time as a coach with the Waterloo Blind Bowlers League. He made many lifelong friends during his time with the league. Herb also spent many years as a volunteer coach with a curling league for the blind.

Herb was a man who was quiet but also quick with a joke, and his family knew that his jokes were almost always inappropriate or worthy of a “Grandpa Joke” groan. He was an excellent dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa; he always made sure to spend quality time with the grandkids growing up, whether it was playing board games, taking them to the park, tobogganing, or going camping with the family. He enjoyed golfing and spent many years walking or riding his bike instead of driving to where he needed to go. He loved a good meal – more than anyone else we know! - and could be known to take the food right off your plate if you weren't careful. In his younger days, he enjoyed a beer (or two) at the legion on Friday evenings. He was a devoted Catholic and he attended St. John’s church in Kitchener for many years. Herb enjoyed gardening, and we remember many years of him tending to his garden at the house on Park Street. He also enjoyed geography and current events; he was an avid newspaper reader, and he never missed the 11:00 news on TV. He was fun and giving, but the kids and grandkids can attest that he wasn't afraid to give you a swift kick in the behind if you deserved it – and we all did! He was a good man, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. As he said to us all many, many times: “Close the door!”.

To attend Herb’s visitation and/or funeral service, please wear a face mask, observe physical distancing, and register (RSVP) by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo. A funeral service is scheduled for Friday, October 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home chapel with a reception to immediately follow. Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Williamsburg Cemetery.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to the CNIB or by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.