Obituary of David Reeve

It is with great sadness, that the family of David Frederick Reeve, age 80, announces his peaceful passing at Lisaard House in Cambridge on June 6. Dave will be forever remembered by his beloved wife, Helen and his children Carol (Mike McArthur), David (Martha) and Jane (Peter Sutherland); his step-children Wendy Godard (Malcolm), Dan Putnam (Beth), Sarah Putnam, Mary Ho (Robert) and Doug Drinkwalter. Dave and Helen were proud grandparents to 19 grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his dear brother Doug, his sister-in-law, Jean Reeve, his brother-in-law Gord Jarvis, his sister-in-law Barb Surtees, the Lehman family, as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his first wife Margaret, his sister Mary Beth Jarvis, his brother Harry, his brother-in-law Russ Surtees, his sister-in-law Nancy Reeve and his stepson Andrew Drinkwalter. Dave was raised in London, Ontario by his parents, the late Vivian and Wanza Reeve. He graduated from the University of Western Ontario Business School in 1953, and soon moved to Kitchener-Waterloo to begin a 30-year career owning and operating a printing business. Throughout his career, he was actively involved in the Optimist Club, Kitchener Chamber of Commerce, the Oktoberfest Committee, Rotary Club (president Kitchener-1987/88, Southampton 1992/93), and Grand River Conservation Authority. Upon retirement, Dave and Helen moved to Southampton, where they operated a real estate business. They spent many winters in Florida, and many summers on Tamarac Island. They moved back to Waterloo in 2005. Dave's faith, optimism and generosity were the foundation of his days, his relationships and his life. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren and he and Helen built a new family together that was full of celebrations, joy and love. Dave treasured his friendships and always kept in touch with life-long friends, Western alumni and business associates. He had wonderful memories of fishing trips, canoe trips, sailing and travel. He cherished the time he spent reading, playing bridge, working in his "office" and tinkering in the boathouse. On his eightieth birthday, he presented his family with the most beautiful gift of all; his published life story that he spent seven years writing…a story of how a full life was lived. Friends are invited to share their memories of Dave with his family at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo on Friday June 8 from 7 to 9 pm. The funeral service will be held at First United Church, 16 William Street, Waterloo on Saturday June 9 at 10:30 am. Immediately following the service, friends and relatives are invited to join the family for a reception in the Fireside Reception Room of the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home. Condolences for the family and memorial contributions to the Grand River Hospital Foundation or Lisaard House in Cambridge may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.