Reginald B. Harmer

March 31, 1923 - September 6, 2018
Reginald B. Harmer died at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, Alberta September 6th, 2018 with family members by his side. He was born in Radville, SK to Walter and Ida Harmer on March 31, 1923. He was predeceased by his parents and his wife Irene Harmer (nee Bentley) of Kimberley BC. He is survived by his sister Norma Pastachak of Radville SK, his children Susan Groat of Edson, AB, John Harmer and his wife Barbara of Lethbridge, AB, Michael Harmer and his wife Denise of Kelowna, BC, and Nancy Large of Dawson Creek, BC, his grandchildren Jamie (Shane) Blundell, Joe (Veronica) Groat, Ryan (Kailee) Groat, Jennifer (Dan) Van Reede, Janice Harmer, Carson Large, Chance Large, his great grandchildren Brooklyn Blundell, Meladia Blundell, Liam Groat, and many nieces and nephews.
After leaving home, Reg worked in the oil patch for a time, then entered training to become an electronics technician. After his training and working in Winnipeg repairing electrical transformers, he joined the federal Department of Transportation at the age of 21 as a radio operator, and spent the next 36 years working at several points on the Alaska Highway between Fort St. John, BC and Whitehorse Yukon as a radio operator, electronics technician, and station manager. Retired at age 57, Reg always joked the government would be happy with his passing, as he enjoyed collecting his pension for more years than he worked. He made several attempts to enlist in the army during the second world war, but was held back because his position was considered essential to the war effort, and a problem with one of his ears also kept him out of the service.
Reg and Irene were married in 1950 and established their home in Fort St. John. In 1959 they moved to Teslin Lake, YT, to Fort Nelson BC in 1960, then back to Fort St. John in 1964. Their final move together was to retire in Kimberley BC in 1990. They enjoyed many travel adventures around the world. One of their first adventures was in 1955 when they loaded their first two kids into the car, with Grandma along for the ride, and drove from Fort St. John BC to Mexico and back on a shoestring budget, which generated many stories of problems and adventure. They enjoyed several international trips, and spent many winters as snowbirds pulling their trailer around the Southern US and Mexico. They easily made friends wherever they went, and the two of them were generally the life of the party.
Reg was dedicated to his family, and his support, good cheer, and many visits were always looked forward to. Reg was a longtime supporter of the United Church of Canada, was an enthusiastic and successful curler, enjoyed playing golf into his 90's, and is remembered by the many friends and family members he leaves behind as a kind, generous and enthusiastic gentleman.
Please join the family to celebrate his life at the Kimberley United Church at 1 pm on Sunday, May 19th, 2019.