H. Brian Reddick

Hewitt Brian Reddick was a man for whom actions would speak louder than words. His life motto might well have been “don’t sweat the small stuff.” The qualities of being fair, just and the ability to recognize what was right were clearly valued in his life. He was analytical and perceptive. He was modest in his actions and extremely literal in his thoughts and in the manner in which he communicated with others. His word truly was his bond. Brian was born on June 13, 1945 at 11:50 PM at the old Barrie Memorial Hospital in Ormstown, Quebec, weighing 9 lbs 6 oz . His parents were Harvie Clifford and Margaret Martha (McFarlane) Reddick. His preteen years were spent in Ormstown, Quebec and then in 1958 the family moved to Niagara Falls, Ontario. Even as a small child, Brian wanted to understand what was right and what was wrong in any given situation. As he grew older, he realized the importance of being treated fairly, and in return, he treated everyone around him the same way. This belief in fair play served him well throughout his life.

He would look at the most reasonable and practical ways to settle any disputes. He had an older sister Myrna and younger brother Kent. Brian was constantly involved in activities with his siblings and although he and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, they remained close as adults.

During his childhood, family and friends viewed Brian as a quiet and reserved person with what most would consider a calm and tranquil demeanor. In fact, he was a fairly curious child who had the ability to entertain himself and didn’t require much in the way of outside stimulation. A great deal of his free time was spent learning how and why the things around him worked. He was an active child who loved being outdoors and absorbing all the sensory input that nature could provide. He took part in hockey and he was a Cub Scout. He liked watching hockey, collecting sports cards and when he was very young he loved playing checkers with his grandfather McFarlane.

The fact that he was curious was an asset to Brian. He relished the task of scrutinizing problems, investigating all of the options and then solving them. He enjoyed tackling a project and working it through to completion. Sometimes, he would become so involved in the process of problem solving that he would lose awareness of his surroundings. Experience was Brian’s best teacher. He attended both A. N. Myer Secondary School and Westlane Secondary School in Niagara Falls and graduated high school in 1964. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was mathematics followed by geography & history. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was a Mr. Tiplin who ran the geography department and directed the Camera Club. Those who didn’t know Brian well, might have thought him to be objective and somewhat emotionally detached, but family and friends who were close to him knew that he was capable of unexpected flashes of humor. His good friends tended to be “entrepreneurial” like himself. Even though the circle of friends was somewhat small, it was a strong and loyal group, and Brian liked to spend time with them.

This same loyalty and up front honesty that he shared with his friends carried over to other aspects of his life, including his relationships with his family. On April 5, 1969, Brian exchanged wedding vows with Alice Louise McCredie at the Chippawa Presbyterian Church of Niagara Falls, Ontario. The marriage became a solid relationship, and they enjoyed their time together, especially when it came to celebrating special occasions.

As the family grew, he was easily able to adapt to the changes and challenges of parenthood. Brian and Alice were blessed with one child, a daughter (Valerie) Alexa in 1971 and were also blessed with one grandchild, Azlyn Izabel Fynn Potthast in 2012. He was never impulsive in dealing with family problems. Instead, he would carefully think things through before implementing the solution in a logical and objective manner. He was a strong, clear communicator who excelled at eliminating confusion by simplifying the dilemmas for those involved. In his work life, he was the kind of person who had no difficulty in taking on a project and seeing it through to its completion. He excelled at dealing with those pesky details that can derail some people, and once he understood exactly why he was working on a project, he could plow full steam ahead. For Brian, being able to grasp the logical components of any task was significant to him. Even if he worked alone on a task, he was able to incorporate and welcome new insights from others, and he would readily use them if they improved the process. His first real occupation was running HBR Promotions Ltd, a sports promotion business he started in 1968, he later performed maintenance duties for Royal Stetter and took on farming as well. He was self-employed for 25 years, and then employed at Royal Stetter for about 30 years while also becoming a vendor at the St. Catharines and Port Colborne Farmers Markets for over 20 years. Brian always made the effort to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Brian’s curious and inquisitive nature influenced his choice of leisure pursuits as well. He applied his strong concentration and analytical skills as to how things worked to his choice of activities. He particularly enjoyed the “alone” time his hobbies provided. His favorite pursuits were finances, market gardening, watching sports and playing golf. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

He had the ability to stay calm and the determination to do what was necessary to get the job finished, traits that helped him in all his pursuits.

Brian was an asset to any organization he joined. He could be relied upon to do what he had committed himself to do. He worked well on small committees and excelled at focusing on the important details without getting bogged down by the unnecessary parts of an assignment. In high school, he was a member of the Camera Club and later, he was a member of the Power Squadron for several years.

Brian appreciated the occasions when he was able to travel and he enjoyed learning about different locales and was open to exploring new and different places. Favourite vacation spots included Northern Ontario, sailing at Grand Bend, Ontario and one of his most cherished vacations was a trip to New Orleans which he repeated for his honeymoon .

Brian was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was a cat named Mighty. Brian had Mighty for about 3 years before unfortunately she fell victim to a couple of stray dogs. His furry family was rounded out by his four cats: Catlin (AKA Momma), Cleo (AKA Fat Cat), Chelsea (AKA Scooter), and Thomas (AKA The Boy). In his mid teens he had pet skunks that made it into a local production of Li’l Abner and later, he had tropical fish for a time.

He retired from Royal Stetter around 2013 and continued the market gardening until February 2015. In retirement, he found continued pleasure in watching sports and planning the following year's garden.

Brian passed away on January 27, 2016 at Greater Niagara General Hospital in Niagara Falls, Ontario a victim of cancer. He is survived by his loving wife Alice, daughter Alexa (Mark Potthast), grandchild Azlyn, step-grandsons Justin & Shaun and by his brother Kent. Services were held at Hetherington & Deans Funeral Chapel in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Brian was laid to rest in the Peace Garden, Plot 2203, at Pleasantview Memorial Gardens in Fonthill, Ontario.

Brian strongly believed in action rather than talk. He was practical and realistic but was able to be flexible when the need arose. He had a curiosity about the things around him and tried to experience life directly rather than sit back and talk about it. The experiences he treasured most were those he shared with his loved ones. Hewitt Brian Reddick will be greatly missed.

REDDICK, H. Brian –

Passed away peacefully, in Niagara Falls, on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, in his 71st year. Loving husband to Alice (McCredie) of 47 years. Sadly missed by his daughter Alexa Potthast and her husband Mark, and by his grandchildren Azlyn, Justin, and Shaun. Predeceased by his sister Myrna Williams; he is survived by his brother Kent, brothers-in-law Neil Williams (Maureen), Robert McCredie (Myrna), and sister-in-law Jean Adams (Mark). Fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and extended family. Predeceased by his parents Harvie and Margaret Reddick. Brian was a longtime vendor and familiar face at the St. Catharines and Port Colborne Farmer’s Markets.

Family and friends were received at HETHERINGTON & DEANS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5176 Victoria Ave., Niagara Falls, Ontario, on Sunday, January 31, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A Funeral Service was held in the chapel on Monday, February 1, 2016 at 12 pm. Interment in Pleasantview Memorial Gardens. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Princess Margaret Lodge Foundation would be appreciated.

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REDDICK, H. Brian –

Passed away peacefully, in Niagara Falls, on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, in his 71st year. Loving husband to Alice (McCredie) of 47 years. Sadly missed by his daughter Alexa Potthast and her husband Mark, and by his grandchildren Azlyn, Justin, and Shaun. Predeceased by his sister Myrna Williams; he is survived by his brother Kent, brothers-in-law Neil Williams (Maureen), Robert McCredie (Myrna), and sister-in-law Jean Adams (Mark). Fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and extended family. Predeceased by his parents Harvie and Margaret Reddick. Brian was a longtime vendor and familiar face at the St. Catharines and Port Colborne Farmer’s Markets.

Family and friends will be received at HETHERINGTON & DEANS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5176 Victoria Ave., Niagara Falls, Ontario, on Sunday, January 31, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A Funeral Service will be held in the chapel on Monday, February 1, 2016 at 12 pm. Interment in Pleasantview Memorial Gardens. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Princess Margaret Lodge Foundation would be appreciated.

Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.hetheringtonanddeans.com