We are very saddened at the loss of John, a dear husband, father, friend and pillar in the city of Prince George for the past 65 years. Born to John and Helen Reimer of Arnold, BC, he learned a strong work ethic and a positive outlook on life, countering the difficulties of growing up in the “dirty thirties.” He became a born-again Christian when he was 12, taking to heart John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” NIV
John was a jack-of-all trades. By the time he was 25 he had work experience in farming, carpentry, mining, bridge-building, tree-felling, equipment sales, and construction. Moving to Prince George in 1952, he earned tuition for Briercrest Bible College (near Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan) and attended from 1954 to 1957. There he met his wife, Gwen Cole, and they have enjoyed being married and best friends for nearly 64 years.
For many years John worked for Erwin Homes, travelling a great deal, arranging building permits and sub trades in the building industry. A highlight for him was connecting with Christians in each town. As a contractor for his own company, Rainbow Ventures, he built many buildings and houses in Prince George (and many other places) leaving a legacy of work crews who experienced his honest and strong work ethic of doing a job well and doing it right.
John had a heart for mission and ministry. He was very involved in his church, in the Christian Businessmen’s Committee (CBMC) and organized the annual Mayor’s prayer breakfast. John Reimer was a pillar in the business community, and a tireless advocate for his much-loved Ness Lake Bible Camp. From its beginning in 1953 John spent much of his ‘spare time’ investing in the camp; many hours in prayer and hands on, from helping build the first barge and spending weekends clearing brush on the newly acquired land, to procuring building materials and volunteers, scouting for summer staff, as a board member, and of course, building! He and his wife, Gwen, authored “Ness Lake Bible Camp” a chronicled history of the camp, in 2018.
John was a man of deep faith and relationship with God, a wonderful friend and encourager. From age 19, he committed to reading his Bible daily. One of the most positive people you would ever meet, he would talk to anyone and try to encourage them (and tell them about camp!). He believed in his kids, supported what they did and invested time with his grandkids. His motto in life was ‘there’s always something to be thankful for.’
He served on the board of Briercrest Bible College for 26 years traveling to Saskatchewan twice a year at his own expense. In later years, he and Gwen volunteered their time and skills to serve in projects in Ecuador, Brazil, England, Spain, Kenya, Hawaii, Trinidad and even Cuba. A vacation was never fully for leisure, there were always projects to be involved in and people to help. John reflected on these experiences, “I am so thankful that my wife and I were able to do these things together and we are thankful for the safety God gave us even when we were in dangerous places. Most of all I give thanks to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
John and Gwen also kept busy with their bed and breakfast where John thoroughly enjoyed playing tour guide with their B&B guests, picking them up from the train to bring them back to enjoy Gwen’s hospitality.
John never failed to enjoy life, and his favourite way to relax was fishing! He loved to take his kids, grandkids, many friends and visiting guests out fishing. Countless fishing trips with sons PJ and Al to lakes too numerous to name or ocean fishing when they could arrange it. Too many stories make it difficult to know where to start or stop!
John was predeceased by his parents John and Helen Reimer, sister Ruth and brothers Ruben and Alvin. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife Gwen, daughter Ruth Anne (Jim) MacKnee, sons Paul (Michelle), Al (Diane), daughters Linda, Valerie (Wayne) Dirks, brother Dan (Freda), sisters Mary Stevens, Hilda (John) Falk, Leona (Davidson), sister-in-law Rose Reimer, 14 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 12 at 10:30AM at the Westwood MB Church parking lot. Sign up at https://www.westwoodchurch.bc.ca/ Limited space is available due to restrictions. It will be live-streamed, and accessible for later viewing online.
Livestream Link: https://www.youtube.com/c/westwoodchurch
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made In Memory of John Reimer, to:
Ness Lake Bible Camp, https://nesslakebiblecamp.campbraingiving.com/ (to the general fund) 23705 Camp Road, Prince George, BC V2K 5M1
Wycliffe Bible Translators, Canada: https://www.wycliffe.ca/give/ (Projects: Bible Translation)
Toll-free at 1-800-463-1143 Monday thru Friday between 8:30am - 4:30 pm Mountain Time.
Make out your cheque to Wycliffe Canada. Include a separate note that states, "In Memory of John Reimer, for the work of Bible Translation.”
Mail to: Wycliffe Canada
4316 10 St NE
Calgary, AB T2E 6K3
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