Reginald Henry John Spear

Passed away peacefully after a heroic 10 month effort to recover from a debilitating stroke on August 17, 2023 at The Houses of Providence. He is survived by his wife Juliet of 67 years and his children Janice, Susan (Sylvester) and Jennifer (Kai), grandson Jacob and predeceased by his son Kevin.

Reg was born in Northern Ireland and emigrated to Canada with his new bride Juliet in April 1956. They lived in Montreal where they had three of their children before moving to Toronto where they had their fourth and favourite child (who is obviously writing this) and where they lived until their retirement. Upon retiring Reg and Julie moved to Guelph until 2014 when they moved back to the Toronto area to live in a retirement home.

Reg spent the majority of his career in Reinsurance working both in the public and private sectors, we are unable to share any more details of his career because, as was the running joke with Dad, his daughters really didn’t understand what he did, we only knew he carried a briefcase and took the subway to work.

Reg always loved literature and he received his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from York University in 1984. He also loved sports, playing rugby as a young man and watching rugby, football (soccer), ice skating and tennis in his later years. Music was a constant in the house from classical to Nat King Cole to heavy doses of Burt Bacharach in this last year.

Reg and Julie shared a love of nature and exercise and spent many hours walking, kayaking, cross-country skiing and gardening. One of their favourite places to spend time was on Little Pike Bay on the Bruce Peninsula.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Bridgepoint rehabilitation Hospital and a huge thank you to the incredibly kind and caring staff at The Houses of Providence long term care home.

A private service will be held by the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrettnorthyork.ca for the Spear family.