Reginald Thomas Appleyard

Reginald Thomas Appleyard was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Reginald always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Reginald was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

      Reginald was born on July 24, 1933 at Chatham General Hospital in Chatham, Ontario. His parents were Tom and Shirley Appleyard. Reginald was raised in Windsor, Ontario. Always able to express himself well, Reginald possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Reginald was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

      As a young child, Reginald showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Reginald enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in football, hockey, baseball, basketball and soccer. He was a scout. In his spare time he liked listening to the radio. Reginald's memorable achievements included becoming President of the Westcott Team Club.

      Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Reginald was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Phys Ed. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Ian Allison. In Addition Reginald will remember winning the Football Championship.

      Friends and acquaintances found Reginald an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Reginald was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Don Willson and Len Demara. Later in life, he became friends with Doug and Val, Jan and Pat, Ron and Shirley.

      On May 3, 1952 Reginald exchanged wedding vows with Gail Maureen Cake at St. Andrews Church in Windsor, Ontario. Reginald was attentive to Gail's feelings, and he charmed Gail and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Reginald was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

      Very much like a kid himself, Reginald identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Reginald was blessed with three children, Tom, Roger and Chris. They were also blessed with six grandchildren, Tom, Lisa-Marie, Ryan, Scott, Steven, Melissa, along with Great Grandchildren Nash and Kassidy.

      Reginald was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Reginald’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Reginald was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Reginald could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was Welder fitter. He was employed for 30 years by McInnis Equipment.

      Reginald enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were Golf. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Because he liked to take risks, Reginald was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, Reginald played Football. Recreational sports included Golf. Reginald was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Top on his list was Golf.

      Reginald was a generous man who prized that same quality in others. So it’s little wonder that he was so active and giving in his community. Reginald was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Board of Directors for Solidary Towers. Politically, Reginald was NDP.

      Travel and vacations were experiences that Reginald truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included Florida and Vegas.

      Reginald was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Reginald’s favorites was Duke, his dog. They were best friends for 12 years. His family was rounded out by his cat, Frisky.

      When Reginald’s retirement finally came in 2003, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. His new life involved relocating to Windsor. In retirement, he found new pleasure in golf, socializing and travel.

      Reginald passed away on July 30, 2016 at Heron Terrace, Windsor. Reginald fought a short battle against cancer. He is survived by Gail, Tom (Betty), Roger (the late Rebecca 2002), Chris (Cheryl), Tommy, Lisa-Marie (Jay), Ryan, Scott, Melissa, Steven, Nash and Kassidy. Services were held at Walter D. Kelly Life Celebration Centre. Reginald was laid to rest in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Windsor.

      Reginald was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Reginald had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Reginald Thomas Appleyard.

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83 years. Passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at Heron Terrace Long Term Care. Beloved husband of Gail (nee Cake). Dear father of Tom (Betty), Roger (the late Rebecca, 2002) and Chris (Cheryl). Loving grandfather of 6 and great grandfather of 2. Reg retired from McGinnis Equipment after 30 years of dedicated service and acted as their Plant Chair with the Boilermakers Union #704. Special thanks to the staff of Heron Terrace for their loving and compassionate care. Memorial Visitation will be held at the Walter D. Kelly Life Celebration Centre, 1969 Wyandotte Street East (519) 252-5711 on Thursday, August 4, 2016 from 2-4 p.m. & 6 p.m. until the Memorial Service to celebrate Reg's Life at 7:30 p.m. if desired, memorial donations made to the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated by the family. Please join us in remembering Reg by visiting his memorial at www.walterdkellyfuneralhome.com