He had several jobs in his life. He started in the oilfield, both overseas and in Canada. As a young man in the Persian Gulf, he used his time off to travel the world. He visited the capitals of Europe, skied in the Alps, toured around Thailand and South America. He always picked out a piece of jewelry from these places for his beloved mom. After numerous injuries in that career, he “spent the best years of my life” at Castle Mountain. He worked as a liftee, ski instructor, ski coach and groomed the mountain. Some of his tales of grooming the mountain in a blizzard had you on the edge of your seat. He was a great raconteur! Two of his greatest accomplishments were being named Coach of the Year (94/95) and King of the Castle for completing 44 runs in 1 day. Offseason he worked as a painter in his own business Painting with Pride.

It was during his time at Castle that the Rockin’ Reggie persona came to be. He played a mean harmonica and loved the blues. He loved going to the blues jam in Calgary clubs, especially Mikey’s and the Blues Can. Nothing could beat sitting around a fire and listening to friends sing and play.

Reg was a character, with many aliases: The five freckled fingers of death, the ginga ninja, Uncle Buck to his nephews and later in life the leprechaun. His expressions were unique and often not PC. (Even Ray Charles could see that!) He lived hard and played harder and eventually that lifestyle caught up to him. When pain became a constant companion he looked to leave on his own terms, without fear or regret. Reg was predeceased by his parents, grandparents all his aunts and uncle, two cousins and 1 second cousin. He also said goodbye to many close friends that passed before him. He leaves to remember him his sisters Linda Smith (Rob Smith and son Dex), Nancy Coleman (Richard Lancaster and sons Kent and Colin) His Godfather Gus Fortin and many cousins (The Coreys, Barrolls, and McGillivrays) And a whole bunch of great friends! His family would like to thank all those that supported him in the weeks and months before he left and came out to say goodbye to his live wake. To see him surrounded by friends that loved and accepted him was a beautiful thing…we should all be so lucky! Special thanks to The Ursel collective. Rob and Bronwyn for all your friendship, Karen for her beautiful poem and Jill for moral support-and first aid! Ica (Reg’s sister from another mister and former roommate) especially in the last year. Special friends Chelsea, Brook, Rob the butcher and all the rest.

We would also like to thank the empathetic and compassionate gals from MAID Calgary who helped send him on his way. From the other room, we could hear them laughing and couldn’t help but wonder what story he was telling them. I have no doubt it was a good one. He left listening to Led Zeppelins Ramble On which was what he wanted. As per Reg’s wishes, there will be no service. If you wish to remember Reg, support live music or consider a donation to CADS , Castle Mountain. Two more Reggie-isms to consider… Everybody dies, not everybody lives. Peace brother, spread the word. He is at peace now.