Obituary of Reginald Charles Bruce Averill

AVERILL: My dad, Reginald Averill, was the oldest of three brothers to proud parents Mr. Arthur Isaac and Mrs. Tessie Evelyn Averill of Minnedosa, Manitoba; born on October 14, 1943. He was a true farm boy through and through. He was raised to not only respect his parents but all those who came into his life, no matter how long he knew them. Upon graduation from high school, he attended school in Winnipeg to obtain a certificate of professional electrician, which consumed much of his adult life. When he completed his schooling, he took up residence in Brandon, where he met and fell in love with his wife of 50 years, Cheryl, and together they raised five children. His whole life was dedicated not only to his job but also to his family. Anything he did, he did with his whole being and it continued throughout his whole life. My dad was always there whenever his clients needed him, regardless of when they called. He even drove all the way to my grandmother's house for two hours in a blizzard to help her get the heat back on in her house. Not only did he make this trip once, driving all the way back to Brandon for the necessary parts to fix her furnace, he then drove all the way back to finish fixing it, so that she wouldn't be cold. I have lost track of the number of people he has done this for and I am sure there are many of you out there that knew my dad and have similar stories to tell. My dad continued with this trait throughout his whole life up until his passing, even clearing snow for his neighbours last winter. My dad loved to putter in the backyard when he wasn't working; he was forever doing something, whether it was mowing the grass in summer or clearing snow in the winter. He also loved to feed the birds and see if he could identify all the different ones who visited our home. One winter, we even had deer up in the yard eating the feed he put out for the birds. It was sort of a running joke with him and I; he kept telling me that the deer would come early morning but I didn't believe him until I saw it for myself. My dad was forever giving us advice throughout our daily lives on how we should or shouldn't do something. His favourite phrase, he used all the time, saying "if you understand what I am getting at" and I am sure that he used that phrase with everyone who entered his life. He has been a lifelong fan of the Montreal Canadians regardless of how bad their season was, and this love of hockey carried on to cheering for his grandchildren, who took up the sport. He also loved watching curling; I can't tell you how many times I would hear him screaming at them to sweep, as if they could hear him. It didn't matter which sport was on the T.V., he would watch it. He spent hours watching the weather channel just to see what the weather was like in the rest of the world. To his family, he was larger than life and his passing on Saturday, October 6, 2018 has left a huge hole in our lives. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't wish he was still here. He will be missed by his wife of 50 years Cheryl; his children: Reg, Reicie, Tim, Ron, and Dan (Tracey) as well as seven grandchildren, who were the light of his life. He is also survived by his brothers: Stuart and Harold, who live in Ontario; as well as numerous cousins, aunts, uncles as well as all the friends he made throughout his life. He was loved by many and will be missed by those whose lives he touched. A family graveside service was held on Monday, October 15, 2018 at the Brandon Cemetery. Donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 1160-675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9 or to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, 'Murray House' 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3, in his memory. We love you and miss you, Dad.