James (Jim) William Reich

Jim Reich 1950 - 2018

“Big Jim” left us on February 7, 2018 due to a malignant brain tumor diagnosed in late May 2017.

Jim was born in Swan River, Manitoba to Bill and Una Reich, the eldest of four children on April 25, 1950.

He leaves his “best friend” beloved wife of almost forty-four years, Carol; son, Tim (Sandra) of Edmonton, Alberta; daughter, Valeri of Swan River; and the girls, granddaughters Shyanna and Sierra of Edmonton; brother in law Tom (Laurie) Huddlestone of Winnipeg, Manitoba; brothers, Rick (Debbie)  of Swan River, and Ralph (Maryann) of Winnipegosis, Manitoba; brother in law Bill (Nancy) Meadows of Lumbreck, Alberta; aunts, Bernice Reich, Janice Cox and Ila Payette; uncle, Norman Smith; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, Bill and Una Reich; in laws, Wilfred and Margaret Huddlestone; sister, Judy Meadows; niece, Linda Meadows; aunts, uncles and cousins.

Jim was involved in many outdoor organizations; a lifetime member of the Swan Valley Agricultural Society, rodeo chairman for many years, when it was Pro Rodeo making numerous trips to the Canadian Finals Rodeo with “Dick” and other directors to promote the NorthWest Roundup. He was a starter and judge for the Manitoba Pony Chuckwagon and Chariot Association for twelve years, most spent on his trusty “fat appaloosa”. Being an avid hunter and fisherman, he was a twenty-four year member of the Swan Valley Sport Fishing, raffle chairman for nineteen of those years “have you got your boat ticket?”

Always a hockey fan, he played minor hockey then recreation hockey and on to old timers, No. 44 loved ice time on defence. He drove the old blue minor hockey bus for all of son Tim’s years of road trips.

Jim and his brother Rick operated Maple Grove Ranch, a PMU production for twenty-three years then moved on to custom hay and grain hauling in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Then, on to Maple Bus Lines, he loved the Stampeder trips. He was truly interested in the players, knew all the boys and where they were from, also befriending many sets of parents over the years.

Dropping the puck for the home opener, in a Stamps’ jersey on October 4, 2017 was an honor for him.

“Larry and Leslie are waiting to go fishing.”

As per Jim’s wishes, cremation will take place and a private memorial will be held at a later date. Flowers are respectively declined. If friends so desire, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to: Community Foundation of Swan Valley, Box 1509, Swan River, Manitoba R0L 1Z0; or to Swan River Valley Agricultural Society, Box 116, Swan River, Manitoba R0L 1Z0.

Swan Valley Funeral Services

363 Kelsey Trail

Swan River, Manitoba

204-734-5775   www.swanvalleyfuneralservices.com

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