Colin John Reeves

It is with profound sadness that the family of Colin Frederick John Reeves (Fred), announces his passing on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at the age of 90 years.

Fred was born to Frederick and Bertha Reeves (Brown) on August 21, 1932, in Uxbridge, England.

Fred was an amazing man who lived his life with integrity, honesty, and care.  Fred was raised and schooled in England and, after completing his education with an art scholarship, he went on to work for Rolls-Royce building aircraft engines until 1949 when he proudly and respectfully began his military service in the British Armed Forces for a short 2-year period. In 1951, he decided to volunteer and enlist in the Canadian Armed Forces and was deployed to fight in the Korean War.  He then went on many peacekeeping missions in Israel over several years and was given the nickname “Tubby” by his army buddies. During a tour of duty in Germany, he met and married his first love, Johanna, in March of 1966, started a family in 1967, and was posted with the Canadian Forces to CFB Calgary in late 1967 where they raised their 2 daughters. Fred proudly retired from the Canadian Armed Forces with the rank of Master Sergeant in 1981. After a decorated military career, he went on to manage the shipping & receiving department with Calgary Stationers until 1987 when he retired.

In his youth, Fred was an active soccer player, coach, referee, and curler. As a husband, father, and grandfather, Fred enjoyed playing card games, cheering on his favorite hockey team, The Montreal Canadians, watching baseball, and doing word search puzzles.  He enjoyed attending the many family gatherings and events, and going to all his grandchildren’s school plays, recitals, and graduations.  Whether you called him Fred, Tubby, Colin, Dad, Pops, Uncle, or Gramps, he would light up with the greatest of smiles and welcome your company. We will fondly remember all his adventure stories about his army days in the years to come. 

Fred leaves behind his loving family, daughter Briggitte; sister Elizabeth; five grandchildren, Cory, Ashley, Taylor, Alicia, and Haleigh; two step-grandchildren, Arianna, and DeLorean; and two great-grandchildren, Gabriella and Charlie. Others left to cherish Fred's memory are his niece Ann (Mike); nephews, Gerald (Ruth), Richard (Margaret), and David; along with their respective children and grandchildren. 

Fred was predeceased by his father Fred (1939); his mother Bertha (1961); his wife Johanna (1985); and his daughter Carole (2019).

To the many staff and healthcare workers at Whitehorn Village and Colonel Belcher, thank you.  My dad adored all of you, and I appreciate the time you spent getting to know him and the care you provided.

There will be no formal service at this time. A small family and friends gathering will be held in the spring.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

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