Tribute

Rusty Reimer was born on April 21,1938, in Vancouver, BC. to Peter and Maria Reimer. He was the oldest in a family of eight children raised on a small farm in Greendale. He learned woodworking and carpentry skills from his dad and uncle George who owned Reimer Brothers Cabinet Shop located at the front of the property on Sumas Prairie Road. This later became a building construction business as well.  He also worked at Baerg’s Autobody Shop just down the road.

Rusty graduated from Chilliwack High School in 1956 and then attended Vancouver Vocational School and received a diploma in Architectural and Structural Drafting in 1958. After graduating he worked for Architect A.E. Anderson in Chilliwack and later Anderson and Graham Architects Inc.
Rusty became a Christian on March 12, 1956, and was baptized in the Vedder River on August 18, 1957. He attended the Greendale MB Church his entire life. His desire to grow in his faith led him to Bethany Bible Institute in Hepburn, Saskatchewan, where he deepened his understanding of God’s calling on his life. He graduated April 12, 1963, and received a diploma in Bible and Christian Education.

This also turned out to be bridal school because this is where he met Verna, the love of his life. They were married on October 30, 1965, in Main Centre, Saskatchewan. They briefly lived in a small home on Reid Road in Sardis and then settled in their present home on Sumas Prairie Road in Greendale where they raised their two children, Cam, and Jane.

In 1973 he began his home-based architectural drafting business Rusty’s Plans and Designs and later Rusty’s Design Service. He never retired from this work, still doing all his drawings by hand. Working from home also gave him the flexibility to serve as a lay youth pastor which he did for twenty-five years. He touched the lives of many young people with wisdom, guidance, and compassion. In later years he served as a visitation pastor and helped support a college and career Bible study group.

Rusty had a special place in his heart for those he mentored. Up until his last days he loved meeting friends, old and new, for meaningful conversations over a cup of coffee. He cherished the opportunity to listen, encourage, and share in the joys and struggles of each one. His warmth, humor, and attentive ear made him a dear friend to many.

He went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 10, 2024, at the age of 86. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Verna, their children, grandchildren, and a host of extended family. He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Maria, his sister Hannah, and his brother Ben.

A celebration of Rusty’s life will be held on December 2, 2024, at the Chilliwack Alliance Church with the service beginning at 2 pm.

Rusty expressed a desire to help youth become anchored in the Christian faith through establishing a Youth Bible School Fund to assist with economic challenges.  In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to Greendale MB Church designated for the Youth Bible School Fund.

The family would like to thank the staff at Chilliwack General Hospital and the Cascade Hospice for the amazing care that Rusty received while there.
Thank you also to the many who visited him in the hospital and hospice, and blessed him with songs, scripture, prayers, and words of encouragement.
The many meals that have been provided for our family during this time are greatly appreciated.