Reynold Edward Ortmann

Reynold Edward Ortmann, born March 19, 1940, in rural southwest Saskatchewan, passed away early November 4, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean (née Pullen); his three daughters, Nicole, Alice and Laura; and his granddaughter, Caitlyn. His sister, Bette, and brother, Al, still live in Saskatchewan along with Al's wife, Marie, their children and grandchildren.

Rey left home to join the Royal Canadian Air Force as an electronics technician. After six years, he then joined Transport Canada, which eventually led him to a little island in northern Hudson Bay. There in Coral Harbour, he met Jean. They left the north to start a life together that would take them across Canada to raise their three daughters in British Columbia, where he join Canadian Coast Guard. After he retired, Rey and Jean travelled the world together, exploring the ends of the earth - literally having checked out the Arctic earlier, they made their way down to Antarctica, Australia, and throughout Europe by sea and river.

Rey's family might be his proudest accomplishment... at least most of the time. His girls and his wife were why he did most things - be it learning to ballroom dance sans rhythm, strapping on skates to join the Sungod Men's Precision Team (yes, you can do a kickline in hockey skates), attending ballet and flute recitals, or hanging out on the Stanley Park seawall making sure everyone came back from the dive.

Rey was an animal lover. As a child, he rode his horse to school, together with his sister. He patiently helped with taking care of the critters, whether it was dogs, birds, guinea pigs, fish, rabbits, hamsters, or the kindergarten chicks. For years, he would shell Cinders precisely 12 peanuts every evening.

Rey worked towards perfecting several hobbies. While he was talented at woodworking, his winemaking was sometimes a bit hit or miss. There were several superior bottles to enjoy and some excellent cooking varieties. He never quite mastered beer. Or gardening. Weeds and intentionally planted flowers were indistinguishable to Rey. They all got the same treatment - the compost bin. Although all of his daughters are certified SCUBA divers, Rey never quite mastered swimming. Not for lack of trying, just lack of floating.

Sadly, Alzheimers took Rey away from us far too soon. The last few years have been difficult for us, but we hope now he is at peace. Cinders, Jean, Nicole, Alice and Laura - the dog always got top billing - will miss him dearly