REECE, Nelson Richard - Passed away peacefully in the morning of Friday, March 11, 2011. He was at home surrounded with his family and loving, caring support people.

Nelson was born on November 21, 1921 in Crandall, Manitoba and at the age of 4 months came to Westbank. He worked with his father and brothers in the family business of fruit growing and packing. In 1956 Nelson and Milton bought Adrian’s portion and continued the successful operation of the packinghouse until 2002 when it was leased to BC Fruit Packers. Over the years, the "packin’house" was a great sense of pride for Nelson and his daily drives in his later years always included a drive by to see what was happening. Nelson always gave the sense that you were working with him and not for him. Nelson was proud of the commitments he made in his life and honoured those commitments to his business associates, employees and community. The biggest highlight in his life was when he married Patricia Pentland in May of 1943. Together they raised their 2 sons. Nelson gave of his time to many organizations including Scouts, Masons and various other community organizations. Nelson loved animals and was a natural trainer of dogs and horses which he enjoyed to the final years in his life.

Nelson is survived by his wife Patricia, his sons Richard and Patrick, grandchildren Krista (Luke) Jackson, Amy Reece and great grandchildren Cohen & Ava, brother Milton (Esther), sisters Gwen Harding (Ken) and Elizabeth Weddell. He is predeceased by his mother Eleanor, father Thomas, sister Temperance (Temmie) and brother Adrian.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, March 18th at Lakeview Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Nelson’s life will be held later this spring in Westbank.

Condolences for the family may be sent to the family by visiting www.hansonsfuneral.com

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hansons' Arbor Westwood Funeral Chapel, 250-768-3702.

• Rick, Patrick and Patricia,
  
  We are so sorry for your loss. Our love and prayers are with you at this sad time.
  
  All our love from Ken and Bim Mar 17, 2011
• Our thoughts are with you all. We met Nelson in 1995 when we opened our store Diamond H Tack. He was always kind and very easy to please, a customer we won't soon forget. Rest in peace.
  
  From fellow horse lovers, Heather Moffat and Heather Robson Mar 17, 2011
• To the Reece family,
  
  We are sad to read the loss of Nelson. He always had time to stop and talk to people. My Mothe-in-law Noella worked at the packing house for many years and always spoke highly of Nelson and how nice it was to work for the Reece family.
  
  Our thoughts and prayers for all your family, Marcel and Linda and Noella Aubin Mar 17, 2011
• My deepest sympathy to you Pat, Rick and Patrick and the rest of the family. My most vivid memories of growing up in Westbank was of your family. One real experience was when you were living in the little house close to the power house, is when Nelson was chopping off the head of chickens-and there were headless chickens running around the yard! Don't think my fear of birds ever left me!!! What a lot of memories we made in those days.
  
  Maureen (Riley) Dixon Mar 18, 2011
• Rick, Krista, Amy and Family,
  
  So very sorry to hear of Nelson's passing. He will be remembered for the incredible person he was. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
  
  Dan & Cheryl Milroy and family Mar 18, 2011
• Rick, Patrick and family,
  
  Although we only have known Nelson for about five years, we always really enjoyed his visits. He seemed to be a man of true integrity and we will miss him at our family get-togethers.
  
  Ron & Lin Mar 18, 2011
• Dick and I used to own the Hy Mart in Westbank and always enjoyed our visits with Nelson when he came in for his newspaper.
  
  We know that you have a lot of wonderful memories.
  
  Warmest regards!
  Dick and Gwen McClellan Mar 18, 2011
• Rick,
  
  I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the rest of your family.
  
  Barb Carpenter Mar 19, 2011
• To the Reece family,
  
  Having worked for Nelson at "the packing house" and enjoyed much time in their office having a good laugh. Nelson was an incredible man and will not be forgotten. I had the pleasure of seeing him recently and sharing some of his birthday cake with him. He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. My deepest condolences.
  
  Marilyn Stante Mar 20, 2011
• To the Reece family,
  
  Having been blessed to have known Nelson and had the privilege to work at the Westbank packing house, we will miss Nelson but honored to have known him.
  
  Our deepest regrets from the Kendal family. Mar 20, 2011
• Rick and Pat,
  
  Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. What a gracious man, he will be missed.
  
  Daryl U. Mar 21, 2011
• Dear family of Nelson Reece,
  
  It is with sadness that we heard of the passing of another member of a Westbank pioneer family member - we are so sorry for your loss and a loss for the community of Westbank as well.
  
  Nelson touched many hearts - ours as well growing up in such a wonderful small community as Westbank - in his +/-90 year life's journey and what a great journey he had!
  
  We are not promised days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but we can have the promise of strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way during this very difficult time in your life’s journey - may you find comfort in each other as the days go on and the years go by - and may you often remember from the heart all the wonderful warm happy special precious times you shared with each other, kept there to love and cherish and may they surround and uphold you.
  
  You are all in our thoughts and hearts.
  
  With our deepest sympathy and hugs,
  
  Joyce (Hicks-Walker) and Bert (Walker) Mar 21, 2011
• To all the Reece family,
  
  We are sad to hear about Nelson's passing. My mom, my husband and myself worked for Westbank Packers and truly enjoyed working for Nelson and the Reece family. Nelson always had a kind word and a positive influence on those he came in contact with. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
  
  Ray and Lynn Pike and Monique Ouimet Mar 23, 2011

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