Erich Reger was a generous, hard-working family man who showed his kindness by what he did, not by what he said. He cherished his simple life. Nothing made him happier than time spent with family and friends eating, drinking and doing shots.
Erich's youth was spent in Germany where, at 18, he became a paratrooper and gunner during the Second World War. He was shot by Americans in France, survived a prisoner-of-war camp and returned to Bavaria in 1945. After receiving his accreditation as a tool-and-die maker, Erich immigrated to Canada in 1952 and married his fiancée, Wanda.
Erich was a shy man. Wanda had arrived in Windsor, Ont., three years before him and so was already conversant in English. The first expression Wanda taught him was, "I love you." He mastered the sentence and repeated it often. The inevitable happened when he asked its meaning. When Wanda smiled and replied, " Ich liebe dich," he never uttered the words again, but there was no doubt that he adored her.
Shortly after arriving in Canada, Erich was hired by Ford Motor Co. He and Wanda raised four children - Walter, Ingrid and twins Erin and Eric. When tough times hit Windsor in 1962, Ford transferred Erich and the family moved to Oakville, Ont.
Erich loved to dance with Wanda. He once invited Ingrid to join him in a robust polka. After a few short rounds he threw up his hands and said, "You're no good, Erin's better." His children all grew thick skins.
Erich was a craftsman who could build or fix anything. He constructed a soapbox car for his sons and a Sea Flea boat, which the kids almost wore out. When his youngest grandsons became obsessed with swords, Opa made them.
Erich had a thankful heart. He embodied the classic immigrant experience. He came to Canada with nothing but accomplished much. His children learned that success involved hard work and education. He didn't brag, but was exceedingly proud that they all graduated from university, and he displayed the faded photographs proudly.
A new zest for life overcame Erich when he retired at 58 and became a farmer. He raised every type of livestock lovingly, but only animals that were edible.
Erich's memorial service was held in Muskoka, where he spent almost 30 years, just down the road from the cottage he built with family and friends. It was a long way to travel, so a small turnout was expected. Wanda beamed when the funeral director frantically whispered to one of his staff, "We need more chairs!" More than 135 guests joined the family at the reception. In Erich's honour, everyone did shots.
Ingrid Sinclair is Erich's daughter.