Jun 18, 1917 - Nov 8, 2017
Remigio (Reg) Gris passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 with his family at his side. Reg was born in Natal, B.C. on June 18, 1917. When Reg was four years old, his family moved to Pozzo-Codroipo, Italy where he lived with his parents and his brother for two years. They then moved back to Natal.
Reg graduated from the High School in Natal and then went into the family business (Natal Trading Company) with his brother and his Dad. In 1942 the Natal Trading Company building was destroyed in a fire. Reg then built the Texaco garage and service station where he was the mechanic. He and his Dad operated the service station until 1958 when he sold the business to Texaco.
He then built the Kootenay Hardware store which he operated from 1960 - 1973. Reg then began working for the District of Sparwood until his retirement in 1982. Reg was also an accomplished wood worker and a true 'handyman' who could tackle any job he encountered.
In 1941 he married the love of his life Emma Bielesch. They made their home in Natal where they raised their four children. When the land in Natal was expropriated in 1973, Reg and Emma moved to the home they had built in the lower Elk Valley.
Reg spent his leisure hours either on the river fly fishing, hiking, walking, hunting, blueberry picking and spending time with his family. The special times with his family included time spent at the family cabin on Kootenay Lake; a fabulous family trip to Italy; and, times spent with family and friends in his beloved Elk Valley.
A loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Reg will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his children: Randy (Mary); Rick (Shari); Linda Latka (Ole); and son-in-law Wayne Fraser. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Tamara Gris (Armando); Pat Gris (Anna); Melanie Gris (Keith); Tanya Kerkhoven (Dwight); Nicole Gris-Frank (Chris); Shane Gris; Andrea Gris (Blair); Joshua Fraser (Cassie); Michelle Fraser (Lance); Brittany Parker (Alex); Shanna Latka; and, Joey Latka (Erica).
Reg's great-grandchildren: Braiden; Dryden; Mackenzie; Remy; Nevaeh; Liam; Luis; Jaelyn; Brody; Belen; and, Greyson also have fond memories of Geejo.
Reg was predeceased by his parents (Silvio & Leona); his brother Celester; his loving wife Emma; and, his beloved daughter JoAnne.
Memories & condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com
Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.
Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.