The family sadly announces his passing after a long journey through Alzheimer’s Disease.
Born in Fort William, Reg attended Franklin and Central Schools, and Selkirk High School. After graduation, he spent 9 months in Red Lake as a Surveyor’s Assistant. He saved his paychecks to finance his studies at Provincial Institute of Trades, achieving certification as an Architectural Technician (Draftsman) and worked for several architectural firms in the Toronto area.
It was here that he met Susan, his wife of 47 years.
His career path changed again when he earned his teaching certificate in Technical Studies at Faculty of Education, University of Toronto. He taught Architectural Drafting at Gananoque Secondary School for several years, until an opportunity arose to return with his young family to Thunder Bay, joining the Technical Staff at Lakeview High School. When Lakeview closed, Reg accepted a “temporary” teaching position at the Young Offender Unit. It was a good fit; he stayed 10 years. Reg was a keen student himself, always at work on degree and certification courses, achieving a BA in 1986 and a B Ed in 1987.
After retirement in 2000, he and Susan relocated to Meaford ON for a few years to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They returned to Thunder Bay in 2007 when Reg was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Reg’s interests were varied - he designed several camps and homes for friends in the area, designed and helped to build the Bithrey dream house on Mountain Road and served as Build Manager on a Habitat for Humanity home restoration, a project in which he took particular pride.
He was a handyman, woodworker, car enthusiast (life member of Thunder Bay Vintage Sports Car and Georgian Bay British Sports Car Clubs). A devoted family man, he enjoyed skiing, golfing, hockey (Go Leafs!) and travel.
Survived by: Wife Susan; sons Colin Cooke-Bithrey (Leslie) and Trevor (Orysha); adored grandsons Gavyn and Landyn Cooke-Bithrey and Alexander Bithrey; beloved sister Brenda Wright (Tom); step-sister Alice Gleeson (Pat); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Predeceased by parents Walter Bithrey and Margaret Murray, and stepfather Archie Murray. A celebration of Reg’s life will be held at the Blake Funeral Chapel, 200 South May St. Friday July 31st 2015 at 11:00 am.
A brief reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to your local Alzheimer’s Society.
