Reginald Gillies Mercer passed away, at age 74, with his family by his side, after a two-year battle with lymphoma.
Reginald was born in Winnipeg and grew up in the Hyde Park area of Thunder Bay. He attended Kingsway Park school and FWCI, working at the CP Railway in the summers. He continued his studies in biology at Lakehead University, followed by Dentistry at the University of Toronto. He started his dental practice in Thunder Bay in 1976. Reg was known to many as a caring and gentle dentist, and he practiced for 44 years before retiring in 2019. For 11 years he practiced alongside his daughter, which was a time they both cherished.
Reg will be deeply missed by Donna, his loving wife of 50 years. Reg met Donna when he was 19 years old and they married in 1972. After Reg graduated from dental school they settled in Thunder Bay where they raised their two daughters, Leanne and Laura. Reg built a beautiful camp on Oliver Lake, beside his brother Bill, where the Mercer family spent summers and weekends boating, snowmobiling and having bonfires by the lake. Reg and Bill enjoyed their late-night get-togethers, often joined by Oliver Lake friends. Reg always made family a priority and many adventures were had from backcountry canoe trips to vacations in Alaska, Costa Rica, and Europe. He loved spending time with his grandkids, and made Oliver Lake their favourite place to be, taking them on ATV and boat rides and swimming in the pool. Reg also enjoyed fishing trips with the dental group, poker nights with the Whitegates crew, and working in his workshop. Later in life, Reg spent winters in Florida with Donna, where they camped and kayaked. At the end of the day Reg’s favourite thing was a steak dinner made by Donna.
Reginald was predeceased by his parents William and Marion Mercer, sister Patricia, and father-in-law Donald Budd. He will be missed by his wife Donna, daughters Leanne (Adam) and Laura (Graham), brother William Mercer (Beverly and John), his grandchildren Megan and Mercer Rule, Owen and Claire Exley, the Budds (Betty, Jim, Sam and Emily) and many friends. Reg was the most loving and supportive husband and proud father and grandfather. He will be remembered by all for his generosity and kindness, as the man who could fix anything and would do anything for anyone who asked.
Cremation has taken place and the family will have a private service to honour Reg’s full and happy life.
The family would like to thank the nurses on 1A, Neebing Emergency Services and the medical team that cared for him.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Neebing Fire/Rescue Association would be appreciated, https://www.neebingfirerescueassociation.com/donate
