Thomas Alexander Reibin

Thomas Alexander Reibin was born in 1935 on a Doukhobor settlement in Veregin, Saskatchewan to Alexander and Thelma Reibin. When the family separated, Tom and his mother moved around often. They lived in many places throughout the Lower Mainland including Queensborough, Vancouver, New Westminster, North Vancouver and Langley.

Being raised by a single working mother, Tom often had to fend for himself and he became resilient. This is also when he learned to fish… going daily to the creek to catch and fry up his own dinner. He carried this love of fishing throughout his life and instilled it in his children, taking yearly family trips to his favourite place, Loon Lake BC.

Tom was employed as a heavy duty mechanic for many years and owned several automotive and service stations. He married Sandra in 1957 and they had three children: Dale, Donald and Lisa. He was also the proud Grandfather of Brittany.

Family was very important to Tom and holiday gatherings were his favourite. At Christmas he would tie two of the largest trees he could find together, because ‘one’ was never quite big enough! Along with Sandra, he loved spoiling ‘the kids’ with gifts, as well as exuberantly tearing open his own. He always insisted on having turkey and could peel a mean potato!

Tom had a quick mind and excelled at games. He was an avid golfer, curler, bowler and pool player. He also loved dominoes however, he was happiest playing cards - from Hearts and Wizard to Bridge and Poker, he was incredibly competitive and always determined to win (which, of course, he usually did!)

Tom was what one might describe today as a ‘social butterfly’. He loved to talk to people, to tell stories, to tease, to witness and to laugh (and what a hearty laugh!). He was welcoming, neighbourly and friendly - always generous with his time and willing to lend a hand.

He was also a ‘hugger’. Anyone who has has received one of his colossal hugs will agree that you would need to steady yourself before impact because he always put the full ‘power of his love’ behind those embraces, slaps and head rubs.

Tom was a friend to many and consistently described as a ‘character’. He was reliable. Dependable. Light-hearted and fun to be around. He went by many nicknames …known affectionately as John Wayne (and his little lady), Thomas the Train and “The Rules Guy” in golf.

He loved food (as do all the Reibins), and Sandra’s homemade perogies were at the top of the list - he always supervised how many leftovers she was giving away to the kids… “Not too many now honey! Save me some!” There always had to be his favourite cheese and sausage around for family occasions, wine gums, popcorn and of course, Licorice Allsorts.

Tom was a dedicated Christian who loved the Lord. He enjoyed worshipping with others at Church, in the Alpha program and at Bible Study and he regularly witnessed to inmates in prison. He loved reading his daily Anchor, scripture and praying with Sandra.

For almost 6 years, Tom courageously battled three different types of cancer: Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, colon and bone cancer. Throughout this battle he demonstrated great bravery and strength until the very end. He passed away on May 9th, 2018 at the Langley Hospice surrounded by his loving family. He is now at peace with the Lord and is reunited with his precious son Donald and beloved mom Thelma.

The family would like to thank Langley Memorial Hospice for their compassion, empathy and thoughtfulness towards all of the family members, but mostly for their exceptional care of Tom.

A memorial service and reception to honour and celebrate Tom’s life will be held on Thursday May 24th, 2018 at 11:00am at Calvary Church, 16293 - 104th Ave, Surrey, BC.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under Heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

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