Memories & Celebrations: Obituary

WILLIAM REGINALD HARDING (REG) DREW, MMM, CD

March 8, 1935 - February 5, 2025

It was with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother’s beloved husband and our dear father, William Reginald Harding Drew. As in life, he passed in love.

Born in the parlour of his grandparents’ home in Apple River, Nova Scotia, on 8 March 1935, Reg was the second of three boys. He was born at the tail end of the Great Depression; a time that was very hard for many rural families. He recalled his childhood as being full of love and happiness, endless hours spent playing in the woods, fishing in the river and picking berries with his parents on the shores of the Bay of Fundy.  Reg’s father was a woodsman, with a keen respect for nature and the environment around him. From his parents, Reg acquired a strong devotion to family, love of life, empathy for others, and a sense of the importance of community.

Yearning for a bit of adventure, the promise of a steady paycheque, good food, and an opportunity to serve his country, Reg enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1952.  He met the love of his life, Edna MacRae, while stationed at RCAF Station St Margarets, New Brunswick in 1955. They were married in St. Stephen’s United Church, Black River, NB in 1956. Together they moved across the country and to Europe, before ultimately settling in Sioux Lookout in 1974.

In recognition of his devoted service to the Canadian Forces and his commitment to community, Reg was appointed as a Member of the Order of Military Merit (MMM) in 1976.  He received his commission and was promoted to Captain in 1981.  He remained in Sioux Lookout as Deputy Commanding Officer of the station until its closure in July 1987. He and Edna retired to their home on Moosehorn Road where they delighted in welcoming friends and family through the years.

Reg often said that the decision to settle in Sioux Lookout was one of the best choices he and Edna ever made.  Having served his country for 35 years, Reg committed himself to serving his community through Rotary, the Legion, the Masonic Lodge, the Shriners, and St. Andrew’s United Church, where he preached the odd sermon, tried his best to sing hymns, and contributed to the church community. Reg also served on a number of volunteer boards in Sioux Lookout and across Northwestern Ontario.

Reg was the epitome of inspirational character.  He set an outstanding example for his family, his friends and all the personnel with whom he served. Most of all, he was a fantastic husband, father and role model for us all.  He is predeceased by his parents (Delbert Drew and Dorothy Buckley) and his older brother Don. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years and life companion Edna, sons Daniel (Carol Poole), Kirk (Sylvia Spitse), Phillip (Christa Bracci) and daughter Tara (Klaus Knorz), nine grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. He lived a great life. He loved and was loved. 

We would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the doctors, nurses, personal support workers and all other staff who cared for our father while he was in the Meno Ya Win Health Center.  The care, kindness and compassion you demonstrated for Reg was exceptional.   

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children Canada.