Obituary of Thomas Theodore Reeves

Thomas Theodore Reeves, 61 of the Forties, New Ross. On October 5, 2018 he said, “stop the world I want to get off”. He passed away peacefully with his wife by his side in the Valley Regional Hospital.  He was the eldest son of Maurice and Dorothy (Russell) Reeves of Forties.

He is survived by his wife, business partner and soul mate Deborah (Oickle) and by brother Glendon wife Shelley (Forties) and their children Daniel (Katherine) and Michelle (Anthony) and by brother Jeffrey and wife Brenda (Forties) and their daughter Alyssa.  He was predeceased by his parents Maurice and Dorothy and Kaylie (niece at infancy).

After graduating high schoool, he attended the University of New Brunswick and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forest Engineering degree.  During his years in university, he worked summers for then, Scott Maritime Paper Company.  After university, he worked for the family logging and Christmas tree business.

In 1983, he was involved in an automobile accident, while on the job, which left him a ventilator dependent quadriplegic.  His plans for his life came to a screaming halt, because he no longer had the ability to actively participate in the forest industry.  After leaving hospital, he moved back to his current home in the Forties.  In 1987, he and his partner Debbie, started building T & D Nursery.  His plan was to grow tree seedlings for the forestry and Christmas tree industry.  Then we decided the community needed a garden centre, so we decided to add flower and vegetable transplants.  T & D Nursery has grown several million tree seedlings over the last 30 years.  He enjoyed watching the trees and plants grow, pruning to make them better, and enjoying the heat of the sun or the breeze from the fans while being in the greenhouse.

Thomas had a magnetic personality and will be remembered for his smile and keen sense of humor.  He may be known to some as the guy in the wheelchair with the blue van parked near the pulling ring at the exhibitions and fairs.

Thomas always enjoyed having family and friends visiting.  Other interests included all aspects of the forest industry, draft horses, pulling draft horses, fishing, playing cards, playing chess, collecting special rocks, trying new foods (some spicy) and listening to his rock music (like Rush). Thomas was an active member of the New Ross Farmers’ Association for over 30 years, participating and enjoying the New Ross Community Fair.  He also helped other community groups through the years.

We would like to take this opportunity to THANK all those that touched his life.

To all the caregivers over the years, you provided Tom with excellent care and through your hands accomplished many tasks which helped make his life more fulfilling and enjoyable. Special thanks to Wanda and Ines for their dedication over the years and especially for the last six months with Thomas being in and out of hospital.

To the doctors, the nurses, the respiratory techs, the blood techs, x-ray techs, porters, and other hospital workers that helped with his care over his lifetime.  Special thanks to the doctors and nurses of the ICU for the care, support and for all the extra (you know).  As well as to Doctor Cogswell (family physician) who always took Thomas’ issues seriously over the last 20 years.

To the greenhouse workers Cynthia, Twyla and Janice for their support and understanding for me (Debbie) needing time away from work.

As well as to all those that held doors, pushed, pulled and lifted on the wheelchair, reserved special spots at events, moved so he could see, visited him in hospital and at home, sent cards and wishes, brought him treats (fruit trays, apples, trout, lobster, etc.) over the years.

In closing, he wanted me (Debbie) to “Say good bye to everyone”.

A visitation will take place on Thursday October 11, 2018 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in the Forties Community Centre. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday October 12, 2018 at 3:00 pm in the Christ Anglican Church, New Ross, with Rev. Nita Barteaux officiating. Reception will follow the Service in the Forties Community Centre. Memorial donations may be made to the New Ross Fire Department, Valley Regional Hospital or charity of one’s choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home New Ross Funeral Chapel, 4935 Hwy #12, New Ross, B0J 2M0 (902-689-2961).