Ken Rea

December 4, 1954 to March 17, 2011

Ken Rea passed away tragically in Listowel serving his community on Thursday March 17, 2011 at the age of 56. He resided in Atwood and was the son of the late Oliver and Doreen (Hiusser) Rea. As a founding member of the Atwood Fire Department, Ken was a dedicated volunteer firefighter for 37 years serving as Deputy District Fire Chief (Atwood Station). He was a board member of Victim Services, enjoyed hunting, but mostly cherished time spent with his family. Beloved husband of Louise (Runhart) Rea whom he married in 1975. Loving father of Amy and Scott Copland of Mount Forest, Sara and Paul Furey of Baden, Beth and fiance Eric White of Cambridge. Cherished grandpa of Savannah, Jaxson and Jorja. Dear brother of Wayne and Karen Rea of Cambridge, Jean and Marty Ambedian of Windsor, Marie Laidlaw and Rick Thompson of Listowel. Missed by his mother-in-law Neah Runhart of Atwood, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Don Laidlaw and Linda Brown of Newry, Allan Runhart and friend Diane of Atwood, Daniel Runhart of Hensall, Kevin and Mary Jane Runhart of Mitchell, Murray and Darlene Runhart of Atwood. Fondly remembered by Brooklyn Copland, many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Predeceased by his father-in-law Arend Runhart. Ken's family invites relatives and friends to share their memories at the Elma Memorial Community Centre, Atwood, on Tuesday March 22, 2011 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. and on Wednesday March 23, 2011 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. The joint funeral service to honour the lives of both our fallen heroes will be held at the Listowel Memorial Arena, 380 Maitland Ave. N., Listowel on Thursday March 24, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. A simultaneous broadcast will be held at the Elma Memorial Community Centre for Atwood neighbours and friends. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to: Atwood Firefighters Association PO Box 10 Atwood, ON N0G 1B0 or a charity of one's choice would be appreciated by the family and can be arranged by calling the funeral home or returning to the Current Funerals page and clicking on the Make Donation link. Please forward your cheque directly to the charity at the above address.