December 30, 1949 – March 30, 2023
It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of our loving husband, father, and grandpa, Dwight Reynoldson. Dwight passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the Penticton Regional Hospital on March 30, 2023.
Dwight was born in Holdfast, Saskatchewan on December 30, 1949. At an early age Dwight showed that he was an athlete to be reckoned with. He had the largest ice rink to skate on: Lac La Ronge in Northern Saskatchewan. Dwight’s hockey skills ultimately caught the eye of Father Bauer who invited Dwight, at the age of fourteen, to play for the Flin Flon Bombers.
Dwight arrived in Merritt in 1968. Dwight continued playing hockey with the Copper Kings and Quilchena Braves, while working underground at Craigmont Mines in Merritt and later Granduc in Stewart, BC. It was in Stewart that Dwight married Gail and his son Ryan was born.
Suddenly, at the age of twenty-three, Dwight was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis which abruptly ended both his athletic endeavours and his working career.
The fighter that Dwight was, he went back to college and obtained his CPA. He returned to Craigmont, this time in the role of chief accountant. Then, once again, Dwight was dealt a blow: he could no longer physically work because of the severity of his disease.
Despite all his setbacks, Dwight put his energies into volunteering. Over the years, he was the treasurer of the Merritt Curling Club, treasurer of the Merritt Golf Club (and honoured with lifetime membership), treasurer of Phelan House, and co-chair of the committee that developed Merritt’s present-day aquatic centre.
In his later years, Dwight was able to resume playing golf. Dwight was a good golfer despite his challenges. He even got a hole-in-one on the signature Devil’s Cauldron at Banff Springs Golf Course. Together with Ryan, Dwight traveled and played at famous courses in Arizona, Thailand, China, and Western Canada. In more recent years, Dwight and his grandson Nathan were known, on occasion, to ‘tear up’ the golf course in their cart, Nathan’s foot on the gas pedal and Dwight steering – much to the chagrin of Ryan!
For 50 years Dwight fought hard, never complaining, until his body finally could take no more.
Dwight is survived by: Gail, his wife of 50 years; his son Ryan (Katy); the joy of his life, his grandson Nathan; his sisters Twyla Simola, Joy (Rick) Wile, and Rondel (Paul); sister-in-law Colleen (Guy); brothers Adrian (Diane) and Jack (Leslie); brother-in law Terry (Joanie) Shepherd; and other relatives across BC and in Saskatchewan.
Dwight is predeceased by his dad and mom, Ron and Del, brother Lorne, sister Ronalda, brother-in-law Erkki Simola, and sister-in-law Margaret Reynoldson.
A celebration of life memorial will be held to remember Dwight. Donations may be made to the BC Arthritis Society or the charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at
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