Obituary of Reginald "Reggie" Horner

HORNER, Reginald Francis, 56, of Spryfield, passed away October 6, 2008 in the New Halifax Infirmary, surrounded by his family. Born May 5, 1952, he was the son of the late Lloy Thomas “Whitey” and Catherine Elizabeth (Cox) Horner. Reg’s vast career began in journalism, spanning from Halifax Chronicle Herald & Mail Star, Dartmouth Free Press, and Halifax Daily News to Cameron Publishing. He was a member of Dartmouth Chamber of Commerce and served on several committees including Dartmouth Natal Day, Dartmouth Winter Carnival and Moosehead Grand Prix Formula 1 Race committees. He served as Executive Director of Downtown Dartmouth Development Corporation, and was employed by Canada Post. After moving to Spryfield, Reg helped to develop Mainland South Reporter, and created and published Chebucto News, Parkview News and Bedford News community newspapers. Always on the back burner was “Busher”, a cartoon “helmet on hockey skates” who was Reg’s passion, and who caught the attention of the Canadian Minor Hockey Association as their “Fair Play” mascot. Reg was the current and only Executive Director of the Spryfield and District Business Commission, was on the board of the Captain Wm Spry Community Centre, and was a member of the Spryfield Lions Club and the Spryfield Canadian Legion Branch 152. He was a volunteer of the Spryfield Urban Farm Museum. Reg was a recipient of The Queen’s “Golden Jubilee Medal” from Canadian Governor General Adrienne Clarkson in 2002, and of the “Outstanding Volunteer Service” Award from Mayor Peter Kelly and HRM Council in 2005. Reggie’s sporting life began early, lasted long, and influenced many. As a young lad, he played minor baseball and hockey, and as an adult, he played and excelled at competitive baseball and softball. Reg played softball and bowled with his father, Whitey, for most of his adult life, and following in his father’s footsteps, he became a baseball mentor and coach to many players and teams. Reg was very involved in his son Jonny’s life, from driving at all hours to hockey games and coaching baseball games to fundraising for all the teams. When he discovered golf, it quickly became a passion. Reg received so many awards, commendations and certificates of appreciation for his participation, it would be impossible to list them. Reg is survived by his soulmate and best friend, Carolyn Snow; son Jonny Horner; step-sons Bradley Snow and Evan Snow; sister, Cynthia (Blair Sampson); nieces and nephew; great nieces and nephews; uncle and namesake, Reginald Horner; aunt, Mary Horner; lots of cousins. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of “all things Reggie” will begin with visitation 5pm-8pm Wednesday October 8 at J. Albert Walker Funeral Home, 149 Herring Cove Road, Spryfield, NS (902.477.5601). A funeral mass to be held at 10am, Thursday October 9, 2008 from Saint Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, Herring Cove Road. Interment will be in Mount Hermon Cemetery, Dartmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Reg Horner Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Royal Bank, 339 Herring Cove Road, Spryfield Branch, (902) 421-8494. Words of comfort may be sent to the family by visiting www.walkerfh.com “A life is not important except for the impact it has on other lives.....” - Jackie Robinson