We Remember
REA, Glen
—
April 19, 1937 – April 13, 2021
Glen Rea, 83, of Kelowna, BC, passed away peacefully on April 13th. He slipped away comforted by his family and the incredible staff at KGH. Just like he had dealt with all experiences in his life, Glen managed his illness with strength & humour.
Glen is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Patricia, his daughters Brenda, Sandy (Tim), & Jaime (Justin), grandchildren Matthew (Kymberly), Katie (Ashley), Charlie, and Oliver, and great grandchildren Austyn, Carter, Mason, and Natalie. He is also survived by his brothers Gordon and Everett, and his sister Wendy.
Glen was very close with all of his siblings, and he and his brother Ev were affectionately known as the “book ends”!
Glen was born in Kamloops in 1937, moved to Kelowna in 1940, and within a few years moved to Ocean Falls, Vancouver, and then Burnaby. He returned to Kelowna permanently in 1961.
Glen was a true salesman at heart & it was at this time in 1961 that he and his father Tommy opened an insurance office for Aetna Canada in downtown Kelowna. In 1970 they moved this office to the Capri Tower and Aetna eventually sold the interior of BC and the Yukon business to Capri Insurance and the other 50% to Glen. Since then it was full steam ahead with Capri Insurance and his job being in the development and sales of Group Health Benefits. Capri Insurance was a true family affair and Glen was not only accompanied by his brother Ev, but over the years his sister, daughter, nieces and nephews, plus many other family members in the Okanagan offices. Glen always lit up a room with his incredible energy and charisma, and was genuinely loved by the many colleagues he met throughout the years. His career was something he loved and was extremely passionate about.
In his spare time, Glen could always be found at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club where he was a member for over 40 years. Glen was an avid sports fan and loved watching, playing and talking about all sports! Over the years he enjoyed racquet ball back in the days of the Four Seasons Racquet Club, skiing at Big White Ski Hill, softball, gardening, and riding his bike. Glen was a devoted fan and season ticket holder of the Kelowna Rockets hockey team for many years and was often referred to as “Coach Rea”!
For many, Glen will be most remembered by his annual Santa appearances at Christmas parties and the homes of friends and family. This tradition was one very close to his heart and represented a huge part of his true character…..jolly and generous!
Of all of his accomplishments, he was most proud of his family. Pat (aka Patsy and the Big Boomer), Brenda, Sandy, and Jaime were always his top priority, as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He would never miss an opportunity to help and provide support for the ones he loved.
Glen was one of a kind and his generous and boisterous spirit will be missed by all who knew him.
A private burial service will be held for family at the Kelowna cemetery. The family is looking forward to a larger future celebration of his life when Covid restrictions allow.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
I remember Glen always providing encouraging words when I first started real estate sales . A good time to remember a GREAT Guy.
“Uncle Glen” was truly one of a kind. He was a straight shooter and was never shy in sharing it, which is something I will cherish. RIP Uncle Glen, you will always be remembered!
A truly great man with such a big heart! He will be missed by so many. Great memories if Santa from when we were young. Sending love to all the family through this difficult time. On behalf of the MacInnes family
I will miss him here in Scottsdale, Arizona where I often saw him push the huge container for the Home Owners Assoc.
back in its place with a smile. Now, whoever would do that unless they had the biggest heart and strength. He was loyal to me
as a realtor and I was fortunate to have sold his beloved “pad” here in Scottsdale. I missed him then and I miss him now. What
a great man he was! God bless his family and him.
Very sorry for your loss
I had the pleasure of working with Capri Insurance as it was formerly called for over 13 years and Glen Rea was the first person I met for an Interview for employment.
He later became one of my shared managers & mentors. Glen was a character, he lit up every room he entered, was mischievous and had a heart of gold, was very kind and caring and well liked. I truly loved working with him and missed him when I left Capri.
His family was also generous and caring, lovely people who genuinely cared about you.
The last time I saw him before Covid was at a Kelowna Rockets game where he was a regular. I will never forget him, he was a great man. My sincere condolences to his lovely family.
Karen Van Toever
I can not beleive that Glen has left us. Ann and I WORKED WITH Glen for many years and I remember those years fondly. Glen was always a compassionate individual with genuine concern for others.Ann and I send our condolences to Pat and all the family. May God help you all in dealing with this situation. Love you all. Jack and Ann Rea.
Pat: I am so sorry to hear of Glen’s passing. I will always remember the bright sunny guy that he was. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Melody Sanders
My sincere condolences to the entire Rea family. Glen loved his family, loved his job & loved his Kelowna Rockets! He will be truly missed. Much love. Joanne
Pat, Brenda, Sandy and Jamie also all the family thinking of you with love and prayers, he will be missed By all who knew him. Rest In Peace Glen
A Kansas guy and Canadian became good friends in Arizona. A super fun guy. Lots of laughs at AM coffees and HOA parties. The best to the family. He brightened lives.
Our deepest condolences for your family’s loss. For many years, Glen was “Santa” to our three children. They would always eagerly await his arrival and he spread so much joy each Christmas. We will always remember him.
-Giulia, Gary, Annabella, Antonella, and Emiliano Feeny
Sending love to all Glen’s family through this difficult time,
With love from Gary and Darline Gough and Shari Clough
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I have many fond memories of family gathetings. Love Anne Mae
Glen was one of those people you can’t forget. His personality, his sense of humor and passion for what he did were incomparable. I started working at Capri in 1993 in the Financial division and Glen made every effort to treat all Capri employees like family, which is what he valued most. My heart goes out to the whole family. May you Rest In Peace, Glen. I’m sure you’re already networking in heaven!
Marisa and I were shocked to receive the news of Glen’s passing. It is difficult at this time to put into words the sadness we feel at receiving this unexpected news. Our hearts go out to Pat, Ev, Wendy, Gordon and families along with our thoughts and prayers that God will bring comfort to you through the many thoughts expressed by those who knew and worked with Glen…..God doesn’t take the memories that will be cherished even more. Love to all, Ed and Marisa Rea.
What sad news. Glen was such a gem who brightened every room he was in. Quick to smile and never without funny story to share. Sending our love and deepest sympathies to Pat and all of Glen’s family at this difficult time. Shauna and Walter
To the Rea family, So sorry to hear of the loss of Glen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Cindy Turton and The Turton Family
Pat and family, we are sorry for your loss. The “running, cunning, gunning, playmaking guard will be much missed by us. He was such a caring, special man. He had called us just a short time before he died to ask how Charlene was doing. It is hard to believe he has passed as he was always so full of life. We will miss him a lot but will treasure our memories of him.
much love to you all . Glen was such a “ray” of sunshine wherever he went . We remember him during out Big White days and how much fun he and your family always had in the snow . xoxo