REGINALD (REG) ALBERT LITZ

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REGINALD (REG) ALBERT LITZ In the early hours of December 23, 2013, with wife Lois and daughters Sara and Rachel beside him, the words of a blessing still in the air Reg moved into eternity. Reg was the son of Albert and Helen Litz, brother of Lori Litz Shand (Doug) and Conrad Litz (Barb), son-in-law of Violet Gossen, brother-in-law of Richard Gossen (Joyce) and Gary Gossen; uncle to Katrina and Cassandra Litz, Jeff Gossen (Yasuyo), Allen Gossen (Kristen), and great-uncle to Karina Gossen. Reg was born and raised in Winnipeg, it was here that his lifelong love of learning began and his desire to share that learning took root and flourished. For Reg boredom was a day without a plan or time spent waiting for something without a book. Highly creative he loved a good (or not so good) joke and did many things well, including photography, piano and in his chosen profession as a professor at the Asper School of Business, teaching and research (he won awards for both). He had a remarkable ability to see things in new and innovative ways and so taught with passion and extraordinary depth. He was someone for whom increased knowledge was a tool to open up the world, never a means of power to create distance between himself and others. Although he was proud of having earned his Doctorate, he would seldom bring it up in conversation, often when asked what he did, he would simply reply "I teach". Introduced to a love of travel as a child, he was always looking for ways to see the world. His passion for travel, teaching and family found their ideal match in Semester at Sea, a program which allowed Reg to take his family to destinations many only dream of, all the while continuing to teach in a way that challenged students to think. Reg's greatest gift however was his genuine love of people. He was someone who could carry on a conversation with someone from any age group or occupation, he was curious about what motivated people and valued their stories creating a network of friends worldwide. In marriage to Lois and in becoming a father to Sara and Rachel, Reg committed himself wholeheartedly. His delight in this commitment was evident in the time and energy he put into being a good husband and father. From silly songs to beautiful and thoughtful gifts he sought to communicate love and pride that was both lived and expressed. His greatest regret was that his illness took him from his family too soon. All of the divergent aspects of this creative, innovative man were woven and held together by his Christian faith, it was the foundation of his respect for others, his courage in the face of adversity and his anticipation of the world to come. In his final week his face lit up at the thought that he might see Jesus before the New Year. Pancreatic Cancer shortened his life, but faith gave him the courage to prepare himself and his family and to truly believe that his life was in God's hands. He died a whole man having said and done all the important things and having surrendered the future of those he loved to God. We, his family, are brokenhearted by the loss of his vibrant presence, yet honoured to have walked this final journey with him. In the words of C.S. Lewis he has moved "higher up and further in", to what is infinitely more real than what we now know. Thanks to all who have supported us in our most recent journey, you have made a difference. The Memorial Service for Reg will be held Friday, January 10, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at Immanuel Pentecostal Church, 955 Wilkes Ave. In memory of Reg donations can be made to Star Lake Lodge, P.O. Box 1734, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2Z9, a place Reg loved and found friendship, laughter and renewal.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 04, 2014