COLEMAN, REGINALD

Reginald Hugh Coleman September 26, 1957-May 21,2025

Rockin’ Reggie has left the building!

Don’t believe the rumor (started by Reg) that he fell from heaven in ’57. He came into the world in the usual way, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Born to Eunice (née McGillivray) and George Coleman, he was the oldest of three siblings. Together with his family, he lived in Richmond, Winnipeg, and Calgary. In high school, he moved to Coaldale and lived with the Coreys—his aunt, uncle, and cousins. In Coaldale, he worked at the feedlot and made many lifelong friends.

He held several jobs throughout his life. He started in the oilfield, working both overseas and in Canada. As a young man in the Persian Gulf, he used his time off to travel the world. He visited the capitals of Europe, skied in the Alps, and toured around Thailand and South America. He always brought back a piece of jewelry from these places for his beloved mom.

After numerous injuries in that career, he spent “the best years of my life” at Castle Mountain. He worked as a lift operator, ski instructor, ski coach, and groomed the mountain. Some of his tales of grooming in a blizzard would have you on the edge of your seat. He was a great raconteur! Two of his proudest accomplishments were being named Coach of the Year (1994–95) and King of the Castle for completing 44 runs in one day. In the off-season, he ran his own painting business: Painting with Pride.

It was during his time at Castle that the Rockin’ Reggie persona was born. He played a mean harmonica and loved the blues. He especially loved going to the blues jams in Calgary clubs—especially Mikey’s and The Blues Can. But nothing beat sitting around a fire, listening to friends sing and play.

Reg was a true character, with many aliases: The Five Freckled Fingers of Death, The Ginga Ninja, Uncle Buck to his nephews, and later in life, The Leprechaun. His expressions were unique—and often not PC (“Even Ray Charles could see that!”). He lived hard and played harder, and eventually, that lifestyle caught up with him. When pain became a constant companion, he chose to leave on his own terms, without fear or regret.

Reg was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, all his aunts and uncles, two cousins, and one second cousin. He also said goodbye to many close friends who passed before him. He leaves behind his sisters Linda Smith (Rob Smith and son Dex), Nancy Coleman (Richard Lancaster and sons Kent and Colin), his godfather Gus Fortin, and many cousins (the Coreys, Barrolls, and McGillivrays)—and a whole bunch of great friends!

His family would like to thank everyone who supported him in the weeks and months before he left, and who came out to say goodbye at his live wake. To see him surrounded by friends who loved and accepted him was a beautiful thing. We should all be so lucky.

Special thanks to the Ursel Collective: Rob and Bronwyn for their friendship, Karen for her beautiful poem, and Jill for moral support—and first aid! And especially to Ica (Reg’s “sister from another mister” and former roommate) for being there throughout, especially in his final year. Also, to his special friends Chelsea, Brook, Rob the butcher, and so many more.

We’d also like to thank the empathetic and compassionate gals from MAID Calgary, who helped send him on his way. From the other room, we could hear them laughing—and couldn’t help but wonder what story he was telling them. No doubt, it was a good one.

He left this world listening to Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On”, just as he wanted.

As per Reg’s wishes, there will be no service. If you wish to remember Reg, support live music or consider a donation to CADS, Castle Mountain.

Two more Reggie-isms to consider…

“Everybody dies. Not everybody lives.”
“Peace, brother. Spread the word.”

He is at peace now.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

 

• Date : 2025-05-24
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta